Arles, St-Rémy & Les Baux Day Trip from Aix-en-Provence
About this activity
Discover Roman heritage and Provençal villages on a full-day small-group tour from Aix-en-Provence. Explore UNESCO-listed Arles, follow Van Gogh’s footsteps in Saint-Rémy, and visit the spectacular hilltop village of Les Baux-de-Provence.
Highlights
- Explore Arles' UNESCO-listed Roman monuments
- Wander through Saint-Rémy-de-Provence's art scene
- Visit the stunning hilltop village of Les Baux
- Experience scenic views in Alpilles Natural Park
- Enjoy a personalized small-group setting
Full description
Travel through the heart of Provence on a full-day small-group journey combining history, art, and breathtaking landscapes. Departing from Aix-en-Provence, this experience explores the Roman city of Arles, famous for its UNESCO-listed monuments and its deep connection to Vincent van Gogh.
Continue into the Alpilles mountains to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where Van Gogh created some of his most celebrated works while staying at Saint-Paul-de-Mausole. The day concludes in Les Baux-de-Provence, a spectacular hilltop village overlooking olive groves and limestone cliffs, in a tour designed as a complete introduction to Provence’s cultural heritage.
Arles — Roman Heritage
Arles is one of southern France’s most historically significant cities, renowned for its exceptionally preserved Roman monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Highlights include the Roman Amphitheatre, built around 90 AD and once capable of hosting over 20,000 spectators, and the Roman Theatre dating from the time of Emperor Augustus.
Walking through Arles reveals layers of Roman and medieval history alongside locations immortalized by Vincent van Gogh during his prolific stay in 1888–1889.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence — Van Gogh’s Inspiration
Nestled in the Alpilles countryside, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence embodies the peaceful Provençal lifestyle. Nearby stands the Monastery of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, where Van Gogh stayed in 1889 and painted masterpieces including The Starry Night. Today the town combines Roman ruins, shaded squares, and vibrant markets that reflect authentic southern French life.
Les Baux-de-Provence — A Spectacular Hilltop Village
Perched dramatically on a rocky spur within the Alpilles mountains, Les Baux-de-Provence offers panoramic views across olive groves and valleys. Its medieval streets and fortress ruins make it one of Provence’s most iconic destinations and a highlight of any regional journey.
Small-Group Comfort
Limited to eight guests, the tour allows relaxed exploration with time to walk, photograph, and enjoy each destination. Travel takes place in a premium air-conditioned Mercedes minivan accompanied by an expert English-speaking driver-guide.
Included / Excluded
- Transportation in premium air-conditioned minivan
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Guided commentary throughout the day
- Small-group tour (maximum 8 guests)
- Personal travel insurance, expenses
- Mealds and drinks (lunch)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Gratuities for the driver/guide.
Itinerary
Departure from Aix-en-Provence
Depart from Aix-en-Provence and travel in a comfortable small-group minivan toward the Roman city of Arles. The journey begins with a scenic drive through the Provençal countryside, setting the tone for a day rich in history, art, and landscape.
Arles
Begin in Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its exceptionally preserved Roman monuments. Visit highlights such as the Amphitheatre and the Roman Theatre, while discovering the city’s strong connection to Vincent van Gogh.
Important information
Know before you book
- Instant confirmation upon booking
- Tour involves walking and is not suitable for wheelchairs.
- Minimum 2 participants required
- Prices are per person
Know before you go
- Moderate walking required in historic villages
- Uneven cobblestone streets and slopes
- Comfortable shoes recommended
- Sun protection advised in summer
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.
Reviews
The tour was very well organized and our guide Pascal was very knowledgeable and vividly shared insights around the different places we visited. Really good tour for half a day in a small group, also our teenage kids found it very interesting (actually not that easy to get them to really like a sightseeing tour)
The tour with the car was fantastic and the guide had a great knowledge which she shared. The boat part was less interesting, but the view from the river was nice.
Flore is an excellent tour guide; she was very knowledgeable and explained everything to us with great enthusiasm and detail. She showed excellent disposition to answer all of our questions and she was also very kind by trying to speak the words she knows in Spanish (our language).
Additional information
This tour is ideal for travelers interested in discovering Provence through its historical and artistic heritage. Combining Roman monuments, Van Gogh locations, and dramatic hilltop landscapes, the experience provides a balanced introduction to the cultural identity of Provence beyond Aix-en-Provence. The itinerary emphasizes exploration and storytelling rather than museum visits, allowing guests to experience each destination at a relaxed pace.
Please note that we do not distribute water bottles anymore to limit our environmental impact. We strongly recommend that you bring a reusable bottle.