Arles Half-Day Private Walking Tour, History, Culture & Van Gogh

Arles, a captivating city in southern France, boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and artistic legacy. The Arles Half-Day Private Walking Tour offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the city’s past and explore the locations that inspired the renowned artist, Vincent van Gogh. With a knowledgeable guide, you will uncover the city’s Roman heritage, from the iconic amphitheater to the ancient baths, while also tracing the footsteps of the iconic painter. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Arles promises a glimpse into a world where the past and present converge, leaving a lasting impression on all who venture…

This experience made our list of the 2 Best Historical Tours In Arles.

Good To Know

• Explore Arles’ renowned Roman heritage, including the UNESCO-listed amphitheater and other well-preserved ruins, on a private 2-hour walking tour.
• Discover the city’s deep connections to Vincent van Gogh and retrace the artist’s footsteps through a self-guided app or audio-guided tour.
• Enjoy a personalized tour experience with a dedicated guide who can customize the itinerary to match your interests and pace.
• Enjoy Arles’ rich history and culture, with admission to historic sites and amenities like coffee/tea included in the tour package.
• The tour starts promptly at 9:00 AM from the central Place de la République, with the group returning to the same meeting point.

Tour Option Highlights

For those interested in exploring the historic city of Arles, the tour options provide a range of experiences to suit diverse preferences.

Visitors can opt for a 2-hour private walking tour starting at $211, or a more budget-friendly self-guided Van Gogh walking tour app for just $10.

Those seeking an audio-guided experience can choose the "In the Footsteps of Van Gogh" tour for $20.

For a unique perspective, the 4×4 Camargue Safari departs from Arles, offering a 4-hour excursion for $66.

Arles’ Roman Heritage

Arles boasts a rich Roman heritage, with its ancient ruins founding the city as a Roman colony under Julius Caesar. Key Roman sites include the impressive amphitheater, the remarkably preserved Roman theater, and the 4th-century Roman baths. These ancient structures provide a glimpse into Arles’ storied past and have earned the city UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Key Roman Sites in Arles
Roman Amphitheater	Roman Theater	Roman Baths
Impressive ancient arena	Remarkably preserved	4th-century ruins
Hosted gladiatorial events	Hosted theatrical performances	Part of the city’s heritage

Exploring these evocative Roman ruins with a private guide allows visitors to fully appreciate Arles’ captivating history and its enduring influence on the region.

Van Gogh’s Artistic Influence

Beyond its Roman heritage, Arles bears the indelible mark of Vincent van Gogh‘s artistic vision. The Dutch post-impressionist painter lived in the city for over a year, creating some of his most iconic works.

Visitors can retrace Van Gogh’s steps through a self-guided walking tour, which highlights the scenery that inspired his vibrant paintings. From the Café Terrace at Night to the Starry Night over the Rhône, the city’s picturesque landscapes remain largely unchanged since Van Gogh’s time.

Exploring Arles through his lens offers a unique opportunity to connect with the artist’s creative process and appreciate the enduring legacy of his work.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Arles’ Roman heritage has earned the city a coveted UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, underscoring its architectural and archaeological significance. The city’s remarkably preserved Roman structures, including the iconic amphitheater and theater, stand as testaments to its illustrious past. A visual representation of the key UNESCO-protected sites in Arles is provided in the table below:

Site	Significance
Roman Amphitheater	Incredibly well-preserved Roman arena
Roman Theater	Impressive ancient theater with stunning facade
Roman Baths	Expansive ruins of the once-grand public baths
Alyscamps	Renowned ancient Roman necropolis
Cryptoporticus	Subterranean Roman gallery and market

This UNESCO designation ensures the continued preservation and protection of Arles’ invaluable Roman heritage, allowing visitors to step back in time and enjoy the city’s storied past.

Personalized Tour Experience

Personalized Tour Experience

For visitors seeking an intimate and tailored exploration of Arles, the private walking tour offers an unparalleled experience.

With a dedicated guide, the tour can be customized to match your interests and pace, whether you wish to delve deeper into the city’s Roman heritage or learn about the artistic legacy of Van Gogh.

You’ll enjoy personalized attention and the flexibility to adjust the itinerary on the fly, ensuring you make the most of your time in this captivating city.

The private setting also allows for more engaging discussions and the opportunity to ask questions, creating a truly enriching and memorable adventure.

Included Amenities and Admission

The tour package includes a suite of amenities that enhance the overall experience.

Coffee and/or tea are provided during the visit, ensuring visitors are refreshed.

Admission to the historic Roman sites, including the UNESCO-listed Roman Theater, is included in the package price.

Visitors will also gain entry to the Le cloître Saint-Trophime de l’ancienne cathédrale d’Arles, a significant architectural landmark.

Gratuities are covered, so there’s no need to worry about additional costs.

Lunch isn’t specified, but it’s typically available for purchase to fuel the exploration.

These inclusions create a seamless and enriching tour for participants.

Meeting Point and Pickup

Visitors gather at the Place de la République, Arles’ central square, where a Roman column and fountain serve as the meeting point for the private walking tour.

The tour departs promptly at 9:00 AM, allowing participants to make the most of the day. To find the meeting location, guests can utilize Google Maps for navigation assistance.

At the conclusion of the tour, the group returns to the starting point in the town square.

The tour includes the following meeting and pickup details:

1. Meeting point: Place de la République, Arles, France
2. Start time: 9:00 AM
3. Tour concludes back at the meeting point

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Confirmation is received at the time of booking for this Arles Half-Day Private Walking Tour.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but stroller access is available. Service animals are permitted, and the tour is located near public transportation.

This is a private tour, ensuring exclusive group participation. The cancellation policy allows for a full refund if cancelled 24 hours in advance.

This comprehensive tour provides an immersive experience exploring Arles’ rich history, culture, and Van Gogh’s influence, all tailored to the private group’s preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, visitors are typically allowed to take photos during the walking tours in Arles.

The private tours provide a personalized experience, and the guides often encourage participants to capture the historic sites, architectural details, and scenic views.

However, visitors should be mindful of any restrictions or guidelines provided by the tour operator.

Photography may be limited in certain areas or during specific activities, so it’s best to check with the guide before taking photos throughout the tour.

Is the Tour Offered in My Native Language?

The tour is typically offered in multiple languages, including the customer’s native language.

The private nature of the tour allows for flexibility, and the tour provider will make every effort to accommodate the language preference of your.

It’s best to inquire about language options when booking the tour to ensure a comfortable and informative experience.

How Physically Demanding Is the Walking Tour?

The walking tour is moderately physically demanding, involving walking for around 2 hours through the historic streets of Arles.

Participants should be able to walk at a reasonable pace and navigate uneven terrain. However, the tour isn’t overly strenuous, and visitors can take breaks as needed.

The tour is stroller-accessible, making it suitable for families. The walking component is manageable for most visitors in good health.

Are There Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?

The tour company doesn’t currently offer any discounts for students or seniors.

The private walking tour of Arles is priced at a flat rate that varies based on group size.

While there are no age-based discounts available, the tour provides a personalized experience with a private guide, access to historic sites, and other inclusions that may still make it an attractive option for those looking to explore Arles and its connections to Van Gogh.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, the private tour allows for customization to suit the traveler’s preferences.

The guide is flexible and can adapt the itinerary to focus on the visitor’s interests, whether that’s exploring the ancient Roman sites in greater depth, spending more time at Van Gogh’s haunts, or discovering off-the-beaten-path gems.

The personalized nature of the private tour ensures a tailored experience that aligns with the traveler’s goals and expectations.

The Sum Up

The Arles Half-Day Private Walking Tour provides a captivating blend of Roman history, Van Gogh’s artistic legacy, and a personalized exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy the vibrant culture and uncover the city’s rich tapestry, guided by local experts who offer engaging insights and a tailored experience. This tour promises an unforgettable adventure for anyone seeking to discover the essence of Arles.