LES BAUX-DE-PROVENCE, France — In a celebration bridging centuries of feudal history and modern European diplomacy, the Sovereign Prince of Monaco and his family traveled to the historic Provençal village of Les Baux-de-Provence on the morning of September 5, 2025.
Prince Albert II, Princess Charlène, Hereditary Prince Jacques, and Princess Gabriella received a public welcome to the hilltop commune, which belongs to the network of historic Grimaldi sites of Monaco. The visit underscored an unbroken lineage dating back to 1642, when the title of Marquis of Baux was traditionally designated for the heir to the Monégasque throne — a distinction carried by Hereditary Prince Jacques since his birth in 2014.
A Historic Welcome and Cultural Heritage
The royal family entered through the historic Porte d'Eyguières, which is adorned with the arms of the Grimaldi family. Following this Republican reception, the delegation toured the Saint-Vincent church. The structure houses contemporary stained-glass windows created in 1992 by master glassmaker Max Ingrand. Prince Rainier III originally presented these windows following the birth of his son, Prince Albert. To mark the occasion, Monaco’s stamp-issuing office released a postage stamp featuring one of the historical windows.
During the official ceremony on the esplanade of the ancient castle, Hereditary Prince Jacques was symbolically presented with the keys to the city by local authorities and citizens. The symbolic gesture mirrors a similar tradition performed in 1982 for his father, then-Hereditary Prince Albert.
Future Plans and Medieval Pageantry
In his address to the public, Prince Albert II announced the upcoming acquisition of the House of the Constable of Montmorency. The site is slated for an ambitious restoration and enhancement project intended to serve as a showcase for the network of historic Grimaldi sites.
The official itinerary concluded with a falconry display held in tribute to the medieval past of Les Baux. The royal family also signed the official municipal guest book to commemorate the journey, cementing another chapter in the shared history of the principality and the Provençal village.
Photo Credits: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier