In the historic center of Les Baux-de-Provence, Place Louis Jou is a calm and intimate space closely tied to the village’s cultural life. Located near the Church of Saint Vincent and the Château des Baux-de-Provence, it forms a natural link between heritage sites, art galleries, and the narrow medieval streets.

Louis Jou, master of typographic art

The square pays tribute to Louis Jou (1881–1968), a Catalan-born artist, engraver, and typographer. Active within the vibrant artistic and literary circles of his time, he maintained particularly close ties with the writer André Suarès. His work combines creative force with exceptional technical mastery, especially in the fields of engraving and fine printing. His workshop reflects the discipline and craftsmanship that defined his artistic practice.

Hôtel Jean de Brion: a historic setting for the foundation

A few steps from the square stands the Hôtel Jean de Brion, a residence of medieval origin later modified during the Renaissance. Named after a local figure, likely connected to the village’s administration or minor nobility, the building reflects the evolution of Provençal domestic architecture.

Its sober yet refined appearance is characteristic of 15th- and 16th-century residences: a limestone façade, mullioned windows, and an irregular layout inherited from the medieval urban fabric, organized around an inner courtyard. Listed as a historic monument, the building has undergone several transformations over the centuries before being carefully restored in the 20th century.

After the Second World War, Louis Jou settled here and established his printing workshop. Today, the building houses the Fondation Louis Jou, which preserves and presents his artistic universe: printing presses, typefaces, engraved bindings, rare books, and typographic works. The collection also reflects his admiration for great masters such as Albrecht Dürer and Francisco de Goya, whose influence can be seen in his work.

A place of memory and contemplation

Today, Place Louis Jou remains a calm and luminous space, ideal for quiet exploration. It embodies the meeting point of architectural heritage, artistic creation, and Provençal identity. Nearby, at the foot of the Château des Baux-de-Provence, Louis Jou rests alongside André Suarès, a lasting symbol of their deep connection to this inspiring landscape.