History & Beauty: Arles & Les Baux Private Shore Trip from Marseille

6 hours
Marseille, France

About this activity

Embark on a private shore excursion from Marseille to the stunning towns of Arles and Les Baux. Experience rich cultural heritage, captivating architecture, and breathtaking landscapes while exploring at your own pace.

Highlights

  • Explore the picturesque village of Les Baux de Provence
  • Marvel at the stunning views in Les Baux
  • Wander through the charming streets of Arles
  • Discover the Roman architecture of Arles

Full description

Embark on a private shore excursion from Marseille that reveals the best of Arles & Les Baux‑de‑Provence in a single day. In Arles, often called a little open‑air museum, you can stroll past Roman-era streets, admire the impressive amphitheater and other ancient remains, and feel the artistic spirit that once inspired Van Gogh. Wander through sun‑filled squares, narrow lanes, and cafés that capture the everyday rhythm of Provençal life.Your day continues in the dramatic hilltop village of Les Baux‑de‑Provence, perched high above a patchwork of olive groves and rocky hills. Here you can meander along cobbled alleys, explore stone houses and castle ruins, and pause at viewpoints with sweeping panoramas over the Alpilles countryside. With comfortable transport from the Marseille Cruise Terminal and plenty of time to walk, photograph, and simply enjoy the scenery, this shore excursion is a memorable way to experience Provence’s history, landscapes, and village charm in one seamless trip.

Arles & Les Baux: Private Shore Excursion from Marseille
Set out from Marseille on a private shore excursion that weaves together the Roman grandeur of Arles, the dramatic hilltop setting of Les Baux‑de‑Provence, and the timeless charm of Saint‑Rémy‑de‑Provence. With your own English‑speaking driver and premium A/C vehicle, you travel in comfort while keeping the day flexible and unhurried.

Roman Heritage in Arles
Begin in Arles, where wide boulevards, stone lanes and sunlit squares frame some of the best‑preserved Roman monuments in Provence. Enjoy a guided walk past the amphitheater, ancient theatre and historic quarters, with time to pause for photos and to soak up the everyday life of this vibrant town.

Les Baux: Perched Medieval Village
Continue into the Alpilles hills to Les Baux‑de‑Provence, a spectacular medieval village perched on a rocky outcrop. Stroll its cobbled streets, explore stone houses and ruined ramparts, and savour panoramic views over olive groves and rugged cliffs that seem made for photographers and painters alike.

Optional Immersive Art Experience
If you wish, you can add a visit to the Carrières de Lumières in Les Baux (time permitting, pre-booking mandatory), where masterpieces are projected onto quarry walls in a dazzling sound‑and‑light show—a memorable way to connect art, music and place.

Designed for Discerning Travelers
With private pick‑up and drop‑off at your cruise ship, a comfortable vehicle, and the option to pre‑arrange monument entrances, this excursion is crafted for discerning travelers who want depth, ease and style in one unforgettable day ashore.

Included / Excluded

  • Pick up and drop off at Cruise Ship in Marseille
  • Visit Les Baux de Provence
  • Walking tour in Arles
  • English speaking driver or driver/guide
  • Premium A/C vehicle
  • Meals and drinks (lunch)
  • Personal travel insurance and expenses
  • Gratuities for the guide

Itinerary

1

Pickup at Marseille Cruise Terminal

Meet your English‑speaking driver directly at the Marseille Cruise Terminal and relax in your private, air‑conditioned vehicle as you head toward Provence.

1 hour
2

Morning in Arles – Roman & historic center

Arrive in Arles for a guided walk through the historic center, taking in the Roman amphitheater, nearby ancient monuments and the elegant main square with its town hall and obelisk. Enjoy a little free time to wander, shop or pause at a café.

Duration: 1h 30m

Meeting point

Pick up at Cruise Ship – Marseille Cruise Ship Terminal. Please proceed to exit where your guide will be waiting for you with a sign bearing lead traveler name.

Important information

Know before you book

  • This is a private shore excursion from Marseille with an English‑speaking driver.
  • Walking includes cobbled streets, steps and some slopes; not ideal for limited mobility.
  • Visit order and exact stops may vary with time and opening hours.
  • Optional visits such as Carrières de Lumières require additional fees.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for cobblestones and uneven ground.
  • Bring a hat, sunscreen and water, especially in summer when the Alpilles can be very hot
  • Have some cash or card for lunch, cafés, souvenirs
  • A light layer is useful: hilltop villages like Les Baux can be breezy even on sunny days.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 72 hours before the activity starts

We accept payment by AMEX, Visa and Master Card. There is no charge or service fee for processing credit card payments except with American Express +3%. For any cancellation, the following fees will be deducted from the refund: Up to 72 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 72hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund

Reviews

Google
Nicola Walters
Jul 2026
5.0

Easy enough to book, our original.time.of 9am was cancelled due to unforseen circumstances but they accomodated us on the trip at 2pm instead- Lena our guide was amazing, very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. The trip itself amazing if your staying in Sarlat its a really good way to break up your stay and visit the other villages, the viallges are a WOW factor.and a must see

GetYourGuide
Milos
Jul 2026
5.0

excellent guide, great wineries and people in them, delicious wine, I recommend 😊

GetYourGuide
Phillip
Jun 2026
5.0

Our guide did a great job. He is very knowledgeable and personable.

Additional information

If you want to share your tour with others, you can put it on Cruise Critic. Most of the time this gives good results. You must do this yourself as we are not accepted on their site as a professional business. We accept split payment transactions by credit card.

This shore excursion is best for travelers who love history, art, and spectacular landscapes and prefer charming towns to big cities. It’s ideal for couples, friends, and adult families who enjoy gentle walking through Roman ruins and medieval villages, with time for photos, cafés, and browsing small shops.

It suits guests who appreciate an intimate, private experience with a flexible pace and an English‑speaking driver, rather than a large coach tour, and who want to see a lot of Provence’s character—Arles, Les Baux area—in one carefully planned day from Marseille.