Carrières des Lumières is an immersive digital art venue inside a former limestone quarry in the Val d'Enfer, just below the hilltop village of Les Baux-de-Provence in the Alpilles. Images are projected across walls up to several storeys high and across the floor, with a soundtrack, so you walk through the artwork rather than looking at it from outside. Each season brings a new programme, and the current one is built around the work of Matisse and Frida Kahlo, with a shorter film on the oceans. The quarry stays cool all year, which makes it pleasant in summer and a place to keep your coat on in winter. Visits are self-guided and the show loops, so you can arrive at any time and stay as long as you like.
The experience is different from a museum. You walk along paths cut through the quarry, with images flowing over the rock faces, and many people sit or lean on the floor to take in the shifting scenes. The main show lasts around half an hour and then repeats, so a visit of about an hour covers it with time to explore the corners and see it from several angles. Fast-changing light and loud music are part of the effect, so those who are sensitive to light and sound should be aware of it.
In this period the venue is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, with the last entry an hour before closing, and a full-price ticket is under twenty euros. A combined pass with the nearby castle of Les Baux is also sold. Tickets are best bought for a specific day in busy periods, although in November you can often arrive and enter after a short wait.
The site is cool and slightly damp, so wear warm layers and shoes with grip, because the floor can be uneven. Carry a small light bag, and note that payment at the door is by card only.
Combine the quarry with a walk in the medieval village of Les Baux above, which is free to wander, and with a drive through the Alpilles to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. A car is the easiest way to reach the quarry, because public transport is limited in winter. From Avignon it is about forty-five minutes by road. The venue suits families with older children, couples and anyone who wants a dry-weather alternative to the hill villages.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk through a limestone quarry, with a looping show of art projected on the walls and floor, set to music.
Best time
Any time of day in winter; weekday mornings are quietest.
How long
About an hour, and you may stay for a second showing.
Tips
The quarry is cool and uneven underfoot, so dress warmly with sturdy shoes; the show includes loud music and fast-changing light.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples and families who want a dry, memorable stop in the Alpilles.
- Families
- Good for older children; very young ones may find the music and light intense.
- Couples
- Sit on the floor for the second loop, then wander Les Baux village.
- Pair with
- Les Baux-de-Provence village, Saint-Rémy and Arles.
- Time needed
- One to one and a half hours, plus travel.
Good questions
Is Carrières des Lumières open in November?+
Yes. It is open every day, and the schedule for this period is 10:00 to 18:00, with the last entry an hour before closing.
What is the show about?+
Each season has a new programme projected across the quarry. The current one is built around Matisse and Frida Kahlo, with a shorter film on the oceans.
How long does it last?+
The main show runs for about half an hour and loops. Most visitors stay around an hour.
Is it warm inside?+
No, the quarry stays cool all year. Bring a coat and sturdy shoes, because the floor is uneven.
How do I get there from Avignon?+
By car it takes about forty-five minutes. Public transport is limited in winter, so a car or a tour is the easiest option.
