Aix-en-Provence: Arles, Saint-Rémy, and Les Baux Day Trip

Aix-en-Provence, nestled in the heart of Provence, serves as the perfect launchpad for a captivating day trip that uncovers the region’s historic wonders. This comprehensive tour guides visitors through the well-preserved Roman ruins of Arles, the charming medieval village of Saint-Rémy with its Van Gogh connections, and the breathtaking hilltop town of Les Baux. Led by a local expert, the journey offers an in-depth exploration of Provence’s rich heritage and natural beauty, immersing travelers in the enchanting Provençal landscape. With highlights at every turn, this day trip promises to leave a lasting impression on those seeking to uncover the essence of this captivating corner of France.

Key Points

• This full-day guided tour from Aix-en-Provence visits three captivating destinations in Provence: Arles, Saint-Rémy, and the medieval hilltop village of Les Baux.
• Highlights include exploring the Roman ruins in Arles, discovering the picturesque village of Saint-Rémy with its connection to Van Gogh, and admiring the breathtaking views from Les Baux.
• The tour is led by a local expert guide and offers a small group experience, limited to 8 participants, for a more intimate and personalized exploration.
• Participants have the opportunity to enjoy the rich history and natural beauty of Provence, with ample time to explore each destination.
• Practical considerations such as comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and bringing cash for purchases or gratuities can help enhance the overall experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This full-day guided tour from Aix-en-Provence whisks visitors on an engaging journey to three of Provence’s most captivating destinations: Arles, Saint-Rémy, and Les Baux.

Over 8.5 hours, the small group tour, limited to 8 participants, explores these stunning Provençal gems with the expertise of a local guide.

Travelers will admire the well-preserved Roman architecture in Arles, enjoy free time in the picturesque village of Saint-Rémy, and marvel at the breathtaking views from the medieval hilltop of Les Baux.

With a duration of 8.5 hours, this comprehensive tour is perfect for those seeking to enjoy the rich history and natural beauty of Provence in a single day.

Highlights of the Tour

The tour offers visitors a chance to explore three stunning gems of Provence – Arles, Saint-Rémy, and Les Baux – each with its own unique charm and historical significance.

In Arles, you’ll admire the Roman triumphal arch and Mausoleum, as well as the UNESCO-listed historic center.

In Saint-Rémy, you’ll have free time to discover the picturesque village that’s a summer hotspot for Parisians.

The highlight of the day is the medieval hilltop village of Les Baux, perched on a rocky spur and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Provence countryside.

Throughout the tour, you’ll be led by a local guide who’s an expert in the region, ensuring you get the most out of your Provençal adventure.

Exploring Historic Arles

Arles, a historic city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, beckons visitors to explore its Roman past.

The tour begins with a visit to the well-preserved Roman Amphitheater, a testament to the city’s illustrious history as a major Roman settlement. Nearby, the Antique Theater and Roman Forum provide further glimpses into Arles’ glorious Roman era.

With the guidance of a knowledgeable local expert, the group explores the charming historic center, strolling through the narrow streets and soaking in the city’s timeless atmosphere. Arles’ rich heritage is evident at every turn, making it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and culture vultures alike.

Discovering Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

After exploring the rich Roman heritage of Arles, the tour continues its journey to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, one of the area’s most picturesque villages known as a summer haven for Parisians. Located in the heart of Provence, Saint-Rémy captivates visitors with its charming medieval streets, lively cafés, and striking natural scenery.

Highlights	Details
Charming Historic Center	Stroll through the narrow lanes, admiring the quaint stone buildings and lively squares.
Van Gogh Connection	Explore the asylum where the artist spent time and drew inspiration for some of his most famous works.
Tranquil Countryside	Admire the rolling hills, olive groves, and lavender fields that surround the village.
Free Time for Exploration	Enjoy ample time to discover Saint-Rémy at your own pace, including lunch in one of the local restaurants.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Admiring Les Baux-de-Provence

Next, the tour arrives at the medieval hilltop village of Les Baux-de-Provence, built atop a rocky spur and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Provence countryside.

Visitors can stroll through the narrow streets, admiring the historic architecture, art galleries, and the remains of a 10th-century fortress.

The village’s key attractions include:

• The ruined castle that once guarded the strategic location
• The stone architecture and narrow alleyways that evoke a bygone era
• The numerous art galleries and boutiques showcasing local crafts and artwork

As the tour group explores this picturesque village, they can enjoy the rich history and natural beauty that make Les Baux-de-Provence a true gem of the Provence region.

Small Group Experience

Why is a small group tour experience ideal for this day trip to Arles, Saint-Rémy, and Les Baux? The tour is limited to just 8 participants, providing a more intimate and personalized exploration of these stunning Provençal destinations.

With a small group, travelers can engage more directly with the local guide, who’s an expert on the region and can offer deeper insights into the history and culture of each site. This allows for a more enriching and interactive experience, as opposed to the impersonal feel of a large group tour.

The small size also ensures flexibility, enabling the group to move through the sites at a comfortable pace and avoid crowding. The small group setting enhances the enjoyment and authenticity of this Provençal day trip.

Duration and Inclusions

This immersive day tour from Aix-en-Provence lasts 8.5 hours, providing ample time to thoroughly explore the three historic Provençal gems of Arles, Saint-Rémy, and Les Baux.

Led by a local expert guide, the small group experience is limited to just 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized and intimate exploration of the region.

The tour includes:

• Visits to the Roman Amphitheater, Antique Theater, and Roman Forum in Arles
• Free time to discover the charming streets and sights of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
• Breathtaking vistas from the medieval hilltop village of Les Baux-de-Provence

With a full day dedicated to these three remarkable destinations, travelers can enjoy the rich history and natural beauty of Provence.

Practical Information

To make the most of this immersive day trip, participants should be aware of a few practical details.

The tour departs from central Aix-en-Provence, allowing guests to easily access the starting point. Participants are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes, as the itinerary involves exploring historic sites and strolling through charming village streets.

Travelers should also bring sun protection, as much of the tour takes place outdoors. During free time in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Les Baux-de-Provence, guests can enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants or cafes.

It’s recommended to bring some cash for any purchases or gratuities. With these practical considerations in mind, participants can fully enjoy the beauty and history of Provence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is 8 participants. The tour is a small group tour, which means it’s limited to a small number of people to provide a more intimate and personalized experience.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Individual Preferences?

The tour can be customized to individual preferences within reason. Travelers can discuss any special interests or requests with the tour operator, who will try to accommodate them while maintaining the overall structure and highlights of the tour.

Are There Any Accessibility Considerations for the Sites Visited?

The tour’s sites generally have good accessibility, with ramps and flat surfaces, but some areas, like the medieval fortress in Les Baux-de-Provence, may have challenges for those with mobility issues. Visitors should check specific accessibility details if needed.

Can We Stop for Photos Along the Way?

The tour allows for frequent photo stops along the way, giving participants ample opportunities to capture the stunning Provençal landscapes and picturesque villages. The small group size ensures a flexible itinerary that can accommodate photo requests.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Add Additional Activities?

The tour can be customized to include additional stops or activities upon request. Travelers can discuss options with the tour operator to extend the experience and explore more of the Provence region.

Recap

This captivating day tour from Aix-en-Provence offers visitors a deep dive into the historic and picturesque gems of Provence.

From the well-preserved Roman sites in Arles to the charming medieval village of Saint-Rémy and the breathtaking hilltop town of Les Baux, the small-group experience, led by a local expert, provides an immersive exploration of the region’s rich heritage and natural beauty.

You can check if your dates are available here: