Baux and Saint Rémy de Provence: Culture and Landscapes

Explore the Charm of Les Baux-de-Provence and Saint Rémy de Provence

This 8-hour private tour from Marseille offers a deep dive into the culture, history, and landscapes of Provence. For $641.42 per group (up to 8 people), you’ll experience a blend of medieval architecture, stunning vistas, and local wines. The tour combines visits to iconic sites like Château des Baux, Carrieres des Lumieres, and the Glanum archaeological site, with optional stops at Saint Paul de Mausole, where Vincent van Gogh once stayed.

A key strength of this experience is its flexibility: it’s a private tour with pickup included, and the itinerary is tailored to your timing and preferences. The entire day is designed to be a balance of sightseeing and relaxing wine tastings at renowned estates such as Château Estoublon, Mas Sainte-Berthe, and Mas de Gourgonnier. While the tour offers a comprehensive Provence experience, note that lunch and some entrance fees are not included, so planning accordingly is advised.

Key Points

• Private 8-hour tour from Marseille with exclusive transportation and wine tasting
• Visit Les Baux-de-Provence, a village perched atop the Alpilles mountains with panoramic views
• Explore Château des Baux ruins and walk cobbled streets lined with historic stone houses
• Experience immersive art exhibits at Carrieres des Lumieres
• Discover the ancient Roman and Gallic remains at Glanum
• Optional visit to Saint Paul de Mausole, Vincent van Gogh’s former residence

Starting Point: Convenient Pickup in Marseille

The tour begins at Place Castellane in Marseille, making it easy to start without hassle. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable journey to the Provençal countryside. Since parking fees are included, there are no extra costs for parking during the day.

This private experience caters well to groups up to 8, offering flexibility and personalized attention. The full-day duration allows ample time at each stop, making it ideal for those who prefer a relaxed pace and in-depth exploration.

Discovering Carrieres des Lumieres’ Art Installations

The first stop takes you to Carrieres des Lumieres, an extraordinary site where ancient stone quarries are transformed into vibrant art exhibits. Walking through these immersive displays, visitors get a unique blend of history and modern artistic presentation. Admission is free, so you can enjoy this striking experience without extra cost.

The 3-hour visit gives enough time to appreciate the artwork and absorb the atmosphere of this historic setting. It’s a highlight for those interested in combining art and history in an unconventional space.

Visiting Saint Paul de Mausole, Van Gogh’s Inspiration

Next, the tour includes a stop at Saint Paul de Mausole, a monastery famed for having welcomed Vincent van Gogh from May 1889 to May 1890. Although admission fees are not included, this site draws art enthusiasts eager to see the place where Van Gogh painted many of his works.

The 3-hour visit provides insights into Van Gogh’s life and the environment that inspired his art. Because this stop is optional and not included in the price, travelers can decide whether to spend more or less time here.

Exploring the Ancient Site of Glanum

The Site Archéologique de Glanum offers an impressive glimpse into Gallic and Roman history. The vast archaeological remains include ancient ruins of a Roman town, a Gallic fort, and a nearby tea room and souvenir shop.

Spending around 2 hours here allows visitors to walk among the ruins and understand the region’s ancient past. Entry fees are not included, so plan accordingly. This site provides a tangible connection to the ancient civilizations that once thrived in Provence.

Visiting Château des Baux and Panoramic Views

On the hilltop in the Alpilles mountains, Château des Baux dominates the landscape with its impressive medieval fortress ruins. The village’s cobbled streets lead visitors through historic stone houses up to the castle ruins, where breathtaking views of olive groves and vineyards unfold.

Exploring the castle ruins and the village takes approximately 3 hours, during which you can enjoy sweeping vistas and a sense of stepping back in time. The perched location offers some of the most striking panoramas in Provence, making it a favorite for photography and sightseeing.

Wine Tasting at Renowned Provençal Estates

The tour includes wine tasting sessions at estates such as Château Estoublon, Mas Sainte-Berthe, and Mas de Gourgonnier. These visits showcase some of Provence’s finest local wines and provide insight into the region’s viticulture traditions.

While lunch is not included, the wine tastings are a highlight, especially for connoisseurs and those curious about Provençal wines. The estates are carefully selected for their reputation and scenic settings, adding a relaxing and flavorful dimension to the day.

Practicalities: Transportation and Flexibility

All transportation is private and air-conditioned, ensuring comfort throughout the day. The pickup in Marseille makes it convenient to begin your journey, and parking fees are covered.

The itinerary is flexible, allowing the guide to adapt the schedule based on your timing and interests. The tour ends back at the original meeting point, making logistics straightforward. Since it is a private experience, only your group participates, providing personalized attention and the chance to customize stops.

Who Will Appreciate This Provence Tour?

This tour is especially suited for small groups up to 8 people who want an in-depth, personalized exploration of Provence’s cultural landmarks and landscapes. It appeals to those interested in history, art, and wine, offering a well-rounded experience. Travelers seeking a relaxed pace and the opportunity to visit multiple sites without the hassle of planning individual tickets will find this tour particularly valuable.

However, note that lunch and some entrance fees are not included, so budget accordingly if you wish to visit additional sites or dine at local establishments.

The Sum Up: A Rich and Flexible Provence Experience

The Baux and Saint Rémy de Provence: Culture and Landscapes tour delivers a comprehensive day of sightseeing, art, and wine tasting in a private, comfortable setting. The combination of iconic sites like Château des Baux and immersive experiences like Carrieres des Lumieres makes it a compelling option for anyone eager to experience Provence’s history and scenery.

The knowledgeable guide, the scenic drives, and the chance to taste local wines make this tour a memorable way to explore Provence. While some entrance fees and lunch are not included, the overall experience offers solid value for a full-day adventure.

This tour suits those who appreciate personalized service, cultural richness, and scenic beauty—a perfect way to deepen your understanding of Provence’s enduring charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the tour’s flexible pace makes it accessible for a variety of ages and interests.

What is included in the price?
Private transportation, air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, wine tasting, visits to historical monuments, and parking fees are included.

Are there any additional costs I should prepare for?
Yes, lunch and admission fees for sites like Glanum and Saint Paul de Mausole are not included in the price.

How do I book or cancel this tour?
Booking is easy through the provider, Planetazur. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with options for full refund or rescheduling.

Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes, since this is a private tour, the itinerary can be tailored according to your preferences and timing.