Les Baux de Provence

The village of Les Baux, with its ruined fortress above, is located in the extended range of mountains called the Alpilles, or "Little Alps", northeast of Arles. The relatively modest range parallels the Mediterranean coast, about 5o kilometers north of it. This view looks south, from a peak higher up--on a really clear day you could see the Mediterranean.

The village of Les Baux (pronounced "lay boh") is always overrun with cars, buses and tourists--even this somewhat distant blip gives you some idea. But coming from the south, as we did, you can drive past the crush and head to the highest points to the north, from which I took this blip. Today there was practically no one around, amidst wonderful vegetation and rock formations.The shot was at 105 mm with my Canon 5D Mark II (cropped very slightly).

Returning to our gite we stopped at two wonderful wineries purveying their wine, olive oil, and numerous other local products. There are vineyards and olive trees everywhere, and (at the last stop) almond trees as well. A wonderful part of the world!