About this tour
A seven-hour private excursion from Marseille exploring three distinct Provençal destinations. Start in Arles, a UNESCO site layered with Roman ruins—the arena, theatre, necropolis and baths—plus the churches and streets that captivated Van Gogh. Climb to the clifftop fortress village of Les Baux for sweeping valley views, then descend to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where you'll wander the old town and visit the monastery where Van Gogh spent a transformative year. Travel by air-conditioned minivan with a knowledgeable guide.
Highlights
- Roman arena and theatre in UNESCO-listed Arles
- Medieval fortress village perched 245 metres above plains
- Van Gogh's monastery residence and personal pilgrimage sites
- Alyscamps: sprawling Roman burial ground with avenue of tombs
- Free exploration of Saint-Rémy's historic streets and squares
- Private transport with flexible timing for cruiseship schedules
What to expect
You'll spend roughly two hours in Arles examining Roman monuments and tracing Van Gogh's footsteps through the town's compact centre. The drive to Les Baux takes 45 minutes; allow 90 minutes to climb the village's narrow lanes, absorb the panoramic views, and browse local craft shops. The final leg reaches Saint-Rémy by late afternoon. The monastery visit costs extra but is optional; the town itself repays wandering on foot. All three stops involve uneven medieval stonework and stairs, so comfortable shoes are essential. Your guide manages the pace to match your interests.
Good to know
Lunch and drinks aren't included; bring water and eat in any of the three towns. The itinerary can be adjusted to match your ship's docking and re-boarding times—confirm these when booking. Moderate fitness is expected for climbing Les Baux. Prams and collapsible wheelchairs are accommodated with assistance.
Tour sold and operated by its supplier via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries, not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.