Marseille Shore Excursion: Private Day Trip to Arles, Les Baux De Provence and Saint Remy De Provence

Nestled in the heart of Southern France, the Marseille Shore Excursion promises a captivating journey through the charming villages of Arles, Les Baux de Provence, and Saint Remy de Provence. This private day trip, accommodating up to 8 participants, offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich history and natural beauty. From discovering Roman monuments and Van Gogh’s asylum to indulging in a delectable local lunch, this excursion caters to history enthusiasts, art lovers, and those seeking an immersive cultural experience. With round-trip transportation and a knowledgeable guide, the stage is set for an unforgettable day…

Key Points

• This private day trip from Marseille covers the medieval charm of Les Baux-de-Provence, the Roman monuments of Arles, and the asylum where Van Gogh found inspiration.
• The 8-hour tour accommodates up to 8 participants and includes round-trip transportation, a visit to the Château des Baux, and exploration of Van Gogh’s former room.
• Guests can explore the well-preserved historic center of Les Baux-de-Provence, marvel at the Romanesque architecture of the Church of St. Trophime in Arles, and learn about Van Gogh’s artistic legacy.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and moderate physical fitness is required, but it is suitable for families with strollers.
• Reviews indicate a mix of positive and negative experiences, with the company committed to improving based on guest feedback.

Tour Overview

This private day trip from Marseille whisks visitors away to the historic and picturesque region of Arles and Provence.

Over the course of 8 hours, you’ll explore Les Baux-de-Provence, Saint Paul de Mausole, and Arles, accompanied by a knowledgeable driver/guide.

The excursion accommodates up to 8 participants and is priced at €900 per group.

It includes round-trip transportation via air-conditioned minivan, port pickup and drop-off, and a delicious lunch with food and drinks.

This tour offers an immersive experience, allowing ample time to discover the medieval charm, Roman monuments, and Van Gogh’s inspirations that make this corner of Provence so captivating.

Pickup and Meeting Points

Pickup and drop-off options for this private day trip include Marseille Provence Airport or the guest’s hotel address, which must be specified.

The meeting point is at the Service de la police aux frontieres in Marseille.

Cruise passengers should provide their ship name, docking, disembarkation, and re-boarding times to ensure seamless coordination.

The tour company will work closely with guests to arrange a convenient pickup and meet-up, making the start of the day as smooth as possible.

With these flexible pickup options, travelers can easily access this immersive exploration of Arles, Les Baux de Provence, and Saint Remy de Provence from Marseille.

Exploring Les Baux-de-Provence

The private day trip kicks off with a visit to the enchanting village of Les Baux-de-Provence. Perched atop a rocky outcrop, this medieval town captivates with its castle ruins, narrow cobblestone streets, and stunning vistas of the surrounding Alpilles mountains.

Guests will explore the well-preserved historic center, marveling at the ornate churches, charming squares, and artisanal shops. The highlight is the imposing Château des Baux, whose crumbling ramparts offer panoramic views of the countryside.

This picturesque village, designated as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France," provides a perfect introduction to the Provençal way of life and sets the tone for the day’s exploration of the region’s rich history and natural beauty.

Van Gogh’s Asylum in Saint Paul De Mausole

Departing from the picturesque Les Baux-de-Provence, the private tour next ventures to Saint Paul de Mausole, the asylum where the iconic artist Vincent van Gogh spent a year in voluntary confinement. Visitors can explore the serene grounds and view Van Gogh’s former room, still preserved as it was during his stay. The tour guide shares insights into the artist’s tumultuous life and the profound impact this period had on his artistic output, including the famous painting "The Starry Night." A visit to the adjacent gardens, where Van Gogh found solace, provides a tranquil moment to reflect on his enduring legacy.

Key Moments	Description
Van Gogh’s Room	Preserved as it was during his stay
The Starry Night	Iconic painting created during this time
Garden Reflections	Finding solace in the serene surroundings
Artistic Insights	Understanding the impact of this period
Enduring Legacy	Reflecting on Van Gogh’s profound influence

Discovering Arles

Next, the private tour leads visitors on a captivating exploration of Arles, a city steeped in Roman history and significant for its influence on the renowned artist Vincent van Gogh.

The group marvels at the city’s well-preserved Roman monuments, including the impressive Amphitheater and the striking Arles Arena, which once hosted epic gladiatorial contests. The guide shares insights into how these ancient structures inspired van Gogh’s iconic paintings.

The tour also visits the Church of St. Trophime, renowned for its Romanesque architecture, and the cloisters, where van Gogh found solace and inspiration during his time in Arles.

This immersive experience allows travelers to uncover the deep connections between the city’s rich past and van Gogh’s artistic legacy.

Accessibility and Requirements

This private day trip isn’t wheelchair accessible, though collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated with assistance.

The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness, as it involves:

1. Exploring medieval castle ruins and an enchanting village in Les Baux-de-Provence.
2. Visiting the Saint Paul de Mausole asylum, where Van Gogh spent time, with its room and garden.
3. Discovering the Roman monuments and Van Gogh’s inspirations in the city of Arles.
4. Navigating uneven terrain and stairs during the tour.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infants must sit on laps.

Strollers are accessible, making this tour suitable for families.

Guest Reviews and Feedback

Guests have provided mixed reviews for this private day trip, with an overall average rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars. Positive feedback highlights the knowledgeable guides and the scenic beauty of the tour, though some issues have been reported. These include difficulty in locating the guide and unsatisfactory experiences with certain drivers, though the company states these guides are no longer associated with the business. The hosts are responsive to feedback and indicate a commitment to improvement.

Reviews	Rating
Positive	Knowledgeable guides, scenic beauty
Negative	Difficulty locating guide, poor driver experiences
Overall	4.0 out of 5 stars

Recap

The Marseille Shore Excursion offers a captivating journey through the charming towns of Southern France. Travelers can explore medieval villages, Roman ruins, and the sites that inspired Van Gogh’s art. With round-trip transportation and a delightful lunch, this private day trip provides a comprehensive and immersive experience, allowing visitors to fully embrace the region’s rich history and stunning natural beauty.