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Carrières des Lumières: An Immersive Art Experience

Experience art in a new light at Carrières des Lumières, an immersive digital art center in a former quarry near Les Baux-de-Provence, where masterpieces come alive on a monumental scale.

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Step into a world where art comes alive at Carrières des Lumières, nestled in the heart of Les Baux-de-Provence. This former limestone quarry has been transformed into a mesmerizing space where masterpieces of art are projected onto the towering walls, creating an immersive experience unlike any other. Lose yourself in the vibrant colors and dynamic movement of renowned artists' works, accompanied by captivating music. The Carrières des Lumières offers a unique cultural experience that stimulates the senses and ignites the imagination. It's a must-see destination for art lovers and anyone seeking a memorable and awe-inspiring adventure in Provence. The venue is accessible to visitors in wheelchairs and is located a short distance from the village of Les Baux-de-Provence.

A brief summary to Carrières des Lumières

  • Monday 10 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • The Carrières can be chilly (14° to 16°C), even in summer, so bring a light jacket or sweater.
  • Arrive early, especially during peak season, to avoid long queues and secure parking.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby village of Les Baux-de-Provence for a full day of exploration.
  • Download the Presto Park app to pay for parking and extend your stay remotely.
  • Be aware that the sound volume is maintained at a significant level to ensure the quality of the immersive experience. It is recommended to bring noise-canceling headphones or earplugs for younger visitors.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the village of Les Baux-de-Provence, the Carrières des Lumières is approximately a 10-minute walk. Follow the signs from the village center. The path is mostly flat and well-maintained.

  • Public Transport

    The closest bus stop to Carrières des Lumières is 'Les Baux'. Several bus lines serve this stop, including lines 702, 707, 7201 and 7203. From the bus stop, it is a 7-minute walk to the entrance of Carrières des Lumières. A single bus fare costs €3.

  • Driving

    If driving, follow the D27 road towards Route de Maillane. There are several municipal car parks near the Carrières des Lumières, but they can get crowded, especially during peak season. Parking fees apply and can be paid using the Presto Park app. Parking rates are approximately: 1 hour: €5, 2 hours: €6, 3 hours: €6.50, 4 hours: €7, 5 hours: €7.50, 6 hours: €8, 7 hours: €8.50, 8 hours: €9, 9 hours: €9.50, 10 hours: €10, 11 hours: €35. Bus parking costs €25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available in the area. A taxi from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to Carrières des Lumières typically costs between €21 and €26 and takes about 10 minutes. From Arles, a taxi ride will cost between €35 and €50 and take approximately 25 minutes. Be aware that availability may be limited, especially during off-peak hours.

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Discover more about Carrières des Lumières

Carrières des Lumières, located a short distance from the charming village of Les Baux-de-Provence, offers a unique and unforgettable artistic experience. Housed within a former limestone quarry, this remarkable venue transforms into a canvas for monumental digital art exhibitions, captivating visitors with its immersive displays of light, sound, and color. The history of the Carrières des Lumières is intertwined with the region's rich geological past. The quarry, known as the 'Grands Fonds,' provided the very stone used to build the Château des Baux and other notable structures in the area. For centuries, miners toiled within these walls, extracting the prized limestone that shaped the architectural landscape of Provence. In the 20th century, however, the quarry fell into disuse, its industrial purpose fading into memory. In 2012, the quarry was reborn as the Carrières des Lumières, a visionary project that breathed new life into the abandoned space. The concept was simple yet revolutionary: to project iconic works of art onto the vast, smooth surfaces of the quarry walls, creating an immersive environment where visitors could step inside the paintings themselves. The result is a breathtaking spectacle that transcends traditional art viewing, engaging the senses and emotions in profound ways. The Carrières des Lumières hosts two main exhibitions each year, a long program and a short program, each dedicated to a different artist or artistic movement. The exhibitions are carefully curated to showcase the breadth and depth of art history, from Impressionism to contemporary creations. Visitors to the Carrières des Lumières are immediately struck by the sheer scale of the projections. Images of paintings, drawings, and other artworks are cast onto the walls, floor, and even the ceilings of the quarry, creating a 360-degree visual experience. The towering walls, reaching up to 14 meters in height, become living canvases, transforming the space into a cathedral of art. The accompanying musical score, carefully selected to complement the visuals, further enhances the immersive atmosphere, enveloping visitors in a symphony of sight and sound. The experience is not merely passive observation; visitors are encouraged to wander through the space, exploring the artworks from different perspectives. As they move, the images shift and change, revealing new details and nuances. The interplay of light and shadow, combined with the echoing acoustics of the quarry, creates a sense of wonder and discovery. Past exhibitions have featured the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, Chagall, and Yves Klein, among others. Each exhibition offers a unique interpretation of the artist's oeuvre, highlighting key themes, techniques, and influences. The exhibitions are not static reproductions; they are dynamic and engaging interpretations that bring the artworks to life in new and exciting ways. For the 2025 season, Carrières des Lumières presents two new immersive exhibitions: "Monet, impression, soleil levant", echoing the 150th anniversary of Impressionism, and "Le Douanier Rousseau, au pays des rêves" (Douanier Rousseau, in dreamland), a tour of the first steps of naive art in France. The Carrières des Lumières is more than just an art exhibition; it is a cultural destination that appeals to visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Families with children will appreciate the interactive and engaging nature of the experience, while art enthusiasts will revel in the opportunity to see masterpieces in a new light. The venue also hosts special events throughout the year, including concerts, performances, and temporary exhibitions, adding to its appeal as a vibrant cultural hub. The Carrières des Lumières is easily accessible and welcomes visitors with disabilities. The location is entirely accessible to people with reduced mobility. The site is located 800 meters from the Château des Baux-de-Provence, 15 km north-east of Arles and 30 km south of Avignon. Visiting the Carrières des Lumières is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a renewed appreciation for art and its power to transform spaces and minds. It is a testament to the creative spirit and a reminder that art can be found in the most unexpected places.

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