Marseille Shore Excursion: Private Day Trip to Arles, Les Baux de Provence and Saint Remy de Provence

Discover the Beauty of Provence with a Private Day Trip from Marseille

This private shore excursion offers a personalized 7-hour journey through some of southeastern France’s most captivating sights. For a cost of $1,105.39 per group (up to 8 people), travelers are picked up directly at the Marseille port and transported in an air-conditioned minivan. The trip includes visits to UNESCO-listed Arles, the fortified village of Les Baux de Provence, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where you can optionally visit Vincent Van Gogh’s former residence at the Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole.

This tour emphasizes intimate exploration and flexible transport, making it ideal for those who want to avoid large groups and enjoy personalized attention. While the itinerary is packed with highlights, keep in mind that food and drinks are not included, and there’s an additional expense for entering Van Gogh’s residence. The tour has received an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 based on five reviews, with some praise for the guides’ knowledge and scenic stops, and some critiques about logistical issues.

Key Points

• Private Tour for Up to 8 Travelers: Ensures an exclusive experience with personalized service.
• Seven-Hour Itinerary: From port pickup at 9:00 am, covering three major sites.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Explore Roman ruins in Arles, famed for its historical significance.
• Visit Les Baux de Provence: A striking medieval village perched on a 250m high rock plateau with scenic views.
• Optional Van Gogh Visit: Saint-Paul de Mausole monastery, Vincent Van Gogh’s former residence, available for extra expense.
• Transport and Pickup Included: Comfortably travel between sites with an air-conditioned minivan.

Meeting Point and Transportation in Marseille

The tour begins at Marseille Provence Airport RD 20, 13700 Marignane, with pickup arranged directly at the port. The journey is conducted in a private, air-conditioned minivan, creating a comfortable ride through the Provençal landscape. The group size is limited to ensure a more focused experience, and the activity ends back at the meeting point, providing a convenient full-circle experience.

Exploring Arles: Roman Ruins and Artistic Heritage

The first stop at Arles lasts about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Arles offers a wealth of Roman ruins, including an amphitheater and arena that once hosted gladiator fights. This site is particularly notable because Van Gogh and Picasso both painted scenes of Arles’ famous arena, adding an artistic dimension to the visit.

Because there are no admission tickets required, visitors can freely walk through the ancient structures and imagine their historical grandeur. The lack of crowds makes Arles a peaceful site for exploring Roman architecture and walls that date back thousands of years.

The Dramatic Cliff-Top Village of Les Baux de Provence

Following Arles, the tour moves to Les Baux de Provence, a spectacular village perched 250 meters above ground on a rocky plateau. The 2-hour visit allows plenty of time to admire breathtaking vistas over the Alpilles, Arles, and the Camargue. The village’s defensive location has been inhabited since around 6000 BC, giving it a long history of strategic importance.

The village’s narrow streets, medieval buildings, and scenic views make it a highlight for photography and walking. Its free admission means you can explore the charming streets and ancient ruins without additional costs, although supplementary expenses may apply for specific attractions or amenities within the village.

Visiting Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Van Gogh’s Connection

The final stop, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, lasts around 30 minutes. Here, visitors can see Glanum, an ancient Roman site, and optionally visit Saint-Paul de Mausole monastery, where Vincent Van Gogh spent time during his mental health struggles. Entrance to Van Gogh’s former residence requires an additional fee, but the site offers insight into the artist’s life and work.

This stop provides a brief but meaningful glimpse into Van Gogh’s Provence period, known for inspiring some of his most famous paintings. The proximity of the monastery to Roman ruins adds to the area’s historical richness.

Logistics and Practical Considerations

The pickup and drop-off service from the Marseille port simplifies logistics, removing the need for separate transportation arrangements. The group size of up to 8 ensures an intimate experience, with the guide providing personalized attention. The tour starts at 9:00 am, giving ample time to enjoy all three stops within the approximately 7-hour duration.

Travelers should possess moderate physical fitness, as walking on uneven surfaces or exploring historic sites might be involved. Food and drinks are not included, so bringing snacks or planning a meal in advance is recommended. Since Van Gogh’s residence has an extra fee, visitors should prepare for possible additional expenses.

The Guide and Tour Experience

A driver/guide accompanies the group, offering commentary on each location. One review highlights a guide named Paco as being friendly, helpful, patient, and knowledgeable, which contributed to a highly enjoyable experience. However, some reviews mention logistical hiccups such as difficulties entering the port, and less helpful guides have been reported. The company has responded to criticism, indicating that guides’ conduct and port access are areas of ongoing improvement.

Value and Overall Impression

This private tour offers a comprehensive way to explore Provence’s cultural and natural highlights in a single day. The cost reflects the exclusivity and transport comfort, making it suitable for groups seeking a relaxed yet informative outing. The scenic stops at Arles, Les Baux, and Saint-Rémy are well-chosen, providing a balanced mix of history, architecture, and sweeping views.

While some logistical issues and optional extra costs could be considerations, the personalized nature of the tour and the chance to see renowned sites in a flexible setting make it worthwhile. This experience best suits those interested in history, art, and scenic landscapes, and who prefer a private, guided approach over group tours.

Provence’s Heritage and Scenic Vistas in One Day

This tour showcases the essence of Provence: its ancient Roman ruins, medieval villages, and inspiring landscapes. The intimate private setting enhances the overall experience, allowing for a more relaxed pace and personalized commentary. The 7-hour duration ensures a full day of exploration without feeling rushed.

The stops at Arles and Les Baux de Provence are especially memorable for their historical depth and panoramic views, while the optional Van Gogh site adds an artistic touch. Despite some past issues with guide assistance and port access, the company’s responsiveness and focus on customer experience make this option a solid choice for a daytime Provençal adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult, and the physical activity involved is moderate, making it suitable for families with children who can handle walking and exploring.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers driver/guide services, port pickup and drop-off, private transportation, and the visits to Arles, Les Baux, and Saint-Rémy.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included. Travelers should plan to bring snacks or arrange their own meals.

Can I visit Van Gogh’s residence?
Yes, visiting Saint-Paul de Mausole monastery is optional and requires an additional fee.

What is the maximum group size?
Up to 8 people can participate in this private tour, ensuring a personalized experience.

How long is each stop?
Arles lasts about 1 hour and 10 minutes, Les Baux for 2 hours, and Saint-Rémy for 30 minutes.

What happens if my ship cannot access the port?
The tour provider has experienced port access issues and will accommodate guests by rescheduling or adjusting as needed, though some past reviews noted challenges.

Is the tour accessible for travelers with mobility issues?
The tour requires moderate physical fitness; uneven surfaces at historic sites might pose challenges for those with mobility limitations.

How do I book this tour?
Bookings can be made in advance, with confirmation provided at the time of booking, or within 48 hours if booked less than 7 days prior.

What if I need to cancel?
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, offering flexibility for change or unforeseen circumstances.