Global Treasures: Les Baux de Provence

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1093

UPC: 879061006920

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Surrounded by the attractive provincial mountain landscape of the Alpilles, there is a romantic medieval town high on a rock, Les-Baux-de-Provence, located 400 metres above the Crau Valley. The historic origins of the village date back to the first millennium AD.

Located in the lower, busier part of the town, the Saint Vincent Church dates back to the 12th century, and it is an atmospheric setting for famous Christmas performances such as the Shepherds' Midnight Mass.

Archaeological discoveries and precious works of art are to be found in the Musée D´Histoire De Baux, which also serves as the entrance to the upper part of the town.

In times of freedom, the country's finest troubadours gathered in the town's now ruined castle. Immortalized by a monument, the farmer poet Charles Rieu is considered to have been a fine exponent of this age-old tradition. However, in 1483 the art of the troubadour grew silent and was replaced by the sound of battle when the powerful catapults of Ludwig XI destroyed large sections of the castle.

Like no other village in the Alpilles, Les-Baux-de-Provence has long been the centre of this region's glorious history.