4 Best Sights in Provence, France

This vast old limestone quarry has 66-foot-high stone walls that make a dramatic setting for a multimedia show in which thousands of images are projected onto the walls. Exhibitions change yearly, but recent showings have showcased the life and work of van Gogh, Picasso, Dali, and Cézanne.

A 17-acre cliff-top sprawl of ruins is contained beneath the Château des Baux. At the entrance, the Tour du Brau has a small collection of relics and models, as well as a music-and-slideshow called Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cézanne au Pays de l'Olivier, which features artwork depicting olive orchards in their infinite variety. From April through September there are fascinating medieval events: people dressed up in authentic costumes and displays of medieval crafts. The exit gives access to the wide and varied grounds, where the tiny Chapelle St-Blaise and towers mingle with skeletal ruins.

Vestiges of the Renaissance remain in Les Baux, including the pretty Hôtel de Manville, built at the end of the 16th century by a wealthy Protestant family. Step into its inner court to admire the mullioned windows, stained glass, and vaulted arcades. Today it serves as the mairie (town hall). Up and across the street, the striking remains of the 16th-century Protestant temple still bear a quote from Jean Calvin: "post tenebras lux" ("after the shadows, light").

The Hôtel de Porcelet, which dates from the 16th century, contains this museum with works by the local 20th-century artist Yves Brayer. Figurative and accessible to the point of näiveté, his paintings highlight Italy, Spain, and even Asia, but demonstrate, most of all, his love of Provence. His grave is in the château cemetery. The house at No. 4 on Place de l'Église is also decorated with frescoes by the artist.