Arles, Saint-Rémy & Les Baux De Provence -7 hours

This experience made our article of 4 Best Tours & Experiences In Arles.

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Discover the Charm of Provence in a 7-Hour Tour of Arles, Saint-Rémy & Les Baux

Touring Provence in just a day might seem ambitious, but this carefully curated 7-hour experience manages to pack in a full dose of history, art, and authentic village life. We’ve looked into this tour, and what stands out is its blend of Roman ruins, Van Gogh-inspired sites, and the striking medieval town of Les Baux. The route offers a taste of both the ancient and the artistic, with enough flexibility to feel personal and engaging.

What we love about this experience is the opportunity to follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps, see impressive Roman monuments, and enjoy a scenic drive through the quintessential Provençal landscape. The inclusion of a wine tasting and olive oil visit adds delicious local flavor, making it a well-rounded cultural trip.

However, one thing to keep in mind is the 8-hour duration—it’s a full day, but the pace is quite packed, so travelers who prefer a slow, leisurely exploration might find it a tad rushed. Still, for those wanting a rundown of Provence’s highlights, this tour hits the mark.

This experience suits travelers who love history, art, and scenic drives, especially if it’s your first time exploring the region or you want a structured way to see major sights without the hassle of planning.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Comprehensive itinerary including Roman sites, medieval villages, and Van Gogh locations
Expert guided commentary enhances the understanding of each site’s significance
Wine and olive oil tastings provide delicious local insights
Comfortable transport with air-conditioning and Wi-Fi for a smooth day
Flexible pickup options at your accommodation or cruise terminal
Balanced mix of sightseeing and cultural experiences in one day

Looking for more options in Arles? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Highlights

Starting Point: Convenient Pickup and Scenic Drive

The tour kicks off with a pickup from your hotel or cruise terminal, handled by a friendly driver and guide. This makes the day feel personalized and stress-free. You’ll enjoy a scenic drive through Provence’s rolling hills—an instant boost to your mood before the day’s adventures.

Roman Heritage in Arles

Your first stop is Arles, a city brimming with Roman history. The guide will point out Roman monuments, and you’ll have the chance to stroll through its charming streets, soaking up the atmosphere. The mention of Roman artifacts suggests there may be some impressive ruins or archaeological sites, which are always a highlight for history enthusiasts.

A major draw here is the chance to walk the same streets Vincent Van Gogh painted and see his impressions of the town, giving you a vivid sense of the artist’s inspiration. The guide might share interesting stories about Van Gogh’s time in Arles, making the visit more meaningful.

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The Enchanting Village of Les Baux de Provence

Next, the tour takes you to Les Baux de Provence, arguably the most striking village of the day. Perched on a rocky outcrop, Les Baux is famous for its medieval fortress and narrow alleys. You’ll explore its quaint streets and learn about its historical significance.

A highlight here is the multimedia light show at the quarry—a spectacle that combines art, sound, and light to create a mesmerizing experience. The review from a past traveler specifically calls the multimedia show “incredible and a must-see,” which speaks to its quality. This show is an unusual feature, transforming the quarry into a canvas that showcases the region’s artistic spirit.

There's plenty more to explore in Arles

Olive Oil Production and Scenic Landscapes

A visit to a local olive grove offers a taste of rural Provence. Here, you’ll learn about how olive oil is produced, from harvesting to the manufacturing process. The guide probably explains the importance of olive oil to the Provençal economy and cuisine, making it a practical and tasty cultural insight.

The grove’s beautiful surroundings mean you can enjoy some of the best views of the countryside. This stop is great for photography and understanding how agriculture shapes Provence’s identity.

Roman Ruins and Art in Saint-Rémy de Provence

Continuing to Saint-Rémy de Provence, the tour visits the site of Glanum, a Roman archaeological site. The mention of Roman ruins in the reviews confirms this will be a highlight for history buffs. Expect to see well-preserved ruins, which help bring to life the area’s ancient past.

This town also has a special connection to Van Gogh, who spent a year here, and you might find the tour guide sharing stories about his time in Saint-Rémy, including his stay at the asylum and his painting sessions.

Wine Tasting in Saint-Rémy

To round off the day, you visit a local winery for a tasting session. Provence is renowned for its wines, and sampling locally produced vintages adds a delicious end to the trip. Past reviews praise the “excellent wine selection,” indicating that the tasting is likely curated by knowledgeable staff.

You’ll get to savor a variety of wines, appreciating the regional flavors, and perhaps learn about the different grapes and wine-making techniques unique to Provence.

Comfortable Return and Drop-off

After a full day of exploring, your driver will return you to your accommodation or cruise ship terminal, ending a day filled with history, art, stunning views, and sensory delights.

The Transport and Group Experience

The tour uses a minivan with air conditioning and Wi-Fi, ensuring comfort and connectivity. The private group setup means a more intimate experience, with personalized attention from your guide. The vehicle’s size allows for easy navigation through narrow village streets and scenic routes, making the journey as enjoyable as the stops.

Price and Value

While the exact cost isn’t specified here, the inclusion of transportation, a guided commentary, tastings, and entrance to special exhibits suggests this is a good value for a full-day, expertly curated tour. Remember, the tour is designed for flexibility, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, giving you peace of mind.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

A knowledgeable guide makes all the difference, offering insights that turn sightseeing into storytelling. Reviewers mention the guides’ passion and expertise, which enhances the visit—especially during the Roman sites and the multimedia show at Les Baux.

If you’re a fan of Van Gogh, the chance to follow his footsteps and see the places that inspired his paintings is a real treat. History lovers will appreciate the Roman monuments, and wine enthusiasts will love the tasting session at the local winery.

Keep in mind that the day is quite full, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some walking, especially in Les Baux’s narrow streets and ruins. Also, since the tour is private, you may request some flexibility in the itinerary if you want to spend more time at a particular spot.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors to Provence wanting a broad overview. It’s also suitable for history, art, and wine lovers who want a mix of cultural insights and scenic beauty. The private group setting offers a more personalized, relaxed atmosphere, ideal for couples, families, or small groups.

Travelers seeking a well-organized, hassle-free day that combines education, stunning sights, and local flavors will find this tour a worthwhile investment. It’s especially valuable if you’re short on time but want a taste of Provence’s highlights without sacrificing depth or authenticity.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a guided commentary in English, transportation with air conditioning and Wi-Fi, parking, gas, insurance, and water.

Are museum entry fees included?
No, entrance fees for museums or sites are not included, but your guide will help you appreciate what you see.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since this is a private tour, you can likely discuss any specific interests or adjustments with your guide at booking.

Is there a lunch option?
Lunch is not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to eat before or after the tour.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended because you’ll be walking through villages and ruins.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, it’s suitable for most ages, but be mindful of walking distances and uneven surfaces in some locations.

Can I join if I arrive by cruise ship?
Absolutely, the pickup can be arranged from your cruise terminal, making it easy to explore Provence even on a short stop.

Are pets allowed?
Pets are not permitted on this tour.

How long is the drive between sites?
The drive is scenic and relatively short, allowing plenty of time for sightseeing and exploration at each stop.

Is there Wi-Fi on the vehicle?
Yes, the minivan provides Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected during the day.

What languages are available for the guide?
The tour is conducted in English and French, catering to a broad range of travelers.

Final Thoughts

This 7-hour Provence tour offers a well-balanced mix of history, art, and local flavor, perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive yet manageable day out. You’ll experience the Roman heritage of Arles, the artistic inspiration of Van Gogh, the medieval allure of Les Baux, and the delicious tastes of Provençal wine and olive oil.

The private setup, knowledgeable guides, and scenic routes provide a comfortable and engaging way to discover some of Provence’s most iconic sites. It’s a great option whether you’re a culture buff, a history enthusiast, or simply looking to enjoy some of the most photogenic spots in the region.

While it’s a busy schedule, the variety of experiences packed into this tour means you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation and a vivid memory of Provence’s timeless charm. It’s particularly suited for those who value guided insights and want an authentic taste of the region without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

In essence, this tour is about making the most of a limited time, with quality experiences that highlight Provence’s diverse appeal—history, art, scenery, and flavor—all in one day.