When my cousin and I began planning our trip to Provence Mr. Décor insisted on just one thing~ that we go see an art show. You see in the 80’s Mr. Décor was stationed in Provence for a few months. While there he said he saw the most amazing interactive art show that he had ever experienced. My Favorite Experience in Provence: Carrières de Lumières.
I told my cousin and she was hesitant. She had already been to the town of Baux-de-Provence and was not eager to fight the crowds and drive the steep narrow road. But it would become her favorite as well.
My Favorite Experience in Provence: Carrières de Lumières
I somewhat begged. You see, my husband is not one to insist or make claims that something is “the best”. So, if he was saying we couldn’t miss this experience then by golly I was going to make sure we did not miss it!
The Carrières du Val d’Enfer quarry in the Alpilles mountains was begun in the medieval period as the white limestone extracted was used in the construction of the medieval Château and in the town of Les Baux. The quarry was closed in 1935 and there it sat for many years waiting to be transformed.
During the late 1950’s and 60’s the writer and filmmaker Jean Cocteau, a true visionary genius, was enchanted by the beauty of the quarry and its surroundings, and decided to film “The Testament of Orpheus” here in 1959. In 1977 scenographer Joseph Svoboda developed a light and sound show. Since 2011 Culturespaces, at the request of the town of Les Baux-de-Provence, has managed the famous Carrières.
The famous Carrières
Let me just say that from the moment we entered the quarry theater we were entranced. Both my cousin and I have thanked Mr. Décor a 1000 times for insisting that we have this experience. The images are projected on every inch of the quarry and accompanied by music that pierces your soul.
The theme of the show changes. While we were there we saw “Klimt and Vienna, a century of gold and colours”. It will run through January 4, 2015.
An Amazing Experience
Each show is approximately 20 minutes in length. (Trust me, you won’t be looking at your watch!) It begins with a few grandmasters.
We stayed for two complete showings as we did not want to miss a moment. Once inside you can stay as long as you would like. Some scenes were just truly surreal.
It was truly an awe-inspiring experience. I couldn’t help but try to immerse myself in the art a little more.
Carrières de Lumières
The Carrières are open every day.
They are located at the base of the mountain near Château des Baux-de-Provence
Route de Maillane 13520 Les Baux de Provence
Children under 7 are free, teachers and students are € 8 (approximately $10.70) and the full rate is € 10 (approximately $13.40). This was a complete bargain. I would have paid, much, much more.
So if you can see just one thing in Provence, this is it.
Laura
Oh my word, this is totally amazing. I've never heard of anything like it. So glad you didn't miss it.
absolutely amazing! and i love that the mr was so interested in art. mine is totally not.
We saw the show last spring while in Provence and also loved it. Our guide told us not to miss it, but I had reservations. Was I ever wrong! Just amazing, and your post brought back wonderful memories.
WOW!
This is incredible! Oh, yea! A must see!
I didn't even know about this. Thanks for sharing.
Really, unbelievable.
What an incredible experience. Kudos to Mr. Decor for insisting you attend. I love Klimt's art work and to see it in such a wonderful installation would be fantastic. So glad you went.
How very cool, Laura. I love how you put it – “mistakes are made”. Love the history you shared of this place. As you may already know, Cocteau and Coco Chanel were close friends and collaborated on at least one ballet for Diaghilev (Le Train Bleu) – she the costumes, he the scenery. Can you imagine that artistic energy? And Klimt certainly was ahead of his time, wasn't he, with his modernistic style? What an amazing feeling it must have been, surrounded by the sheer size, let alone the beauty of the art! Bravo, Mr. Decor, bravo!
Very interesting post. I realized I hadn't seen any of your posts for awhile. I thought maybe you were busy with moving. For some reason I wasn't subscribed anymore??? So, I renewed my subscription and will have to sit down and catch up on what you've been doing. Wanted to mention it in case there is a glitch in the system and others have been unsubscribed without knowing it.
I do so look forward to your varied and interesting projects.
Fabulous! So glad you guys went!