From Aix-en-Provence: Arles, Les Baux, & Saint-Rémy Full-Day

A Day in Provence: Exploring Arles, Saint-Rémy, and Les Baux from Aix-en-Provence

If you’re visiting the South of France and want to soak in some of Provence’s most iconic sights without the hassle of planning multiple days, this full-day tour offers a perfect balance. For $170 per person, you’ll spend about 8.5 hours uncovering the Roman ruins of Arles, Van Gogh’s beloved Saint-Rémy, and the medieval charm of Les Baux de Provence — all led by knowledgeable guides in a small group.

Two things we love about this experience are the personalized attention afforded by small-group size, and the chance to stand where Van Gogh once wandered, creating some of his most famous works. The tour also includes free time at each stop, allowing for spontaneous explorations or a leisurely lunch.

A possible drawback is that entrance fees and meals are not included, so you’ll want to budget extra for tickets or a nice meal, especially if you wish to visit sites like Saint-Paul-de-Mausole or attend Les Carrières de Lumière.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate art, history, and scenic landscapes but prefer a structured day with expert commentary. It’s ideal for those who enjoy exploring at a comfortable pace and want to see Provence’s highlights without the stress of driving or organizing logistics.

Key Points

• Intimate Group Size: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personal experience and the chance for questions.
• Flexible Exploration: Free time at each stop allows you to tailor your visit, whether to shop, photograph, or relax.
• Rich Cultural Highlights: From Roman ruins and medieval villages to Van Gogh’s haunts, you get a wide variety of sights.
• Guides with Local Knowledge: Guides like Emmanuel and Johanna are praised for their helpfulness and depth of knowledge.
• Good Value for Money: For the price, you get a full day of guided sightseeing, scenic drives, and authentic Provence experiences.
• Seasonal Variations: Some attractions like Les Carrières de Lumière may be closed during winter, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Provence Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins at the Tourist Information Center in Aix-en-Provence, a convenient central location. You’ll hop into a comfortable minibus, with transportation included—a relief given the distances and the scenic drives through the countryside. The small group size (limited to 8) creates a cozy atmosphere, fostering interaction with your guide and fellow travelers.

The Journey: Van Ride and Scenic Views

The first leg of the journey is a roughly 75-minute drive, where guides typically share stories about the region’s history, culture, and the stories behind each site. As you travel, the windows frame rolling hills, vineyards, and charming villages—an introduction to the Provence landscape that you’ll revisit throughout the day.

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Art, Markets, and Van Gogh’s Footsteps

Arriving in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, you’ll find yourself in a town that exudes Provençal charm. Most travelers love the free time here, especially if you visit on a Wednesday when the local open-air market fills the streets with vibrant vendors selling local produce, artisanal goods, and regional specialties.

One of the tour’s highlights is the photo stop at Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, where Van Gogh was hospitalized in 1889. This site is especially meaningful for art lovers, and you’ll love the chance to imagine Van Gogh walking these very streets or gazing out over the landscape that inspired his paintings. Keep in mind, visiting the hospital itself requires an additional ticket, so plan accordingly.

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Les Baux-de-Provence: Medieval Marvel & Breathtaking Views

Next, the tour takes you to the village of Les Baux-de-Provence. Here, narrow medieval streets wind between stone houses, and the ruins of a castle perched atop a rocky spur dominate the skyline. From this vantage point, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, including the Alpilles mountain range.

You’ll have roughly 2.75 hours to explore independently—ample time to wander, shop for souvenirs, or sit down for a leisurely lunch. Many reviews mention how charming and photogenic Les Baux is, with one reviewer noting, “The town/shops very pretty and the hike up to the castle was amazing.” If available, attending the Les Carrières de Lumière show—an immersive multimedia experience inside former quarry walls—can be a highlight, though it’s not included in the ticket and may be closed in winter.

Arles: Roman Heritage and Van Gogh’s Art

The final destination is Arles, famed for its Roman amphitheater and artistic associations. Here, you’ll find a Saturday market (or Wednesday if that’s your day). This is a wonderful opportunity to browse stalls offering local foods, crafts, and souvenirs.

Guides like Daniel’s reviewer mention that walking through Arles feels like stepping back in time, especially as you follow Van Gogh’s footsteps to places he painted in 1888. You’ll also have about 1.5 hours to explore on your own, giving you time to visit sites like the Roman ruins or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere.

The Return Trip and Practical Details

After exploring Arles, you’ll hop back into the minibus for the roughly one-hour drive back to Aix-en-Provence, reflecting on a day packed with art, history, and wonderful scenery. The tour wraps up at the original meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

Authentic Experiences: The inclusion of Van Gogh’s former residence and the opportunity to walk through Les Baux’s medieval streets gives a real sense of place. As one reviewer notes, “It was wonderful to see the beautiful landscapes and hear about the history,” emphasizing how personal and engaging the guides make each site.

Knowledgeable Guides: Many travelers praise guides like Emmanuel and Johanna for their depth of knowledge, humor, and helpfulness. Their insights turn the sightseeing into stories rather than just a checklist.

Flexible Free Time: The generous periods at each stop allow for spontaneous discoveries—whether it’s tasting local cheese, shopping for artisan crafts, or just soaking in the views. This flexibility is a big plus for travelers who want a balance of guided information and personal exploration.

Value for Money: Considering transportation, guidance, and entry to key sites (excluding optional extras), the price offers solid value. Many reviews highlight that the tour is worth the cost, especially given the small-group intimacy and rich content.

Potential Considerations

While most travelers find this tour very satisfying, it’s worth noting that entrance fees and meals are not included. If you’re planning to visit Saint-Paul-de-Mausole or attend the Les Carrières de Lumière show, you’ll need additional tickets. Also, the tour involves some walking on uneven streets and hill climbs, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Depending on the season, some attractions like Les Carrières de Lumière might be closed during winter, so check ahead if that’s a priority.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is perfect for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and those who enjoy scenic drives through Provence. It’s especially suitable for travelers who appreciate small-group experiences and want the flexibility to explore at their own pace. If you’re visiting Aix-en-Provence and want a comprehensive yet manageable day trip that balances guided insights with free exploration, this tour hits the mark.

It’s less suited for travelers with mobility issues or those traveling with very young children, as some sites involve walking or climbing.

The Sum Up

This tour from Aix-en-Provence offers a well-rounded glimpse into Provence’s artistic, historic, and scenic treasures. With knowledgeable guides, small groups, and plenty of free time at each location, you get to experience the region in a relaxed and authentic way. Whether you’re walking among Roman ruins in Arles, tracing Van Gogh’s footsteps in Saint-Rémy, or wandering the medieval streets of Les Baux, you’ll find this tour provides a meaningful and memorable day.

It’s especially great for those who want to see the highlights without the hassle of planning or driving, and who value local insight and flexibility. This experience offers a satisfying balance of guided storytelling and personal discovery—just the way Provence should be explored.

FAQ

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts about 8.5 hours, including travel time between sites and free exploration periods.

What is included in the price?
Transportation by minibus and a driver/guide are included. Entrance fees, meals, and personal expenses are not.

Where do we meet?
The tour starts outside the Aix-en-Provence Tourist Information Center, a convenient central spot.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 4 years old, mainly because of walking and site access. Also, some sites require walking on uneven surfaces.

Can I visit Saint-Paul-de-Mausole?
Yes, but note that entrance tickets are not included in the tour. You might want to buy tickets in advance if you wish to visit inside.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and water are recommended. Luggage or large bags are not allowed.

Are the guides fluent in English and French?
Yes, the tour offers guides in both languages, ensuring clear explanations and stories along the way.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this Provence day trip offers an engaging, authentic taste of the region’s art, history, and landscapes. It’s a thoughtful way to see beyond the usual and truly connect with the soul of Provence.

You can check availability for your dates here: