We were lucky enough to be able to drive to Les Baux, in Provence for the first day of the new show at Carrieres de Lumieres. I won't give away exactly what you'll see but I will tell you, you won't see it anywhere else in the world, and it is an artistic experience created with state of the art digital imagery, music and setting. Les Baux is a village in the mountains dominated by a huge rock quarry. Now that quarry is the setting for this amazing show. You walk inside a cavernous space carved out of the mountain and are free to move about as you wish, in semi darkness. You are surrounded by a show, floor to ceiling of animated graphics, moving HD real images, and projections of exquisite artworks. It's like being inside a beautiful dream or masterpiece, accompanied by music that perfectly fits the experience.If you are in Provence, drive to Les Baux and see this show. It releases endorphins!
I really didn't know what to expect, as my friend and I decided to stay in Les Baux at the last minute. This art installation is absolutely breathtaking and one of the highlights of our trip. in fact, all of Les Baux is a treasure. But being immersed in art and music in the caverns is transformative. I cannot recommend Carrieres de Lumieres enough.
I have visited here before and was blown away by it but the new show for 2015 is just amazing. It is hard to describe how the music and the images meld so seamlessly. The way the images although static images are moved around the walls and pillars are an absolute wonder. If you are within 100miles go, you will not be dissapointed
They've turned an old quarry into a light and music show, and they've done a great job. It was easy enough to get there and the drive was pretty. The line wasn't too long and the price was reasonable. And then we were in this cavernous old quarry with long open expanses, huge ceilings and walls and a hundred or so people scattered around it to watch. Soon there were giant and varied images projected on the walls and floors, artfully moving and shifting. It was very dream-like and quite entertaining. An introductory video lasted a few minutes and was kind of a teaser for the possibilities. Then came the main feature, which was a Klimt show of about 30 minutes, and included all kinds of reproductions of his work, projected and collage-like (or music-video like) as things overlapped and evolved through his various creative phases. There was a few minutes of black and white historical film footage from his life or childhood places. Then it went back to his art. There were various pieces of classical music used, which fit rather well with the images and their shifting. And then it was over and we were out of the dark, cool cave-like space and into the sun and warm air - like waking from a dream. All in all, it was an artful, impressive show and a great way to use this old quarry for something really unique and celebratory of artistic genius, and fun. By the way, kids would love this, regardless of which show it is.
This is one hell of an experience, nothing like I have ever seen before and not anywhere else in the world that I am aware of. You just got to go there to experience it to believe it.
The entrance does not prepare you for the scale of the cavern inside. As a converted quarry it has been so cleverly adapted to provide a visitor attraction which is pretty unique. Each show is around 50 minutes in duration and probably worth experiencing several as there are a number of vantage points where a different perspective can be gained. On a warmer day it is quite a difference in temperature in the attraction to outside. We watched the Klimt and Vienna show - not one of my favoured eras or arts subjects but fascinating just the same and a visual feast. The sound and music just as impressive as the visuals projected onto the walls. The only challenge to the location is as a number of visitors have remarked the limited parking. It is about a 10 minute walk, uphill to the town where there are numerous cafes and restaurants.
This is one of the best kept secrets in the Provence...it is a unique setting for such perfect installed video-music-picture installation. you have to see it to believe it, went to see it twice! looking forward to next year's show...this will be a jour fixe every year!
Carrières de LumièresLes Baux
When you enter this place you feel very calm. Beautiful art pieces are flashed like a dancing ballet on the walls through light effects. There is classical music to accompany it as well. I spent a few hours in here. Definitely worth the visit. The drive there is rather winding. Take note if you have motion sickness.
We were there a few summers ago. Getting tickets was simple and entering the caves was a welcome cool break from the summer sun. The quarry is very large and the art is on every surface and it creates and incredible experience. My husband and children were all very moved and touched by this incredible interactive experience. It was wonderful to visit the Louvre first withmy children and then see the timeless works of art enveloping every inch of these caves. This is a don't miss for anyone loving art or anyone loving a cool and unique experience. You are able to walk and enjoy this attraction at your own pace. We stayed inside for over an hour so that we could see the Monet and Renoir paintings again.