Arles & Camargue Natural Park (including Aigues Mortes)

Arles and the Camargue Natural Park offer a captivating blend of historical treasures and natural wonders. Explore the UNESCO-listed Roman monuments of Arles, tracing Van Gogh’s artistic footsteps. Then, discover the 13th-century fortified city of Aigues Mortes with its ancient ramparts. Enjoy the unique Camargue ecosystem, home to black bulls, white horses, and diverse wildlife. This region promises a perfect balance of cultural heritage and outdoor adventure. Where will your journey through this enchanting landscape begin?

Key Points

• This comprehensive 9.5-hour tour explores the UNESCO-listed Roman monuments, Van Gogh’s masterpieces, and the captivating landscapes of the Camargue Natural Park.
• The tour includes a visit to the well-preserved 13th-century fortified city of Aigues Mortes, with its iconic Constance Tower and panoramic views from the ramparts.
• Immerse in the natural wonders of the Camargue, home to black bulls, white Camargue horses, and over 300 species of birds, including the iconic pink flamingos.
• Discover the historical significance of Aigues Mortes as a former royal port during King Louis IX’s crusades and the Saintes Maries of the Sea’s links to early Christian figures.
• The tour offers a convenient meeting point, a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the event, and an option to reserve now and pay later.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

The tour lasts 9.5 hours and costs from €150.00 per person.

It’s limited to only 8 participants and conducted in English. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund, and they don’t need to pay upfront.

The experience includes a walking tour of Arles’ UNESCO sites and Van Gogh’s painting locations, a visit to the 13th-century walled city of Aigues Mortes, and explorations in the Camargue Regional Natural Park to see black bulls, white horses, and pink flamingos.

Explore Arles’ UNESCO sites, Van Gogh’s painting locations, the 13th-century Aigues Mortes, and witness Camargue’s black bulls, white horses, and pink flamingos.

This all-inclusive day trip offers an immersive look at Provence’s history, nature, and culture.

Exploring Arles: UNESCO Roman Monuments and Van Gogh’s Footsteps

Arles’ UNESCO-listed Roman monuments and the canvas of Van Gogh’s most iconic works come to life during the walking tour.

Guests explore the city’s ancient Roman amphitheater, the Alyscamps necropolis, and the Romanesque Saint-Trophime church.

Van Gogh’s masterpieces like the Café Terrace at Night and the Starry Night Over the Rhône come to life at their original locations.

Through this immersive experience, travelers uncover Arles’ rich cultural heritage and appreciate how the city inspired one of the world’s most renowned artists.

The tour offers a seamless blend of history, art, and nature, providing a comprehensive introduction to this remarkable destination.

Discovering Aigues Mortes: 13th-Century Fortified City

After exploring the ancient Roman monuments and Van Gogh’s painting locations in Arles, the tour ventures to the captivating 13th-century fortified city of Aigues Mortes.

Visitors will walk along the well-preserved ramparts, taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding marshlands.

The highlight is a visit to the Constance Tower, an impressive keep that served as a royal prison during the Crusades.

Aigues Mortes offers a unique glimpse into medieval history, with its sturdy walls and strategic location, making it a fascinating stop on the Camargue adventure.

Taking in the Camargue Regional Natural Park

As the tour continues, visitors enjoy the captivating Camargue Regional Natural Park, a vast wetland teeming with an abundance of wildlife.

This protected area is home to:

• Iconic black bulls, roaming freely in the marshes

• Graceful white Camargue horses, which can be gently pet

• Over 300 species of birds, including the vibrant pink flamingos

• Diverse plant life, such as the distinctive salt-loving vegetation

• Opportunities to observe the region’s unique ecosystem and rural way of life

The park’s wild landscapes and diverse fauna create an unforgettable nature experience for visitors.

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Visiting Saintes Maries of the Sea: Historical Significance

From the natural wonders of the Camargue, the tour next takes visitors to the historical town of Saintes Maries of the Sea. This 11th-century church is a site linked to early Christian figures, including the Virgin Mary’s sisters. Visitors can explore the church and stroll along the beach, taking in the town’s rich history and coastal charm.

| Features | Details |

|———-|———|

| Church | 11th-century |

| Significance | Linked to early Christian figures |

| Activities | Explore the church, stroll on the beach |

Observing Wildlife in the Camargue

Visitors to the Camargue Regional Natural Park can expect to witness an abundance of wildlife in its wild and untamed landscape.

Visitors to the Camargue Regional Natural Park can expect to witness an abundance of wildlife in its wild and untamed landscape.

The park is home to:

• Black bulls, descendants of the region’s ancient cattle breeds, roaming freely across the marshes and meadows.

• Iconic white Camargue horses, known for their resilience and agility, that can be observed and even petted.

• Over 300 species of birds, including the striking pink flamingos, cattle egrets, and blue herons.

• Diverse wetland creatures like the European pond turtle and the unique Camargue viper.

• A rich variety of flora, from the vibrant wildflowers to the unique salt-tolerant plants that thrive in the brackish marshes.

Historical Significance of the Tour Highlights

The tour also highlights the historical significance of the region, with visits to key sites that have played important roles throughout history.

Aigues Mortes, a 13th-century fortified city, served as a royal port for King Louis IX’s crusades. Visitors can walk along the city’s remparts and explore the Constance Tower.

The tour also includes a stop at Saintes Maries of the Sea, a historical site linked to early Christian figures, including Virgin Mary’s sisters.

These sites offer a glimpse into the rich past of the Camargue region and its significance in European history.

Practical Information and Booking Details

This tour conveniently departs from a meeting point that can be easily accessed on Google Maps.

The tour duration is 9.5 hours, and the price starts from €150 per person. The group size is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

The tour is conducted in English, and customers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the event.

Lastly, the option to reserve now and pay later allows you to secure your spot without an upfront payment.

• Convenient meeting point on Google Maps

• 9.5-hour duration, starting from €150 per person

• Small group size (max 8 participants)

• English-speaking tour

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the event

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour prohibits alcohol and drugs, so bringing your own items is not allowed. However, the tour guide will make stops where you can purchase refreshments.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

There’s no minimum age requirement, but the tour may not be suitable for very young children. Participants must be able to walk and stand for extended periods.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Clothing?

For this tour, comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. No special equipment is needed, as the tour provides all necessary resources for the nature and wildlife experiences.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration or Customize the Itinerary?

Sorry, the tour duration and itinerary can’t be extended or customized. It’s a set, 9.5-hour group tour. But you can always book a private tour if you’d like more flexibility. Just let the operator know your preferences.

Is There a Discount for Group Bookings or Students?

There’s no mention of group or student discounts for this tour. However, the tour is limited to 8 participants, so larger groups may want to inquire about availability and potential discounts.

The Wrap Up

Arles and the Camargue Natural Park offer a captivating blend of history, art, and nature. Explore the UNESCO-listed Roman monuments in Arles, retrace Van Gogh’s footsteps, and discover the 13th-century fortified city of Aigues Mortes. Enjoy the Camargue’s unique ecosystem, home to diverse wildlife. This tour showcases the region’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for history and nature enthusiasts.

You can check availability for your dates here: