Arles and Camargue Small-Group Half-Day Tour From Avignon

Arles and the Camargue region offer a captivating blend of history, art, and natural wonders. This half-day tour from Avignon promises an immersive exploration of the area’s rich Gallo-Roman heritage, Van Gogh’s artistic legacy, and the stunning Camargue wilderness. Discover the historic city of Arles, where you’ll walk in the footsteps of the renowned artist, then venture into the Camargue to spot iconic Camargue horses, vibrant pink flamingos, and black bulls. The tour culminates in a visit to the picturesque seaside town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the captivating landscapes and cultural significance of this Provençal gem.

Contents hide

1 Tour Overview

2 Discover Historic Arles

3 Walk in Van Gogh’s Footsteps

4 Explore Natural Camargue

5 Spot Camargue Wildlife

6 Visit Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

7 Tour Details and Inclusions

8 Meeting and Pickup Information

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

This small-group half-day tour from Avignon explores the historic city of Arles and the natural Camargue region, including iconic landmarks and natural wonders.
Participants can follow in the footsteps of artist Van Gogh, discovering the sites that inspired his famous works during his time in Arles.
The tour includes a visit to the Camargue Bird Reserve to observe the region’s diverse avian life, including the iconic pink flamingos.
Travelers will explore the picturesque seaside town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, with its historic church, local shops, and traditional architecture.
The tour is limited to 8 people, ensuring a personalized experience with hotel pickup, round-trip transport, and admission to the Bird Reserve included.

Tour Overview

The tour offers travelers the opportunity to discover both the historic city of Arles and the natural wonders of the Camargue region on a half-day excursion from Avignon.

Guests will follow in the footsteps of the legendary artist Van Gogh on a walking tour of Arles, exploring the landmarks that inspired his paintings.

Then, they’ll head to the Camargue, known for its herds of Camargue horses, flocks of iconic pink flamingos, and the black bulls that roam the wetlands.

The tour culminates with a visit to the picturesque village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.

With a small group limited to 8 people, this experience provides a personalized and immersive journey through these captivating destinations.

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Discover Historic Arles

Guests begin their exploration of Arles’ rich history on a walking tour, tracing the steps of the renowned artist Van Gogh as they discover the city’s well-preserved Roman monuments and medieval architecture.

They’ll visit the iconic Arles Amphitheater, a remarkably intact Roman arena that once hosted spectacular gladiator fights. The tour also stops at the Romanesque St. Trophime Church, admiring its intricate carved portal.

Along the way, travelers learn about Arles’ significance as a center of Provence’s Gallo-Roman heritage. The walking tour provides an immersive experience, bringing the past to life and showcasing why this historic city captivated Van Gogh, who created some of his most famous works while living in Arles.

Walk in Van Gogh’s Footsteps

During the walking tour, visitors retrace the steps of the renowned artist Van Gogh, exploring the city’s well-preserved Roman monuments and medieval architecture that so captivated him.

They’ll visit the city’s iconic landmarks like the Roman amphitheater, the Church of St. Trophime, and the picturesque Place du Forum – all of which Van Gogh immortalized in his vibrant paintings.

The guide will share insights into Van Gogh’s time in Arles, when he produced over 300 works in just 15 months, including iconic masterpieces like ‘The Starry Night‘ and ‘Sunflowers.’

Strolling through the charming streets, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the profound impact Arles had on Van Gogh’s artistic vision and the enduring legacy of his work.

Explore Natural Camargue

After exploring the historic streets of Arles, the tour continues into the natural wonders of the Camargue region.

Visitors can expect to spot the iconic Camargue horses, vibrant pink flamingoes, and the region’s signature black bulls as they traverse this unique and picturesque landscape.

The tour includes a visit to the Bird Reserve Park, where guests can observe the diverse array of avian life that inhabits this wetland area.

Throughout the journey, the knowledgeable guide provides insight into the ecology and conservation efforts in the Camargue, ensuring visitors gain a deeper appreciation for this remarkable natural destination.

The small-group setting allows for a personalized experience, with ample opportunities to ask questions and take in the captivating Camargue.

Spot Camargue Wildlife

Travelers venture into the Camargue region, where they can spot the iconic Camargue horses, vibrant pink flamingos, and the region’s signature black bulls roaming freely across the picturesque landscape.

The Camargue is a vast, protected wetland that’s home to an abundance of wildlife, including:

Camargue horses: These hardy, white horses are native to the region and graze freely across the marshes.
Pink flamingos: Thousands of these striking birds gather in the Camargue’s saltwater lagoons, creating a breathtaking sight.
Black bulls: Raised for bullfighting, these imposing animals are a symbol of the region’s cultural heritage.
Diverse birdlife: From herons and egrets to rare species like the slender-billed gull, the Camargue is a birdwatcher’s paradise.

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Visit Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

The tour includes a visit to the picturesque village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, a culturally significant destination in the Camargue region.

Located along the coast, this charming seaside town is known for its connection to Saint Sarah, the patron saint of the Romani people, who’s celebrated annually in a vibrant festival.

Visitors can explore the historic church, which houses a statue of Saint Sarah, and wander through the narrow streets lined with local shops and cafés.

The village’s scenic setting, with its sandy beaches and traditional Camarguais architecture, offers a chance to take in the unique character of this distinctive part of southern France.

Tour Details and Inclusions

This half-day tour from Avignon offers a comprehensive exploration of the historic Arles and the natural wonders of the Camargue region.

Participants can choose between a morning or afternoon departure, with a small group limited to 8 people for a personalized experience.

The tour includes hotel pickup and round-trip transport by air-conditioned minivan, as well as admission to the Bird Reserve Park in the Camargue.

The tour details include:

5-hour small-group tour
Choice of morning or afternoon departure
Hotel pickup and round-trip transport included
Small group limited to 8 people for personalized experience

Meeting and Pickup Information

The tour meets in front of the tourist office at 41 Cours Jean Jaurès in Avignon, France, where you will be picked up for the journey.

From this central location, the small group will board an air-conditioned minivan for the tour.

At the end of the half-day excursion, the tour will drop participants back off at the original meeting point, allowing for a convenient start and end to the day’s activities.

This meeting and pickup process ensures a seamless experience, as travelers won’t have to worry about transportation or finding the starting point.

The tour’s small group size, limited to 8 people, also allows for a personalized and attentive experience throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is 8 people. The tour is a small-group experience, allowing for a more personalized and intimate exploration of the historic Arles and natural Camargue regions.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Use of Cameras During the Tour?

The tour has no restrictions on the use of cameras. Participants are free to take photos throughout the tour to capture their experiences in historic Arles and the natural Camargue region.

Can Participants With Dietary Requirements Be Accommodated on This Tour?

The tour operator can accommodate participants with dietary requirements. Travelers should inform the operator of any special needs when booking the tour, and the guide will make necessary arrangements to ensure everyone’s needs are met.

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

The tour operator doesn’t offer options to extend the duration or add activities. However, it’s possible to arrange a private tour with customized itinerary and duration by contacting the operator directly and inquiring about their available options.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?

The tour’s cancellation and refund policy allows full refunds for cancellations up to 24 hours before the tour. Partial refunds may be available for last-minute cancellations, subject to the tour operator’s discretion.