Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Section
Carrieres de Lumieres - Baux-de-Provence
Carrieres de Lumieres, Les Baux de Provence ancient quarries
Carrieres de Lumieres in Les Baux-de-Provence, one of the world's most beautiful multimedia art presentations!
The ancient bauxite quarries are located in the Alpilles mountains, a mere 15mns drive from St. Rémy-de-Provence.
Bauxite was mined in the region until the 1930's, when economic conditions forced the closure of the quarries.
However, in the 1960's Jean Cocteau realized the creative possibilities of Les Baux-de-Provence disused quarries.
He indeed immediately envisioned what to create with them and managed to have them developed as an art space!
His brilliant project turned into one of the most acclaimed tourist attractions in the region!
Carrieres de Lumieres, a stunning multimedia art presentation
Today, the Carrieres de Lumieres are equipped with over 100 projectors that display images over 6,000m2 of quarry walls.
A surround-sound system adds music to the visual art experience.
No matter where you are in the many display galleries, you are totally immersed in sound and art!
The atmosphere is unique; the air is cool, the stone smooth and lights are dim.
However, you still can see where slabs of stone were flaked from the walls, as the lights cast a slightly rosy glow on the stone.
Just as you are becoming accustomed to the low light, everything suddenly goes black.
You stand perfectly still....waiting.
Suddenly, as per magic, music begins and some of the greatest masterpieces by renowned artists appear on the walls.
It's truly magnificent!
The Carrieres de Lumieres are open almost all year round and are therefore a great venue for an off-season holiday!
They are a good alternative to the crowded beaches of the Mediterranean, especially on a rainy day as the show is indoors.
Department of Bouches-du-Rhône
Coordinates: Lat 43.743887 - Long 4.795495
Credits: Photos atelier434 and source text by Evelyn Jackson - Edited by and for Travel France Online - Others images images are ©SheldonMcBride
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