Aix-en-Provence: Arles, Baux, & Saint-Rémy-de-Provence Tour

Exploring the South of France: Aix-en-Provence to Arles, Les Baux, & Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

If you’re looking for a way to combine history, art, and authentic Provençal scenery in one day, this private tour from Aix-en-Provence might just be your perfect fit. For $1,112 per group (up to eight people), you’ll spend about eight hours traveling through some of the most captivating sights in the region—visiting Arles, following in Van Gogh’s footsteps in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, and wandering the medieval streets of Les Baux de Provence.

What we particularly love about this experience is how it balances culture with personal attention—your guide works hard to customize the day, highlighting Van Gogh’s most famous painting sites and the history of Roman Arles. Plus, the immersive Les Carrieres de Lumieres show at Les Baux adds a modern artistic touch to this journey. The second highlight? The tour offers a comprehensive glance at the birthplace of Nostradamus in Saint-Rémy, blending literary history with Provençal charm.

One possible consideration is the full day’s itinerary—eight hours of sightseeing can be packed, which might feel rushed if you prefer slow, wandering explorations. Also, note that lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to budget time for a meal or pack a picnic.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a well-organized day with plenty of history, art, and scenic vistas, especially those eager to see Van Gogh’s influence in Provence firsthand. It’s perfect for small groups who appreciate personalized attention and are comfortable with a full, active schedule.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Personalized Experience: A private group means your guide can tailor the day to your interests.
Rich Cultural Stops: Includes highlights like Roman ruins, Van Gogh sites, and medieval villages.
Immersive Art: The Les Carrieres de Lumieres show offers a visually stunning modern art experience.
Expert Guide: Knowledgeable guides help bring history and art alive, making it more than just sightseeing.
Flexibility: Though busy, the tour allows you to experience a broad sweep of Provençal history and scenery in one day.
Cost: At just over a thousand dollars for a group, it offers good value considering the personalized attention and diverse sites.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

A Smooth Start from Aix-en-Provence

The journey begins with a hotel pickup, which is a real plus for saving time and hassle in a busy region. Your guide, who was praised in reviews as “vivacious” and “knowledgeable,” helps set the tone for a day filled with fascinating stories and scenic views. Traveling comfortably in a private vehicle means you can relax between stops and enjoy the countryside rolling past your window.

Exploring Roman Arles: Ancient Foundations

Our first stop is Arles, a city that still bears the marks of its Roman Empire roots. We loved the way the guide highlighted how Arles’ Roman amphitheater once hosted gladiator contests—imagine the roar of the crowds thousands of years ago. The arena and amphitheater are certainly the stars here; they’re well-preserved and give you a real sense of ancient entertainment.

As one reviewer said, “We loved the way our guide explained the history of the Roman sites and pointed out details we might have missed on our own.” Expect to walk around these ruins, with plenty of photo opportunities and chances to learn about how this city thrived under Roman rule.

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Van Gogh’s Provence: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Next, we head to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a charming village brimming with Provençal character. This is where Van Gogh spent a pivotal part of his artistic life and where his brushstrokes made some of his most famous works. You’ll visit sites like the Café Van Gogh, where he was known to have painted, and the St Paul de Mausole asylum, where he created many masterpieces during his stay.

The guide’s insights really brought to life Van Gogh’s connection to the landscape—the views of the Alpilles mountains, and the narrow streets of Saint-Rémy, where you can still see his footprints in the form of the scenes he painted. The Wednesday morning market adds a lively Provençal color to the visit, giving you a taste of local life.

Reviewers appreciated the depth of explanation, with one noting, “Nathalie, our guide, worked hard to accommodate our requests and made sure we saw Van Gogh’s key sites.” If you’re an art lover, this part of the tour will be especially memorable.

The Spectacular Hilltop Village: Les Baux de Provence

The highlight of the afternoon is Les Baux de Provence, a medieval hilltop village perched 200 meters above the plain. The views from here are breathtaking—craggy rocks, ancient stone buildings, and winding streets that seem frozen in time.

But what makes Les Baux stand out today is the Les Carrieres de Lumieres, a stunning immersive art exhibition. This modern multimedia show projects art and photography onto the natural rock formations, creating a totally unique experience. It’s the kind of event that makes you say, “Wow,” and really adds a contemporary twist to our historical journey.

The village itself is charming enough to explore on foot, with narrow streets lined by boutiques and cafes. If you love photography or art, attending the Lumieres show is a definite highlight—one reviewer called it “a visual feast that brought art to life in a way I’d never experienced before.”

Practicalities and Value

The transportation is comfortable, private, and efficient—ideal for a full day of sightseeing. The guide is key, with many reviewers praising the friendly, knowledgeable personality that makes the day both educational and enjoyable.

While lunch is not included, the tour’s structure allows you to find local cafes or bring a picnic. Be prepared for a long day; comfortable shoes are a must to navigate cobbled streets and archaeological sites.

At $1,112 for a group of up to 8, you’re paying for a personalized experience that combines history, art, and scenery in one seamless day—great value if you appreciate guided insights without the hassle of driving or planning.

Authenticity and Balance

This tour offers a well-rounded look at Provence’s cultural treasures, balancing Roman ruins, Van Gogh’s inspiration, and medieval architecture. The fact that it operates rain or shine ensures you’ll see the sights regardless, but a clear day will make the views even more spectacular.

The tour’s small-group format fosters a personal connection with your guide, who can answer your questions in depth. It’s clear from reviews that guides like Nathalie go above and beyond to ensure you see the highlights while providing engaging stories that bring the sites to life.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers eager to spend a full day exploring multiple sites with depth and context. It’s especially recommended for art lovers, history buffs, and those wanting a personalized, intimate experience. If you’re comfortable with a busy schedule and walking, you’ll appreciate how much ground you cover in one day—without feeling rushed thanks to the private transport and expert guidance.

It’s less suited for travelers seeking a slow, relaxed pace or those on a very tight budget, as the overall cost reflects the private, guided nature of the trip. If you prefer self-led exploration, this might not be the best choice, but for those who want a curated experience with rich storytelling, it hits the mark.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, including travel time and sightseeing at each stop.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the price covers private transportation from and back to your Aix-en-Provence hotel.

Can I choose the languages?
Yes, guides are available in French, English, or Spanish, depending on your preference.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, so plan for a meal during the day or bring snacks.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially since you’ll be walking around archaeological sites, villages, and museums.

What if it rains?
The tour proceeds rain or shine. Be prepared with an umbrella or rain jacket if the weather calls for it.

How big is the group?
It’s a private tour for up to 8 people, ensuring personalized attention and flexibility.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is suitable for most ages, but a certain level of walking is involved.

Is this tour suitable for photographers?
Absolutely. The scenic vistas, historic sites, and the Les Lumieres show all provide fantastic photographic opportunities.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The guide is usually flexible and willing to accommodate specific interests or requests during the day.

Final Thoughts

This Aix-en-Provence to Arles, Saint-Rémy, and Les Baux tour offers an engaging way to see some of the region’s most iconic sights in a manageable, personalized package. The combination of Roman ruins, Van Gogh’s Provence, and medieval villages, topped with a stunning immersive art experience, makes it a compelling choice for travelers eager to connect with the region’s history and artistic spirit.

The knowledgeable guides, well-curated itinerary, and scenic vistas make it stand out as an excellent value for those wanting an authentic, enriching day. While it’s a full schedule, the small-group dynamic ensures you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and customize your experience.

If you’re visiting Aix-en-Provence and want a taste of Roman history, artistic inspiration, and Provençal charm—all in one day—this tour is worth considering. It’s especially ideal for those who appreciate expert storytelling and beautiful scenery, making your trip memorable without the stress of self-driving or planning every detail.

You can check availability for your dates here: