© irene waters 2015
Early humans used this site at Les Baux en Provence with traces of man being found as far back as 6000 BC. It was known to be used as a fort by the Celts in 2nd century BC but during the middle ages it really came into its own. Sitting on its hilltop it was perfect position for the Lords to protect/control the 79 villages that were in the vicinity. In the grounds of the Chateau are placed reproductions of some of the archaic weaponry that was used.
© irene waters 2015
The Counter-weight trebouchet is the largest catapult in Europe and is still in good working order. Every April to September demonstration of its use in addition to some other weaponry is carried out. This weapon appeared around 12th century AD and was found in both Muslim and Christian lands. It could throw a 160 kg projectile a considerable distance. There were none surviving after the 16th century and an engineer reproduced these from plans dating from 1324.
© irene waters 2015
Built in the 10th century, the Chateau des Baux was a fortified castle which was largely demolished on the orders of Louis XIII. Clambering over the remains gave an idea of what it would have been like.
© irene waters 2015
And the view showed why it was such a perfect place for a fort.
© irene waters 2015
One of the villages the Lords protected.
© irene waters 2015
In the village of Les Baux where once there were 4,000 plus residents it has whittled to a mere 22. A delightful village to wander.
In response to Paula’s Thursday’s Special. Here you can see other entries.
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
Thanks for sharing, a beautiful place with so much history.
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You’re welcome. Coming from Australia I am always overawed by the age of these villages in Europe and they are beautiful.
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I remember seeing a Trebouchet at Warwick Castle and there may even be one at Dover Castle too. Impressive structures!
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Absolutely. Apparently they were used for a long time after gunpowder was made so they must have been effective as well.
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Hey Irene 🙂 This village has been on my list for ages :D. Your post shows a lot, and I appreciate it. The view from up there is breathtaking. Provence landscape is one of my favourite. Thank you, dear 🙂
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You’re welcome Paula. I hope you make it there one day as it is breathtaking and a really enjoyable ramble. Provence is on my list of favourite spots also. 🙂
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Fascinating – I bet life was hard then, under “protection” of a lord, as long as you did as you were told. Still, the place is beautiful, even in ruins.
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Depending on how benevolent your lord was, the feudal system for some was better than what followed. I am always staggered at the ages of these places and the ruins are beautiful.
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What an incredible place with all that history and views!
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Yes great views which is why it was the perfect place to have a fort. You could see the enemy coming for absolutely miles.
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This is a must -see place on our travel list now. A trebouchet was used this past fall to sling a one ton pumpkin in Maine! Check out You Tube – you can see it!
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I had a look. It got a fair distance into the lake. Great place to visit.
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Beautiful post. Love the history you gave as well.
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Thanks Raewyn. It was a nice trip down memory lane.
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That is very interesting post – very informative. Those weapons look frightening.
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I think they were quite effective as they used them after gun powder became available.
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There was an enormous trebouchet, built by Edward 1 to conquer Stirling Castle, on the History Channel this week. A fearsome weapon! Your village looks wonderfully peaceful. 🙂
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It certainly was the day I went. Come September when the projectiles are flying and the summer crowds are cheering I think it would be a different place altogether. Would have loved to see the program.
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