Private Day Trip to Arles, Les Baux de Provence and Saint-Remy de Provence
A private journey through Roman heritage, medieval landscapes, and the Provencal world that shaped Van Gogh
This Marseille shore excursion to Arles, Les Baux de Provence and Saint-Remy de Provence takes you on a full-day private tour through three of the most historically and artistically significant destinations in southern France. From UNESCO-listed Roman monuments to a windswept medieval citadel, each stop reveals a different layer of Provence's extraordinary past. The tour is designed for cruise passengers with limited time who want a meaningful, well-paced experience.
Arles anchors the morning with its remarkable concentration of Roman and early Christian monuments, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. You will walk through a Roman arena still used for events today, past a well-preserved theater, and along the ancient necropolis of Alyscamps. The city also holds deep significance for art history as the place where Vincent van Gogh created over 300 works during a single prolific year.
The afternoon shifts to the dramatic rocky village of Les Baux de Provence, perched 245 meters above the surrounding plain on a limestone spur. The site offers panoramic views across the Alpilles and carries centuries of feudal and Renaissance history within its fortified walls. The day closes in Saint-Remy de Provence, a refined Provencal town where Van Gogh voluntarily entered the monastery of Saint-Paul de Mausole and produced some of his most recognized paintings.
Because this is a private tour departing from the Marseille cruise terminal, the itinerary adapts to your ship's schedule. Your driver-guide remains with you throughout the day, providing context and flexibility without the constraints of a shared group.
Tour Highlights
Walk through Arles' UNESCO-listed Roman arena, theater, baths, and the Alyscamps necropolis in a single morning visit.
Trace the exact locations in Arles that inspired Van Gogh's most celebrated paintings during his stay in 1888 and 1889.
Ascend to Les Baux de Provence and take in sweeping views over the Alpilles from a fortified medieval village on a rocky spur.
Visit the monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole in Saint-Remy, where Van Gogh lived and painted for a full year.
Explore the charming historic center of Saint-Remy de Provence on a free-roaming walk through its old town lanes.
Enjoy a fully private tour with a dedicated driver-guide, departing directly from the Marseille cruise port.
Itinerary
Your private driver-guide meets you at the port and transfers you toward Arles, approximately one hour from Marseille. The drive passes through the Camargue flatlands and along the Rhone delta as you approach the city.
Spend the core of the morning exploring the UNESCO World Heritage monuments of Arles, including the Roman arena, the ancient theater, the Alyscamps necropolis, the Roman baths, and the Romanesque church of Saint-Trophime. Your guide then leads you through the streets and sites that Van Gogh painted during his time in the city, connecting the landscapes to the canvases.
Drive into the Alpilles hills to reach Les Baux de Provence, a medieval village built onto and into a 245-meter limestone ridge. Explore its fortified ruins, Renaissance architecture, and commanding views over the surrounding olive groves and valleys.
The final destination is Saint-Remy, where you can visit the monastery of Saint-Paul de Mausole at your own expense and see the room and garden where Van Gogh spent his voluntary confinement. Afterward, enjoy a free walk through the town's elegant old center before returning to Marseille.
Your driver-guide returns you to the cruise terminal in time for your ship's departure. The return journey takes approximately one hour depending on traffic conditions.
What Is Included
Included
- Private driver-guide for the full 7-hour tour
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- Hotel or cruise port pickup and drop-off
- Guided walking tour in Arles
- Visit to Les Baux de Provence village
- Free walking time in Saint-Remy de Provence old town
Not Included
- Entry fees to Roman monuments in Arles
- Entry fee to Saint-Paul de Mausole monastery
- Meals and beverages
- Personal expenses and shopping
- Gratuities for the guide and driver
Important Information
Reserve Your Private Provence Day Tour
This private shore excursion from Marseille covers three exceptional destinations in a single well-organized day. Secure your spot and make the most of your time in port.
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