Starting October 9, 2026, the Carrières des Lumières will celebrate a giant of modernist painting. Nestled in the heart of the Val d’Enfer in Les Baux-de-Provence, these former limestone quarries offer a magnificent setting steeped in history. Within these “cathedrals of rock” once celebrated by Cocteau, the new immersive show offers a dazzling journey through the worldof Henri Matisse. From the bold colors of Fauvism to the luminous stained-glass windows of Vence, discover the artistic journey of a master of color. Immerse yourself in an unmissable sensory and poetic journey through Provence this fall.
From stone quarries to immersive shows: the epic story of the Carrières des Lumières
Nestled in the mysterious setting of the Val d’Enfer in Les Baux-de-Provence, this exceptional site owes everything to the “stone of the South.” This luminous limestone, formedfrom ancient marine sands and fossils, has been used sinceancient times to build the city of Glanum as well as the Château des Baux. Opened in 1800 to support industrial growth, the Carrière des Grands Fonds closed its doors in 1935, hit hard by competition from steel and concrete.
But these majestic rock cathedrals soon began a second life. In 1959, Jean Cocteau filmed *Le Testament d’Orphée* there, captivated by the poetic magic of the setting. The decisive turning point came in 2012: Culturespaces took over management of the site, renamed it“Carrières des Lumières,” and established its very first digital art center there. Since then, the 14-meter-high limestone walls have served as giant screens for the greatest masterpieces in art history, attracting audiences captivated by this unique sensory immersion.
Explosions of color and sensory thrills: a total immersion in the world of Matisse
Starting October 9, 2026, the Carrières des Lumières will offer a unique immersion into the work of Henri Matisse. This vibrant, chromatic journey envelops the viewer in bold hues: from subversive pink to energetic yellow, including the intense ultramarine of the stained-glass windows at the Chapelle du Rosaire in Vence. Accompanied by a spellbinding soundtrack, this large-scale immersive experience highlightsthe evolution of a painter who elevated color to a pure language. As a bonus, visitors will also be able to enjoy, at no extra charge, an exhibition dedicated to Frida Kahlo.
Behind this visual spectacle lies the tumultuous life story of an artist who came from humble beginnings. A co-founder of Fauvism, he proudly faced criticism for the boldness of his flat, vibrant color blocks. As his fame grew to rival that of Picasso, the artist withdrew into the privacy of his studio. There, he devoted himself to constant creation, channeling all his passion into studying and observing his models to bring his most immortal paintings to life.
Practical information:
📍 Carrières des Lumières, Route de Maillane, 13520 Les Baux-de-Provence
📆 Starting October 9, 2026
💸 €16.50 (full price) | €14 (reduced price) – Tickets grant access to both exhibitions
⌛ Duration: 1 hour – last admission 1 hour and 30 minutes before closing (see the website for detailed hours)
