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Museum · Arles, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Carrières des Lumières
Former limestone quarries in Les Baux-de-Provence, with high walls where immersive art-and-music exhibitions are projected. The program changes each season.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Carrières des Lumières
The Carrières des Lumières are in the Val d'Enfer, about 1 km from the village of Les Baux-de-Provence. They were quarries of white limestone, from which the stone used to build the castle and the region's houses was extracted. They were closed in 1935 when modern materials replaced stone.
In 1959, filmmaker Jean Cocteau shot scenes of The Testament of Orpheus there. In the 1970s the galleries began hosting giant-image projections under the name Cathédrale d'Images. Since 2012 the site has been called Carrières des Lumières.
Today the exhibitions project works by major painters onto all the gallery surfaces—walls, pillars and floor—accompanied by music. Programs run in continuous sessions, and generally a long program devoted to one or more artists alternates with a shorter one. Themes change each season.
Inside the quarries the temperature is cool year-round, well below outside temperatures in summer. The site closes for a few weeks between seasons.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 to 1.5 hours to see the full programs.
Best time
On weekdays, at the first morning sessions or late in the afternoon. In summer the cool galleries are a relief. Between seasons the site closes for a few weeks, usually at the start of the year. Check the program before you go.
How to get there
About 1 km from the village of Les Baux-de-Provence via the D27 road, with its own parking. From the village the walk takes around 15 minutes.
Tip
Bring a light jacket, even in summer. Buy your ticket in advance in high season. The combined pass with the Château des Baux is usually worthwhile.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Carrières des Lumières
What can you see at the Carrières des Lumières?
Immersive exhibitions: works by great painters projected onto the walls, pillars, and floor of the former quarries, accompanied by music. The theme changes each season.
Is it cold inside there?
Yes, the galleries are cool year-round. In summer, bring a light jacket.
Is it open all year?
It is open for most of the year but closes for a few weeks between exhibition seasons, usually at the beginning of the year. Check before you go.