Arles – St Remy – Les Baux De Provence – 8h

Discover the enchanting Provençal towns of Arles, St Remy, and Les Baux on an 8-hour journey through history and art. Uncover ancient Roman ruins, stroll picturesque streets, and savor local delicacies. From the iconic amphitheater in Arles to the medieval castle perched atop Les Baux, each destination offers a unique glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. With included tastings of wines, olive oils, and chocolates, this comprehensive tour promises an immersive experience that will leave you eager to uncover more of the Provence’s charms.

Key Points

• This 8-hour tour covers three historic towns in Provence: Arles, Les Baux de Provence, and St Remy de Provence, showcasing Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and Van Gogh’s artistic inspiration.
• The tour includes a guided exploration of well-preserved Roman ruins in Arles, a visit to the medieval hilltop castle in Les Baux de Provence, and browsing local shops and galleries in St Remy de Provence.
• Tasting experiences of regional delicacies, such as wines, olive oils, and chocolates, are included to provide a rundown of the culinary heritage of Provence.
• The tour is conducted in a private, air-conditioned minivan with a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience and convenient hotel pickup and drop-off in Marseille.
• The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness, and feedback suggests limited time for browsing in St Remy de Provence, with requests for more time allocated for lunch.

Tour Overview

Covering three historic towns in Provence, this full-day tour takes visitors to Arles, Les Baux de Provence, and St Remy de Provence.

In Arles, guests will explore the ancient Roman ruins and see the views that inspired Van Gogh. The medieval hilltop castle is the highlight of a visit to Les Baux de Provence.

Finally, in St Remy de Provence, there’s time to browse the charming shops and galleries. Throughout the tour, guests will enjoy tastings of local wines, olive oils, and chocolates.

The tour includes a local guide, transportation in an air-conditioned minivan, and hotel pickup and drop-off in Marseille.

Inclusions

The tour includes a local guide and driver/guide to provide insights and navigation throughout the day.

Pickup and drop-off at your Marseille hotel are provided for convenience. This private tour has a maximum of 8 people, ensuring a more personalized experience.

The air-conditioned minivan offers free WiFi, and you’ll enjoy tastings of local wines, olive oils, and chocolates.

The tour covers three charming towns – Arles, Les Baux de Provence, and St Remy de Provence – allowing you to learn about the history, culture, and natural beauty of Provence.

A moderate physical fitness level is required to fully experience this comprehensive day tour.

Meeting and Pickup

The tour starts with a direct meeting point or optional pickup from selected locations in Marseille.

The meeting point is at the MUCEM Museum, and the tour departs at 9:00 am, returning to the same location.

The tour is conducted in a private, air-conditioned minivan with free WiFi, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience.

Participants can expect to be transported throughout the day, exploring the historic towns of Arles, Les Baux de Provence, and St Remy de Provence.

The tour includes a local guide and driver/guide, providing expert insights and navigating the journey seamlessly.

Arles: Roman Ruins and Van Gogh

Arriving in the historic city of Arles, the tour explores the well-preserved Roman ruins that dot the landscape.

Visitors marvel at the impressive Roman amphitheater, one of the best-preserved in the world, and the Antique Theater, which once hosted grand performances.

The group also visits the Alyscamps, an ancient Roman necropolis renowned for its atmospheric avenue of sarcophagi.

But Arles isn’t just about its Roman heritage – it’s also famous for its association with the iconic artist Vincent van Gogh.

The tour guides point out the picturesque spots that inspired some of Van Gogh’s most famous paintings, such as Café Terrace at Night and The Starry Night.

Les Baux De Provence: Medieval Castle

After visiting the Roman ruins of Arles, the tour proceeds to the hilltop commune of Les Baux de Provence.

Perched atop a limestone outcrop, Les Baux boasts a well-preserved medieval castle that offers captivating views of the surrounding Provence countryside. Visitors can explore the castle’s remnants, including the keep, watchtowers, and fortified walls.

The town itself is a labyrinth of narrow streets and charming stone houses. Guests have the opportunity to browse the local shops and galleries, as well as sample regional delicacies like olive oil and wine.

With its rich history and picturesque setting, Les Baux de Provence provides a glimpse into the medieval past of this enchanting region.

St Remy De Provence: Shops and Galleries

From Les Baux de Provence, the tour now heads to the charming town of St Remy de Provence.

Here, visitors will have the opportunity to browse the quaint shops and galleries that line the streets. Stroll past the lively cafes and browse the local artisanal crafts, from pottery to paintings.

The town’s vibrant art scene reflects its history as the birthplace of Nostradamus and the place where Van Gogh painted some of his most famous works.

With its picturesque buildings and relaxed atmosphere, St Remy is the perfect place to soak up the essence of Provence and take in the local culture.

Tasting Local Delicacies

As part of the full-day tour, visitors are treated to a tasting of local Provençal delicacies. This includes a sampling of the region’s renowned wines, olive oils, and chocolates.

The wine tasting allows guests to explore the unique flavors and terroirs of the Provence appellation. The olive oil tasting showcases the rich, peppery notes of the local harvest.

Finally, the chocolate tasting features artisanal confections made with premium regional ingredients. These tastings provide an immersive sensory experience, allowing travelers to fully appreciate the culinary heritage of Provence.

The local guide expertly introduces each product, sharing insights into the production methods and cultural significance.

Reviews and Feedback

The full-day tour of Provence has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with a rating of 4.5 stars from a total of 2 reviews.

Travelers praised the exceptional tour guide, who provided valuable insights and brought the history and culture of the region to life.

However, some noted that the schedule left little time for browsing shops and galleries in St Remy de Provence, and they wished there had been more time allocated for lunch.

The tour is well-received, with the opportunity to explore Arles, Les Baux de Provence, and St Remy de Provence in a single day.

Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Does the Tour End?

The tour ends at the meeting point, the MUCEM Museum in Marseille. According to the tour overview, the tour starts at 9:00 am and ends at the meeting point.

How Long Is the Drive Between the Towns?

The tour covers a total distance of approximately 40 miles between the three towns. The drive time between each town is around 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Can the Tour Be Customized for My Interests?

The tour can be customized to accommodate your interests. The local guide is flexible and can adjust the itinerary and activities to match your preferences, within the overall structure of the full-day tour.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

The tour company offers a 10% discount for bookings made at least 2 weeks in advance. They also provide special rates for groups of 4 or more. To inquire about any additional offers, you can contact them directly.

What Should I Bring on the Tour?

Travelers should bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a small daypack, and any personal snacks or water to fully enjoy the tour. Don’t forget to pack your camera to capture the picturesque Provencal landscapes.

The Sum Up

This captivating 8-hour journey takes you through the historic towns of Arles, St Remy de Provence, and Les Baux de Provence. Discover the well-preserved Roman ruins in Arles, explore the artistic inspirations of Van Gogh, and visit the medieval hilltop castle in Les Baux. Delight in local tastings of wines, olive oils, and chocolates throughout this immersive day tour.