52. Les Baux de Provence - Cathédral d'Images

I think that quite possibly, of all the places we visited on this trip, the Cathédral d'Images at Les Baux was the most unexpected. We knew that we were visiting an old limestone quarry, but had no idea about the scale of the show within.

A constantly changing slideshow of images is projected on the walls and pillars of the underground quarry. A soundtrack of classical music plays.

The original concept was the inspiration of the French photographer Albert Plecy, who established his research centre in the quarries to support his work and his vision. Directors Gianfranco Iannuzzi and Renato Gatto now continue this legacy.

The theme changes each year, and when we visited it was all about Van Gogh

Click here for the official website.




Van Gogh arrived in Provence, in Arles on 21 February 1888 and stayed there until May 1889, when he committed himself to a mental hospital in Saint Rémy de Provence, where he stayed until May 1890, when he left for Auvers-sur-Oise north of Paris, where he was closer to his beloved brother Theo.

During his time in Provence, Van Gogh produced many paintings, including the two below.

Below: Les Alpilles Mountainous Landscape near Saint Rémy (1889-90)

Below: Wheatfield With Cypresses (October 1889) with Les Alpilles in the background. Hanging in the National Gallery, London.