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

Discovering Provence: A Private Day Trip from Marseille

When your cruise ship anchors in Marseille, why not seize the opportunity for a tailor-made adventure through some of southern France’s most captivating sights? For around $1,105 per group (up to 8 people), you can spend approximately 7 hours exploring Arles, Les Baux de Provence, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence in the comfort of an air-conditioned minivan. The tour promises an intimate experience, with pickup directly at the port, guided commentary, and the flexibility to customize your stops to your interests.

What we really love about this trip is how it balances historic exploration with breathtaking scenery. You’ll wander through UNESCO-listed Arles, absorbing Roman ruins that whisper tales from thousands of years ago, and then ascend to Les Baux, a medieval fortress perched on a dramatic limestone outcrop. Lastly, Saint-Rémy offers a chance to connect with Vincent Van Gogh’s world at his former residence. The personal guide makes all the difference—sharing stories, pointing out hidden details, and making the day feel like a custom adventure.

One potential drawback is the logistics at the port—as one reviewer noted, access can be tricky, and sometimes guides may face restrictions entering the port area. Plus, the cost might seem steep for some travelers, especially when meals and optional visits (like Van Gogh’s house) are extra. Still, for those wanting a private, curated experience with in-depth insights, this tour offers excellent value.

This trip is best suited for history buffs, art lovers, and those craving a scenic escape from cruise crowds. If you value personal service, expert guidance, and a flexible schedule, you’ll find this tour a rewarding way to absorb Provence’s essence in a single day.

Key Points

• Private and intimate: Small group size means personalized attention and flexibility.
• Cultural and scenic highlights: Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and stunning vistas.
• Comfortable transport: Air-conditioned minivan makes the day pleasant, even in warm weather.
• Expert guide: Knowledgeable storytelling enhances every stop.
• Extra options: Visit Vincent Van Gogh’s former residence for an additional fee—worth considering if art history interests you.
• Timing considerations: The tour’s schedule is tight but balanced, covering three major sites in about 7 hours.

In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Journey Begins: From Marseille to Provence

The adventure kicks off at 9:00 am, with your driver waiting for you at the Marseille port. The air-conditioned minivan is a significant perk, especially given southern France’s summer heat. Embarking in a private vehicle means no need to share space with strangers or stick to a rigid group itinerary. Instead, your guide—who’s both friendly and knowledgeable—tailors the trip as it unfolds.

First Stop: Arles

The first major stop is Arles, a city celebrated for its Roman history and artistic heritage. You’ll spend about 70 minutes wandering through UNESCO-listed archaeological sites, including the spectacular Roman theater and arena—reminding us of how ancient civilizations built for both function and spectacle. The Roman ruins are surprisingly accessible and fewer crowds than similar sites in Italy, making for a more relaxed visit.

The famous arena is a highlight—painter Vincent Van Gogh was inspired by it, capturing its essence in some of his most iconic paintings. Pablo Picasso also drew inspiration from the city’s historic charm. One reviewer shared, “We had a wonderful trip from Marseilles to St Remy, le baux and Arles. Highly recommend this trip!” We love how this stop combines history, art, and authentic local flavor.

Scenic Ascent to Les Baux de Provence

Next, you’ll venture approximately 2 hours to Les Baux-de-Provence, a medieval village perched atop a limestone plateau at 250 meters elevation. The views south over the Alpilles, the Arles plain, and the Camargue are truly spectacular and worth the drive. The village’s fortifications and stone houses tell of centuries of strategic importance—inhabited since 6000 BC.

Wander through narrow cobbled streets, visit the castle ruins, and absorb the panoramic vistas. The setting alone makes this stop a highlight, and it’s a favorite for many travelers. As one review notes, “Les Baux has a superb defensive position, and the views are incredible.” The free admission allows you to explore at your own pace, although optional guided tours or visits inside the castle could be an extra expense.

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Van Gogh’s Connection

The final stop is Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a charming town with a medieval core and a link to Vincent Van Gogh, who painted many scenes here. The Saint-Paul de Mausole monastery, where Van Gogh spent his last years, is an optional visit costing extra.

You’ll have about 30 minutes to photograph the quaint streets or visit the monastery grounds if you choose. While some reviews mention that the visit to Van Gogh’s house is an additional expense, many find it a meaningful way to connect with the artist’s life and work.

Returning to Marseille

The tour wraps up around 4:00 pm, returning you to the port well before your ship departs. Having a private guide means you can customize a little if desired—perhaps linger longer at a spot you love or ask for insider tips.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Transportation

The air-conditioned minivan is ideal for comfort and convenience, allowing quick transitions between sites and a relaxed atmosphere for chatting with your guide. The private nature of the tour means your group controls the pace—perfect for families or small groups seeking a personalized experience.

Timing and Pacing

The schedule is designed to cover significant highlights without feeling rushed. Each stop is carefully chosen to maximize exposure to history, scenery, and local culture. The 7-hour duration is manageable, but it requires some walking—so moderate fitness helps, especially on uneven streets and hillside paths.

Cost and Value

While $1,105 may seem high, consider what it includes: private transportation, a knowledgeable guide, port pickup and drop-off, and visits to three major attractions. If you were to visit these sites independently, transportation and entrance fees could add up quickly. The private aspect also means less waiting and more tailored commentary.

Caveats and Considerations

• Port access can be tricky, as noted by some travelers who had difficulty with guides entering the port area. It’s worth clarifying your pickup details well in advance.
• The Van Gogh site is an optional extra, so budget accordingly if interested.
• The cost excludes meals, so plan to bring snacks or plan for a quick lunch on your own.

What Past Travelers Say

The reviews are mixed but insightful. A perfect score was awarded by a traveler praising their guide’s friendliness and knowledge. Conversely, some reviews mention getting lost or feeling not well-guided, highlighting the importance of choosing a reputable guide or confirming arrangements beforehand.

Who Should Book This Tour?

If you’re someone who appreciates history, art, and scenic views, and prefers a private, flexible experience, this tour suits you well. It’s ideal for travelers who want to maximize their limited time ashore and avoid the crowds. Keep in mind that a moderate level of physical activity is expected, especially if you want to explore sites like Les Baux or Van Gogh’s monastery thoroughly.

This experience is especially good for small groups or families seeking a personalized day without the hassle of self-driving or navigating public transport. However, if you’re seeking a very budget-friendly tour, the price might be a limiting factor.

FAQs

What is included in the tour fee?
The tour includes driver/guide, port pickup and drop-off, and transport by air-conditioned minivan. Entrance fees are free for Arles and Les Baux, but visiting Van Gogh’s residence at Saint-Paul de Mausole costs extra.

How long do we spend at each site?
You’ll have about 70 minutes at Arles, 2 hours at Les Baux, and 30 minutes at Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. This provides a good overview but allows some flexibility to linger or skip certain areas.

Can I visit Vincent Van Gogh’s house?
Yes, but it’s an additional expense not included in the tour price. If you’re interested, you should plan for extra budget and time.

What if my ship’s port access is restricted?
One review mentions difficulty entering the port, which can happen due to security or private access rules. It’s crucial to confirm your pickup details and stay in touch with the tour operator.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult, and the moderate walking involved makes it suitable for families with reasonable fitness levels.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, a camera, and some snacks or water. Remember, meals are not included, so plan accordingly.

How customizable is the tour?
Since it’s private, your guide can adapt the schedule slightly if you wish, within the overall timeframe. Feel free to ask about longer stops or specific interests.

To sum it up, this private Provence day trip from Marseille offers a well-rounded experience for those eager to explore Roman ruins, medieval villages, and artistic heritage with the comfort of personalized service. It’s most suited for travelers who prioritize quality over cost, and enjoy engaging guides who bring history alive. While port access can pose a challenge, careful planning and communication can ensure a smooth, memorable journey through one of France’s most enchanting regions.