Me and art have a love-hate relationship. I love to be creative, to physically get my hands dirty painting a pretty portrait or working a pottery wheel to create a perfectly lopsided vase. But, put me in a museum for too long and I may literally fall asleep while standing. It’s typically time used for answering emails or posting to instagram.
But, the Carrières de Lumières in the South of France was different.
Located in the breathtaking Les Baux de Provence area, the Carrières de Lumières is an art show set to music and projected on the tall limestone walls of a former quarry, hence the reason it’s also known as the Quarries of Light. It was an optional excursion on the Lyon & Provence Viking River Cruise through the South of France, one that took time to actually commit to because of my dislike for museums and the appeal of the competing option for that day, which was to see the wild horses and flamingos of Camargue.
Why did I choose art over flamingos?
I’ve seen flamingos, while on safari in Tanzania. And I’d probably see them again somewhere else in the world. But, there was no guarantee that there would ever be another opportunity to witness 100 video projectors and almost 30 speakers broadcasting incredible artwork on quarry cave walls in the South of France.
The bus pulled up to the discreet front of Carrières de Lumières and its sparseness made me question what would actually be inside and if I had made the right choice.
But, entering the cave of the quarry was absolutely magical.
I was immediately engulfed in the energetic sounds, brilliant lights and bold art. This was not your typical movie or slide show displayed on a wall, it was a kaleidoscope of colors displayed from the floor and all the way up the 45 foot walls to the ceiling.
It was a mesmerizing psychedelic panoramic.
Each year the show changes, featuring different artists. On my visit the exhibition was devoted to Marc Chagall, a Russian artist who secured French nationality in 1937. Select pieces of his masterpiece collection were digitized and played in the quarries over 16,000 square feet of space.
It was journey of Chagall’s career through his art.
We walked from from each section on the ground, and to the upper levels that gave an entirely different perspective. Dozens of visitors stood in front of each wall in complete awe, just like me. Every surface was covered in artwork that changed in tune with the music.
Seeing the Mona Lisa at the Louvre in Paris was on my bucket list, but this was so much better.
The show was on a 40 minute loop, it started again from the beginning five minutes after the end. At most museums my time limit would have been well over its expiration by the completion of a full rotation, but I could have easily stayed for another round here..
Location:
Getting There:
The Carrières de Lumières is an optional excursion on the Lyon & Provence Viking River Cruise tour through the South of France, but you can also reach it on your own. The closest airports to Les Baux is Marseille Provence Airport (85km away) and Avignon airport (29km away). From these airports you can either rent a car or take the bus. During some months buses do not run all the way to Les Baux, so you will have to take one to St. Remy and then take a taxi from there which runs about 25 euros. Viator also offers an array of tours that include Carrières de Lumières as well as other area.
Where to Stay:
Both Les Baux de Provence & Carrières de Lumières make an easy day trip from Avignon or Marseille. But, if you simply want to relax and stay longer you won’t be disappointed with Domaine du Mas Foucray (from $90) which is at the foot of the village.
Activity Level: Light to Moderate
The Carrières de Lumières is light activity level, there are just a few stairs in order to get to the upper level, which is optional. Walking around the village of Les Baux is light to moderate activity level. The town is set on a hill and there is a semi-steep incline to explore, plus cobbled streets can always be tricky if you are not careful.
Packing Tips:
- Les Baux’s streets are steep and cobbled and inside the Carrières de Lumières it is dark, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes that will keep you surefooted.
Helpful Websites:
- Carrières de Lumières
- Les Baux De Provence
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘cheapest month’ to find the lowest fares for your destination (I use this all the time!).
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with Discover Cars for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
. . . Read More . . .
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Bucket List Itinerary: 12 Hours in Lyon, France
23 South of France Photos to Inspire Your Bucket List
Take a Christmas Market Cruise Along the Rhine River
Attend Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France
Learn the Art of Making French Macarons in Paris
Luxembourg Bucket List: 42 Best Things to Do
How can I purchase the soundtrack to last June’s exhibition at the Carrières de Lumières Art Show? Is there a CD of the exhibition also?
Thank you for the information.
I enjoyed myself so much!