LES BAUX-DE-PROVENCE, France — History is rarely confined to the bound pages of archives; in the relationships binding sovereign principalities to ancient fiefdoms, it is enacted on esplanades and reinforced through shared memory. On Saturday, September 5, 2026, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II, Princess Charlène, Hereditary Prince Jacques, and Princess Gabriella traveled to the historic village of Les Baux-de-Provence for a public visit. The journey served as a living bridge across nearly four centuries of diplomacy, identity, and dynastic heritage.
A Compact Wrought in History
The ties between the House of Grimaldi and Les Baux trace their legal origins to the 1641 Treaty of Péronne, concluded between King Louis XIII of France and Prince Honoré II of Monaco. That accord successfully transitioned Monaco from Spanish protection into the French sphere of influence. In recognition of this realignment, the lordship of Les Baux was elevated to a marquisate in 1642 and bestowed upon Hercule Grimaldi, son of the Monegasque sovereign.
Since that era, the title of Marquis of Baux has traditionally been held by the heir to the throne of Monaco. Consequently, it devolved upon Hereditary Prince Jacques upon his birth in 2014.
The Ceremony of the Keys
To honor this enduring legacy, the Princely Family was welcomed by Anne Poniatowski, mayor of Les Baux-de-Provence and vice-president of the French association of Grimaldi Historic Sites, alongside local authorities and village residents.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the ancient castle's esplanade, the gathering featured a deeply symbolic moment: Hereditary Prince Jacques was formally presented with the keys to the city. This gesture consciously mirrored an identical ceremony performed for his father, then-Hereditary Prince Albert, during his visit in 1982 in the presence of Princess Grace.
Cultural Continuities in Stone and Print
Beyond the municipal reception, the Monegasque delegation extended its itinerary to the Saint-Vincent church. The sanctuary houses contemporary stained-glass windows created in 1962 by master glassmaker Max Ingrand, originally presented as a gift by Prince Rainier III following the birth of his son Albert.
To mark the 2026 visit, the Principality's Office of Stamps planned a commemorative postal stamp depicting one of these windows, complementing a 2-euro commemorative coin issued in 2025 dedicated to the marquisate.
Photo Credits: Palais Princier de Monaco