Les Baux-de-Provence: Carrières des Lumières entry ticket The Little Prince

If you’re exploring the South of France, chances are you’ll stumble upon the stunning Les Baux-de-Provence—a charming hilltop village filled with history and breathtaking views. One of its most captivating attractions is the Carrières des Lumières, famed for its large-scale digital art exhibitions. Recently, they’ve launched a new immersive experience called “The Little Prince, the immersive odyssey,” which promises a poetic journey through Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved story. While we haven’t personally experienced it, reviews and descriptions suggest it’s a thoughtfully curated show blending stunning visuals, gentle narration, and musical accompaniment in a setting unlike any other.

What we love about this experience is its unique combination of art, storytelling, and technology—bringing Saint-Exupéry’s watercolor illustrations to life in a way that appeals to both children and adults. However, it’s worth mentioning that the experience is in French, which might be a consideration for non-French speakers. This tour suits travelers seeking a blend of cultural enrichment and visual spectacle, especially those fond of literary classics or looking for a quieter, reflective activity in Provence.

Key Points

• Immersive Digital Art: The show uses cutting-edge projection technology to animate Saint-Exupéry’s watercolors in a captivating way.
• Poignant Storytelling: Accompanied by music and voice-over narration in French, it offers a poetic exploration of “The Little Prince” themes.
• Unique Setting: The historic quarry setting adds a special ambiance that enhances the visual and emotional impact.
• Accessible for All: Suitable for both children and adults, emphasizing imagination, curiosity, and kindness.
• Practical Info: Tickets cost around $19, include entry to the exhibition, and are valid for one day; note that no audio guides are included.
• Considerations: The cool temperature (14°C–16°C) in the quarry and the French narration should be kept in mind when planning your visit.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Venue: Les Carrières des Lumières

The Carrières des Lumières is a former limestone quarry turned art space, known for its spectacular digital art shows projected onto the cave walls. The vast, cool environment (around 14 to 16°C) provides a memorable backdrop that amplifies the visual effects. The large space gives an almost theatre-like feel, allowing visitors to wander and find their own vantage points for viewing.

What to Expect During the “Little Prince” Show

The experience lasts approximately the duration of the exhibit, with the projection of Saint-Exupéry’s watercolors animated amidst thematic music. The visuals are synchronized with a voice-over in French, which narrates the story and introduces characters like the fox, the king, and the lamplighter. The overall effect is both poetic and contemplative, emphasizing the themes of innocence, love, and the invisible qualities that make life meaningful.

Visuals and Artistic Direction

According to reviews, the projection design is crafted by Spectre Lab, and the soundtrack is by Start-Rec, resulting in a harmonious blend of imagery and sound. We loved the way Saint-Exupéry’s watercolor paintings are brought to life—shimmering, floating, and subtly animated to evoke a dreamlike atmosphere. Such artistry turns a simple story into a sensory experience that encourages reflection, especially in such a serene environment.

Audience Experience & Feedback

One reviewer pointed out that the show is “very poetic,” making it suitable for those who appreciate subtlety and beauty. Another mentioned that it “invites you to rediscover “The Little Prince” from a new angle,” which is perfect if you’re familiar with the story but want to see it reimagined visually.

However, some travelers noted the French narration might be a barrier unless you’re comfortable with the language or are okay with a more visual-focused experience. As one reviewer said, “It is a truly poetic journey,” but also highlighted the importance of bringing warm clothing due to the cool interiors.

Practical Aspects

Tickets are modestly priced at $19 per person, making this a good value considering the technical and artistic effort involved. The ticket includes access to the exhibition space for a full day, allowing flexibility in planning. It’s worth arriving early or during off-peak hours to avoid crowds—some reviews have mentioned parking difficulties, with one traveler noting it “took over 30 minutes to find a parking spot,” and others finding the lot expensive and poorly accessible.

The experience doesn’t include audio guides, so if you’re keen on detailed commentary, you might want to bring your own device or notes, although the visual and musical elements are quite evocative on their own.

Accessibility & Practical Tips

The quarry’s cool temperature is an important consideration; dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes, as the flooring can be uneven. The site is wheelchair accessible, but it’s advisable to check in advance if you have specific mobility needs.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This show is ideal for fans of literature and art, especially those who want to see Saint-Exupéry’s timeless story in a new, visual format. It’s perfect for families with children who enjoy gentle, poetic stories—though younger kids might need patience, given the voice-over in French. Art lovers and digital technology enthusiasts will appreciate the high-quality projections and immersive design.

If you’re traveling with a partner or friends who enjoy reflective, peaceful activities, this experience offers a lovely, slow-paced alternative to more bustling sights. However, if you’re seeking a high-energy activity or want detailed commentary, this might not satisfy those preferences.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

At just $19, this experience offers a unique combination of storytelling, art, and technology set in a striking natural environment. The show’s focus on themes of innocence, love, and curiosity makes it both meaningful and visually stunning—a rare chance to see a beloved story reinterpreted in such an artistic way.

While the French narration could be a minor barrier, the visuals and music are powerful enough to transcend language barriers for many viewers. The cool quarry setting adds a memorable ambiance, but be prepared for the temperature with warm clothing.

This tour works best for those who appreciate poetry, art, and storytelling—and for travelers looking for a peaceful, reflective activity amid their Provençal adventures. It’s a fantastic choice if you want an experience that’s both emotionally resonant and visually impressive.

FAQ

Is the ticket price of $19 good value?
Yes, considering this is a well-produced digital art show with immersive visuals, music, and narration. It’s a unique experience that offers a lot of visual and emotional impact for the price.

What should I bring for my visit?
Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are advisable since the quarry’s temperature is around 14°C to 16°C. Bringing a device or items if you want additional audio commentary is optional, as no guides are included.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Yes, it is suitable for children and adults alike. The story’s themes are universal, but younger children might need a bit of patience, especially since the narration is in French.

Can I visit the show with a wheelchair?
Yes, the venue is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for visitors with mobility needs.

What are the main drawbacks?
Parking can be challenging; some reviews mention difficulty finding a spot or paying high fees, and the cool environment requires warm clothing.

How long does the experience last?
The exhibit typically lasts around the duration of the projection, which is enough for a contemplative and poetic hour or so.

Is there an audioguide available?
No, the ticket does not include an audio guide. You might want to bring your own device if you’d like additional commentary.

Would this experience appeal to non-French speakers?
While the narration is in French, the visual elements are powerful enough that non-French speakers can still enjoy the artistic and visual aspects of the show.

In summary, “The Little Prince” at Les Baux-de-Provence provides a captivating, poetic visual journey that transforms Saint-Exupéry’s story into a multisensory experience. If you love art, storytelling, and serene environments, this is a worthwhile stop—and a lovely way to deepen your appreciation of this classic tale. Just be prepared for the cool surroundings and the language, and you’ll enjoy a truly memorable Provençal activity.