From Marseille: Provence Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting

Discover Provence in a Day with Expert Guides and Scenic Stops

This full-day tour from Marseille offers an engaging way to see some of Provence’s most iconic sites for $198 per person. With a duration of 11.5 hours, it balances sightseeing, walking, and wine tasting, making it ideal for travelers eager to cover Les Baux-de-Provence, the Pont du Gard, and Avignon without the hassle of planning each detail. The tour is led by English and French-speaking guides, and features a small group size of limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personal experience.

What sets this tour apart is the carefully curated stops that highlight Provence’s historical and cultural charms. From the medieval streets of Les Baux to the awe-inspiring Roman aqueduct, and ending in the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine region, this journey offers a mix of history, architecture, and local flavors. While lunch and museum entries are not included, the flexible schedule allows plenty of time for exploration and relaxation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Cost and Duration: $198 per person for an 11.5-hour experience departing from Marseille.
• Highlights: Visit Les Baux-de-Provence, Pont du Gard, and Avignon, with a wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 participants, offering a more intimate atmosphere.
• Guides: Knowledgeable English and French-speaking guides ensure engaging explanations and local insights.
• Flexible Free Time: Ample opportunity to explore each site at your own pace, especially in Avignon.
• Inclusions: Transportation by air-conditioned minibus and entrance to Pont du Gard, plus a wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Meeting Point and Logistics in Marseille

The tour departs from 38-40 Quai de Rive Neuve, near the Radisson Blu Hotel in Vieux Port. The group travels in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus, with the driver also serving as your guide. The small group size means the pace is relaxed and personal, with a maximum of 8 participants. Travel between sites varies from 30 to 75 minutes, depending on the stop.

Travelers should bring essentials like passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and water. The tour does not include lunch, leaving time for lunch in Avignon at your own expense. Also, entry to museums or additional sites such as the Pope’s Palace or St Benezet’s Bridge is not included, providing flexibility for individual interests.

Exploring Les Baux-de-Provence: Medieval Charm and Breathtaking Views

Your first stop is Les Baux-de-Provence, a rocky outcrop that hosts a medieval fortress. This classified site offers spectacular views over the surrounding landscape, making it a favorite among visitors. With 75 minutes of free time, you have the chance to wander through its picturesque streets, admire castle ruins, and soak in the historic atmosphere.

The early morning visit helps avoid crowds, so you can enjoy the serenity of this ancient village. The breathtaking vistas from the hilltop are a key highlight, and the medieval fortress provides an authentic sense of Provence’s past. Be prepared for some walking and bring your camera to capture the scenic panoramas.

Marveling at the Pont du Gard: Roman Engineering Masterpiece

Next, the group drives roughly 45 minutes to Pont du Gard, an impressive Roman aqueduct built over 2,000 years ago. This well-preserved structure exemplifies Roman engineering prowess and offers spectacular photo opportunities. Although museum entry is not included, visitors can enjoy strolling along the aqueduct and learning about its historic significance.

The monumental arches span the Gardon River, creating a dramatic backdrop. The 45-minute free time allows for easy exploration and taking in the structures’ grandeur. This stop provides an educational glimpse into Roman ingenuity and the role of aqueducts in ancient society.

More Great Tours Nearby

Discovering the Historic City of Avignon

Following the 30-minute drive, the tour arrives in Avignon, famously called the City of Popes. You get about 2 hours and 45 minutes here, giving plenty of opportunity to wander the medieval streets and visit key landmarks at your own pace. Although entry tickets are not included, options include the Palais des Papes, the Saint-Bénezet Bridge (Pont d’Avignon), or simply soaking up the lively atmosphere in the city center.

A highlight is the location and ambiance of Avignon’s historic core, with charming cafes and shops. The flexible schedule allows for a delicious lunch at local restaurants, which is not included in the tour. Many visitors appreciate having free time to explore without feeling rushed.

Scenic Drive Through Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vineyards

From Avignon, the journey continues through beautiful vineyard landscapes for about 30 minutes until reaching Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This famous wine region is renowned for its vineyards and wine production. The landscape is characterized by lush vineyards and rolling hills, offering classic Provençal scenery.

Travelers get a one-hour wine tasting at one of the estates. The tasting experience involves sampling local wines, often complemented by explanations from the host. Keep in mind that the wine tasting is more about enjoying the region’s signature wines than a deep, formal tour, and some reviews mention that the experience can be somewhat rushed.

Return Journey and Final Drop-Off in Marseille

After the wine tasting, the group departs Châteauneuf-du-Pape for the 80-minute drive back to Marseille. The tour concludes at the original meeting point at 38-40 Quai de Rive Neuve. The small group size and comfortable transport help ensure a relaxing end to the day.

Valuable Insights from Reviews

The tour consistently earns high praise for guides like Greg, Marianne, Sebastian, and Katarina, who are described as knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. Many reviews mention the well-organized schedule, good balance of activities, and comfortable transportation.

While the wine tasting is generally enjoyed, some mention that it can feel rushed or less detailed than expected, especially if double bookings or staffing issues occur. Others note that the free time in Les Baux and Avignon is generally sufficient, though a few suggest that extra time in Les Baux would be beneficial for more sightseeing and photography.

Who Will Enjoy This Provence Tour?

This full-day experience suits travelers interested in history, architecture, and wine, who want a rundown without the stress of organizing logistics. Small group size ensures a more personalized and less crowded experience. However, those seeking extensive museum visits or flexible dining options might find the schedule somewhat limited.

The moderate physical activity involves some walking, especially in Les Baux and Avignon, so it may not be suitable for travelers with mobility issues. The lack of included meals and entrance fees provides flexibility but requires planning ahead for meals and additional costs.

Proven Track Record of Satisfaction

With a 4.6-star rating based on 185 reviews, this tour demonstrates consistent positive feedback. Travelers appreciate the expert guides, beautiful locations, and well-paced itinerary. The small group setting is a notable advantage, creating a more intimate atmosphere and better interaction with guides.

Most reviewers recommend this experience for first-time visitors to Provence or those short on time who still want to see the region’s highlights.

Final Thoughts on the Provence Sightseeing and Wine Tasting Tour

This 11.5-hour tour from Marseille combines culture, history, and wine in a way that feels thorough yet relaxed. The unique stops at Les Baux, Pont du Gard, and Avignon provide a well-rounded glimpse of Provence’s past and present. The wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape caps off the day with a taste of famous local wines.

The small group size, knowledgeable guides, and flexible exploration time make this tour a solid choice for travelers wanting a rundown with personal touches. Be prepared for some rushing at the wine estate and additional costs for museum entries if you wish to go inside. This tour offers excellent value for the immersive experience of Provence in one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of this tour?
The tour costs $198 per person.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 11.5 hours.

What are the main stops on this tour?
Stops include Les Baux-de-Provence, Pont du Gard, Avignon, and a wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from 38-40 Quai de Rive Neuve in Marseille, near the Radisson Blu Hotel.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, allowing for personal choices in Avignon.

Is the tour suitable for children or travelers with mobility issues?
It is not suitable for children under 4 years or people with mobility impairments.

What language is the tour guided in?
Guides speak English and French.

Are entrance fees to museums or sites included?
Only Pont du Gard entrance is included; museum entries like Palais des Papes are not included.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is available.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to a small group of up to 8 participants, ensuring a comfortable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby