This amazing semi-troglodytic castle is located on a rocky promontory on
the flank of the Alpilles, Southern France. From its height the ancient
fortress dominates the village. It is one of the oldest feudal
establishments in Europe: the "castrum Balcium" is already mentioned in
975.
"Au hasard Balthazar !" is the bold motto of the Lords of Baux who claim their lineage goes all the way back to King Balthazar, with the sixteen branches star as their emblem. According to the legend, the star that led him to the stable in Bethlehem lead him later to Les Baux, where he eventually settled.
Over successive generations, the feudal lordship gained control of 79 towns and fortresses in Provence, Dauphiné and Italy, known as “Terres Baussenques” (Baux lands).
The rule of the strong-minded dynasty ended with the death of Alix in 1426, the last Princess of Les Baux, at which point the Baussenques lands were seized by the Count of Provence, King Louis III of Sicily. Consequently, when the County of Provence was annexed by the Kingdom of France in 1482, Les Baux changed ruler once more. The King of France Louis XI, who feared that his new authority in Provence might not be respected, did not want to risk losing the stronghold of Les Baux to the enemy. Distrusting Les Baux, which had built a bad reputation for rebellions over the years, the King ordered its dismantlement in 1483.
However, the Renaissance era brought some prosperity back to Les Baux, when the castle and some of the village were renovated. In 1631, during the period of the Wars of Religion, the castle was seized by insurgents who sought refuge after rebelling against the crown. Cardinal Richelieu besieged the town and, once his troops had succeeded in subduing the rebels, he ordered another dismantlement of the fortress.
"Au hasard Balthazar !" is the bold motto of the Lords of Baux who claim their lineage goes all the way back to King Balthazar, with the sixteen branches star as their emblem. According to the legend, the star that led him to the stable in Bethlehem lead him later to Les Baux, where he eventually settled.
Over successive generations, the feudal lordship gained control of 79 towns and fortresses in Provence, Dauphiné and Italy, known as “Terres Baussenques” (Baux lands).
The rule of the strong-minded dynasty ended with the death of Alix in 1426, the last Princess of Les Baux, at which point the Baussenques lands were seized by the Count of Provence, King Louis III of Sicily. Consequently, when the County of Provence was annexed by the Kingdom of France in 1482, Les Baux changed ruler once more. The King of France Louis XI, who feared that his new authority in Provence might not be respected, did not want to risk losing the stronghold of Les Baux to the enemy. Distrusting Les Baux, which had built a bad reputation for rebellions over the years, the King ordered its dismantlement in 1483.
However, the Renaissance era brought some prosperity back to Les Baux, when the castle and some of the village were renovated. In 1631, during the period of the Wars of Religion, the castle was seized by insurgents who sought refuge after rebelling against the crown. Cardinal Richelieu besieged the town and, once his troops had succeeded in subduing the rebels, he ordered another dismantlement of the fortress.
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