"Very Touristy, but Beautiful" Les Baux-de-Provence by kucha

This amazing town was literally carved out of a massive rock mountain. Go early in the morning to tour the medieval hamlet -- before the heat and the tour buses - and be rewarded with a hike up narrow passageways filled with tiny shops (all touristy -- don't spend real money here!) and restaurants. The town has a fascinating and bloody history, which visitors will want to read first, before making it to the top of the mountain, where the ruins of the old castle can be found, along with yet another stunning view of all Provence! There are audio sets for visitors that explain much of the background of the ruins, which are now being meticulously restored for the public.