Quarries of Lights (Carrières de Lumières)

The Basics

This unique attraction is a popular stopping point on day trips to the Provencal countryside from Avignon, Marseilles, Arles, and St Rémy-de-Provence. Once you arrive, enter the theater through a cavernous entrance carved into the hillside and take in the paintings projected onto the quarry walls, ceilings, and floor. The theme changes each year, and past shows have featured works by Van Gogh, Picasso, and the Italian Renaissance artists Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael.

Things to Know Before You Go

• It is dark inside the Quarries of Lights, so comfortable shoes are recommended to keep you sure-footed.

• Pack an extra layer because it can be chilly inside the quarry.

• An on-site gift shop features a wide selection of souvenirs and books on the featured artist.

• Quarries of Light is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

How to Get There

The Quarries of Lights is located in the heart of the Alpilles area of Provence, just 9 miles (15 kilometers) northeast of Arles and 19 miles (30 kilometers) south of Avignon. Most visitors arrive by car or on a guided tour from Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, or Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. The quarry can also be reached by bus from the Aix-en-Provence and Avignon rail stations.

When to Get There

The Quarries of Lights is open daily during spring, summer, and autumn, but it closes from mid-January through the end of February. On select evenings during summer, the quarry features special showings of past exhibitions. Special events sell out quickly, so book well in advance.

Other Les Baux-de-Provence Attractions

The medieval village of Les-Baux-de-Provence is perched high on a rocky plateau affording panoramic views over the Camargue and city of Arles. This superb hilltop fortress is a must-see for first-time visitors to Provence and is frequently listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Visitors can tour the ruins of the fortified chateau area and wander the narrow cobblestone streets of this picturesque medieval village.

What are the Quarries of Lights (Carrières de Lumières) in Provence, and what makes them unique?

The Quarries of Lights (Carrières de Lumières) is an audio-visual art gallery in Les Baux-de-Provence, which is known for its setting inside a former limestone quarry. Here, huge projections of paintings are beamed onto the quarry walls, floor, and ceilings, often accompanied by narration and music.

What kind of art exhibitions are featured at the Quarries of Lights?

Art exhibitions at the Quarries of Lights change annually. Previous exhibitions have celebrated the work of individual artists—such as Vincent van Gogh, Salvador Dalí, and Pablo Picasso—others have focussed on artistic movements, like the Impressionists, or periods of history, including the Egyptian Pharaohs.

How do I get to the Quarries of Lights?

By car, the Quarries of Lights can be reached from several highways: from the A7, take the Avignon exit; from the A9, take the Nîmes exit; or from the A54, take the Baux-de-Provence exit. There are paid parking lots near the attraction, or you can park in Les Baux-de-Provence, a 10-minute walk away. You can also reach the quarry by buses from Aix-en-Provence and Avignon rail stations.

What are the temperatures like in the Quarries of Lights?

It’s cool inside the Quarries of Lights, with temperatures no higher than 60°F (16°C). Come prepared with long trousers, a sweater, or even a jacket if you’re sensitive to the cold.

Are there any dining options or restaurants at the Quarries of Lights?

Yes, the on-site Café des Carrières is open from morning to late afternoon. Here, you’ll find drinks and a range of savory and sweet snacks that can work for a light lunch. For more substantial fare or dinner, walk to nearby Les Baux-de-Provence.

Are there any attractions to visit after exploring the Quarries of Lights?

The medieval Château des Baux is near Les Baux-de-Provence, where highlights include the castle’s siege weaponry, and the views from the upper areas of the château. You can buy a combined ticket for the château and the Quarries of Lights, which offers a substantial saving.