Carrières de Lumières
Step into a former quarry where art comes alive! Famous masterpieces are projected onto vast stone walls, creating a breathtaking multimedia spectacle...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid crowds & heat
Carrières de Lumières
Best Time
Avoid crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a former quarry where art comes alive! Famous masterpieces are projected onto vast stone walls, creating a breathtaking multimedia spectacle.
"One of the most unique experiences we had! Combination of space, art and technology is sublime."
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking can be challenging due to crowds. Arrive early or late, or be prepared to search for a spot.
🧥 Cave Coolness
It's chilly inside the quarry! Bring a light jacket or sweater for comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Immersive Art Projections
Main Quarries
Witness masterpieces come alive as art is projected onto the vast quarry walls, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle.
Monet & Rousseau Exhibition
Main Quarries
Experience the vibrant works of Monet and Rousseau transformed into a mesmerizing light and music show.
The Ancient Quarry Setting
Entire Site
Explore the unique atmosphere of a former limestone quarry, a dramatic backdrop for cutting-edge digital art.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Embrace the Cool Cave
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking can be challenging due to crowds. Arrive early or late, or be prepared to search for a spot.
🧥 Cave Coolness
It's chilly inside the quarry! Bring a light jacket or sweater for comfort.
📸 Photos Don't Do Justice
Capture memories, but know that photos can't fully convey the immersive experience.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least an hour to fully absorb the art and atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking can be challenging due to crowds. Arrive early or late, or be prepared to search for a spot.
🧥 Cave Coolness
It's chilly inside the quarry! Bring a light jacket or sweater for comfort.
📸 Photos Don't Do Justice
Capture memories, but know that photos can't fully convey the immersive experience.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least an hour to fully absorb the art and atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique and awe-inspiring experience of art projected onto ancient quarry walls, calling it sublime and unforgettable. The cool cave setting is a welcome escape from the heat, and the combination of art, music, and technology is highly praised. However, some find parking and traffic challenging, and a few suggest more commentary for children.
"One of the most unique experiences we had! Combination of space, art and technology is sublime, you can't help it but stand in awe for stories unfolded all around you. We visited Monet / Rousseau show and it was amazing 😁
Parking is a bit tricky, there are many places to park but there are also many visitors so you might lose some time finding parking spot.
Also, explore area, there are amazing spots!"
Stjepan Nekić
"We visited Carrieres des Lumieres on a day trip to Les Baux de Provence this week. It was very windy and quite hot so it was great to go into the cave and enjoy the art. Currently they have Monet and Rousseau exhibitions featured. It was very enjoyable to find a spot and enjoy the visuals. We stayed a little over an hour and that was good for us. I definitely recommend if you’re in the area. There is parking across the street and a bit further down that is convenient for the art and a short walk to town. Overall it was a great experience for us."
Justin Rejda
"Amazing experience with the light display and the music. Why not 5 stars? Two reason traffic and finding a place to park is very hard. Recommend coming early or late evening. 2nd, I feel the show could have done with a bit of commentary to set the scene to help engagement for the children."
Alexandre Lyons
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Carrières de Lumières is located near Les Baux-de-Provence. Driving is the most common method, with parking available nearby. Public transport options are limited, so check local bus schedules if not driving.
Yes, parking is available across the street and a bit further down. However, it can get busy, especially during peak times, so arriving early or late is recommended.
Absolutely! It's often visited as part of a day trip to the stunning village of Les Baux-de-Provence, which is just a short walk away.
From Arles, take the D17 towards Les Baux-de-Provence. The Carrières de Lumières will be signposted. GPS coordinates can also be helpful.
The site is generally well-signposted, especially when approaching Les Baux-de-Provence. Keep an eye out for signs directing you to the 'Carrières de Lumières'.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but typically an adult ticket is around €14-16. Discounts are often available for students, children, and seniors. Booking online in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
It is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and avoid long queues, particularly during busy periods.
Opening hours vary by season and exhibition. Generally, it opens around 10 AM and closes between 6 PM and 7 PM. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date hours.
While tickets may be available at the entrance, it's best to book online to secure your spot and avoid disappointment, as shows can sell out.
Sometimes, combination tickets are offered that include entry to nearby attractions like the castle in Les Baux-de-Provence. Check the official website for current offers.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the immersive multimedia art show where famous paintings are projected onto the walls of the ancient quarry, set to music.
Each main exhibition typically runs for about 30-40 minutes, but you can stay longer to re-watch parts or explore the space. Allow at least an hour for your visit.
Yes, it's considered suitable for all ages. Children are often captivated by the visuals and music, though some reviews suggest commentary could enhance engagement for younger visitors.
Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be standing. It's also advisable to bring a light jacket or sweater as the quarry can be cool, even on hot days.
Photography is generally allowed, but flash photography might be restricted to avoid disrupting the projections. Remember that photos often don't capture the full immersive effect.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site offering light fare such as sandwiches, salads, pastries, coffee, wine, and soft drinks. Prices are generally considered reasonable.
Outside food and drinks are typically not permitted inside the exhibition areas. It's best to consume any personal items before entering or utilize the on-site cafe.
The cafe offers a selection of light meals and snacks, perfect for a quick bite. Think sandwiches, salads, and pastries, along with beverages.
The nearby village of Les Baux-de-Provence has several restaurants and cafes offering a range of dining experiences, from casual to more formal.
The cafe is more suited for light snacks and refreshments rather than a full, sit-down meal. For a more substantial meal, explore the dining options in Les Baux-de-Provence.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire quarry is a photographic marvel. Look for dynamic angles where the projections wrap around the cavern walls and capture the scale of the space.
Flash photography is generally discouraged or prohibited to avoid disrupting the light projections and other visitors' experiences. Always check for signage.
Given the low light and moving projections, a tripod can be helpful for sharper images, but may be cumbersome. Experiment with higher ISO and wider apertures.
Yes, but be aware that the dynamic nature of the projections means capturing a static, perfect image can be challenging. Embrace the movement and light.
Wander through the different levels and alcoves of the quarry. Some areas offer wider vistas, while others provide more intimate perspectives of the art.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring a light jacket for the kids, as the quarry can be cool. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the space. The on-site cafe offers light snacks and drinks, which can be handy for refueling little ones. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid overwhelming crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for the whole family.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be prepared for the fact that photos may not fully capture the immersive feeling of being surrounded by art. Embrace the movement and light, and focus on capturing the atmosphere rather than a perfect, static image. Exploring different vantage points within the quarry can lead to some truly spectacular compositions.
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
Consider visiting during an evening show for a particularly magical atmosphere. Afterwards, you can explore the charming nearby village of Les Baux-de-Provence, perhaps enjoying a quiet dinner with views of the surrounding landscape. The shared experience of wonder and beauty makes it a memorable part of any romantic trip to Provence.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Light and Sound
The technology used is cutting-edge, employing hundreds of projectors and speakers to create a seamless and awe-inspiring environment. Each year, new exhibitions are developed, often focusing on a particular artist or art movement, ensuring a fresh experience for repeat visitors. The combination of historical setting and modern digital art creates a truly unique atmosphere that captivates audiences of all ages.
Visitors often describe the experience as magical and unforgettable, with many feeling a profound connection to the art and music. The sheer scale of the projections, combined with the natural acoustics of the quarry, amplifies the emotional impact of the shows. It's an experience that engages multiple senses, making it a highlight for many travelers in Provence.
Exploring the Quarry Setting
This unique setting offers a cool escape, especially during the hot Provençal summers. The ambient temperature inside the quarry remains consistently lower than outside, making it a comfortable place to spend time. Visitors often remark on how the cool air is a welcome relief and enhances the overall experience.
Beyond the main exhibition spaces, there are often smaller areas or pathways to explore within the quarry, offering different perspectives and a sense of discovery. The natural acoustics of the space also contribute to the immersive sound experience of the shows, making the entire environment an integral part of the artistic presentation.
Practicalities for Your Visit
Comfort is key inside the quarry. While it offers a cool respite from the heat, the temperature can still be chilly. Many visitors recommend bringing a light jacket or sweater, even during summer months, to ensure comfort throughout the show. Comfortable footwear is also essential, as you'll likely be standing for extended periods.
Booking tickets in advance online is highly recommended. This not only guarantees your entry, especially during peak season, but also helps you avoid potentially long queues at the ticket counter. Checking the official website for current exhibition schedules, opening hours, and ticket prices is always a good idea before your visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit