Carrières de Lumières is a wonderful multimedia show hosted in a former quarry – a must see when visiting the Provencal town of Les Baux-de-Provence!

Carrières de Lumières (which translates to Quarries of Light) is an amazing must-see when visiting the beautiful town of Les Baux-de-Provence or Arles in Provence. Within this former limestone quarry, multi-themed multimedia shows are created that will delight everyone.

Multimedia shows in a former quarry

Multimedia shows are displayed in an old quarry hidden deep in the rock. The huge hall, called Dante’s Hall, is divided up by huge pillars supporting the roof. Each of these pillars is between 5 and 10 meters wide and 7 to 9 meters high. Together with the walls, they form large projection screens onto which images from hidden projectors are projected.

Each of the shows in Dante’s Hall lasts a few minutes, with a 2-minute break between them. During this break, the lights are turned on so you can take a closer look at the hall’s structure. During the shows, it is worth walking between the columns, because different elements of the show are displayed on each wall. The whole thing harmonizes perfectly with the music and I can tell you that it is a really great attraction.

The theme of the shows at Carrières de Lumières changes every season. You can admire, for example, performances related to the history of film, or the work of the most outstanding painters. The whole thing is really well done and encourages you to watch the next set of presentations – especially since it is pleasantly cool in the quarry. Even when it is hot outside, in July and August, the temperature inside remains at 14–16 degrees Celsius.

A quarry under Les Baux-de-Provence

The multimedia presentations within the rock below Les Baux take place in a former quarry from which white limestone blocks were extracted. Stone was quarried in Baux as early as the 2nd century BCE, and the quarry was closed only in 1935 due to the popularity of steel structures, which resulted in a reduction in the demand for stone.

In the 1960s, the place was rediscovered by the French artist Jean Cocteau, who made part of his film, Testament of Orpheus (1960), in the quarry.

Practical information

Carrières de Lumières is located at Route de Maillane 13520, Les Baux de Provence, just off the D27 road. There are signposts to the attractions that are clearly visible when leaving the parking lot in the town of Les Baux, located on top of the rock. There are parking lots by the quarries, but in the high season it is very difficult to find a place there. You can also leave the car “upstairs” in Baux and go down to see the shows, and then come back for the car (although it will mean a walk up the hill).

Entrance to the quarries is paid. The admission ticket costs 13 euros, discounted tickets 10–11 euros. You can also buy a slightly more expensive combined ticket to visit Baux Castle and the quarries, which I strongly recommend doing. Both attractions are worth it. The quarries are open from morning to evening, depending on the season (but always without a lunch break). For details, visit carrieres-lumieres.com.