From Avignon: Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence & Saint-Rémy Tour

Explore the South of France on a Full-Day Tour from Avignon

This From Avignon: Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence & Saint-Rémy Tour offers a comprehensive experience of Provence’s most captivating sights. For $128 per person, travelers enjoy a 5.5 to 7.5-hour journey that combines history, art, regional flavors, and stunning landscapes. The tour departs from Hôtel Le Bristol Avignon and is led by a bilingual guide, making it accessible for both English and French speakers. We appreciate how the tour balances structured sightseeing with free time, giving visitors space to soak in the atmosphere of each location.

This tour is particularly well-suited for those eager to explore Roman ruins, medieval villages, and art-inspired landscapes. The highlight is the spectacular Carrières de Lumières light show, projected onto historic limestone quarries—a visual treat in a historic setting. The experience is enriched by guided visits to an olive oil mill, local tastings, and a regional picnic. Keep in mind, the olive oil mill visit and picnic are seasonal, available only from April to October, but the other highlights remain year-round.

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Key Points

• All-in-one Provençal experience covering Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence, Saint-Rémy, and Les Baux’s light show
• Price of $128 includes guided tours, entrance tickets, olive oil tastings, and a picnic
• Flexible duration from 5.5 to 7.5 hours, depending on pace and stops
• Small group size limited to 6 participants for a personalized experience
• Bilingual guides in English and French bring history and stories vividly to life
• Seasonal activities like the olive oil mill tour and picnic are available between April and October

Starting Point and Transport Logistics

The tour begins at Hôtel Le Bristol Avignon, where travelers meet the black Ventourisme vehicle marked with the company’s logo. The guide waits in front of the hotel, ensuring a straightforward start. If staying outside Avignon, contacting the provider for alternative pickup arrangements is recommended, as the tour may not pick up in all surrounding areas.

The drive from Avignon to the first stop in Arles takes approximately 50 minutes, setting a comfortable pace for the day. Throughout the day, transportation between sites is by private vehicle, allowing for scenic views and a relaxed journey.

Discover the Roman Legacy in Arles

The first major stop is Arles, a city famous for its Roman monuments and vibrant history. The guide leads a walk through the city center, showcasing landmarks like the amphitheater, Roman theater, and Roman forum. Visitors also see Saint Trophime Cathedral, its cloister, and the café Van Gogh, which adds a touch of the artist’s connection to the town.

Along With exploring ancient ruins, there’s time to enjoy scenic views of the city’s landscape from various vantage points. The walking tour lasts about 45 minutes, giving enough time to absorb the history without feeling rushed. The Roman architecture remains remarkably well-preserved, offering perfect photo opportunities and cultural insights.

Olive Oil Tasting and Picnic at Moulin Castelas

Between April and October, the tour includes a visit to Moulin Castelas, an olive oil mill situated just outside Les Baux-de-Provence. Here, travelers participate in a guided tour led by a mill worker, who explains olive oil production processes and regional specialties. The visit concludes with a tasting of various olive oils, highlighting the flavors of local AOP products.

After the tastings, travelers enjoy a regional picnic made from fresh products sourced from local farms. The picnic is set in front of the mill, offering an authentic Provençal experience under the shade of trees. This pause combines culinary delight with scenic surroundings, making it a memorable part of the day. Note that this activity is seasonal, and if visiting outside April-October, it may be replaced by other scenic or cultural stops.

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The Spectacular Carrières de Lumières Light Show

One of the tour’s most iconic attractions is the Carrières de Lumières in Les Baux-de-Provence. This site features an immersive projection of famous artworks onto vast limestone quarry walls, transforming the space into a vibrant art display. The light show lasts approximately 1 hour and is considered a must-see, especially for art lovers or those seeking a unique sensory experience.

The show is set in a historic quarry that was used in the Middle Ages to build the village of Les Baux. The combination of historic scenery and modern projection technology makes this spectacle genuinely unforgettable. The site itself offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape, perfect for photos.

Viewpoint Over Les Baux-de-Provence

Following the light show, the tour takes visitors to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Les Baux-de-Provence, ranked among France’s most beautiful villages. Built on limestone rock, the village’s medieval buildings and narrow streets are visible from the panoramic vantage point.

This stop provides breathtaking scenery and a chance to appreciate the village’s dramatic setting. The guide often shares stories about the village’s history and architecture, enriching the experience of this photo-worthy moment. The viewpoint visit lasts approximately 45 minutes, allowing plenty of time for photos and enjoying the scenery.

Free Time in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

After the scenic viewpoints, the group heads to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a lively town famous for its connection to Van Gogh. The tour includes about 45 minutes of free time here, giving visitors the opportunity to explore local shops, walk the charming streets, or visit Van Gogh-related sites.

Saint-Rémy is known for its vibrant atmosphere and artistic heritage. Travelers can stroll through the town, visit galleries, or simply enjoy a coffee in the local cafes. This stop offers a relaxed end to the busy day, with ample time to soak in Provençal life.

Return Journey and Final Remarks

The tour concludes with a 40-minute drive back to Avignon, returning to Hôtel Le Bristol. The small group size ensures a comfortable, personal experience, and the bilingual guide enhances understanding and storytelling throughout the day.

This tour offers a well-rounded mix of history, art, regional flavors, and scenic views. The inclusion of olive oil tastings, a regional picnic, and the Carrières de Lumières makes it a rich cultural experience. The only consideration is that the olive oil mill visit and picnic are seasonal, so planning visits outside April-October may mean a slight change in activities.

Perfect for History and Art Enthusiasts

This day trip from Avignon is ideal for visitors who want to see iconic Provençal sites without the hassle of planning. It suits those interested in Roman architecture, medieval villages, and Vincent van Gogh’s Provence years. The small group setting and knowledgeable guides ensure a personalized and engaging experience.

While the itinerary is packed, the pacing allows for moments of reflection and enjoyment. The included light show and viewpoints add a visual wow factor that elevates the tour beyond basic sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking through city centers and scenic viewpoints, which may include uneven surfaces or steps. It’s best suited for those comfortable with light walking.

Are the olive oil tastings included year-round?
No, the olive oil mill visit and picnic are available only between April and October. Outside this period, the activities may be substituted with other scenic or cultural visits.

What should I bring for the day?
Comfortable shoes and sunglasses are recommended. Since the tour involves outdoor stops, sun protection helps. Large luggage or walking frames are not permitted on the vehicle.

How long are the stops at each location?
The main stops are approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, providing enough time for sightseeing, photo-taking, and brief exploration but keeping the pace lively.

Is this tour available in languages other than English and French?
The tour is offered in English and French, with guides fluent in both languages, ensuring clear communication for a diverse group.

This From Avignon: Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence & Saint-Rémy Tour genuinely delivers a comprehensive Provencal experience, blending iconic landmarks, regional flavors, and immersive art. It’s a solid choice for those seeking an authentic, well-organized day in southern France.

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