Private Arles, Les Baux de Provence and St Remy de Provence Tour

Discover the Charm of Provence on a Private Tour of Arles, Les Baux de Provence, and Saint-Rémy

If you’re dreaming of a day exploring Provence’s most iconic sights in comfort and style, this private tour offers a memorable way to do just that. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll walk the streets of Arles, marvel at Les Baux de Provence, and stroll through Saint-Rémy-de-Provence — each place bursting with history, art, and breathtaking scenery.

What we particularly like about this experience are two things: first, the personalized attention that comes with a private guide who can tailor the day to your interests; and second, the combination of cultural highlights and stunning views in a manageable, well-paced itinerary. A possible drawback to keep in mind is that, at over $1,200 for a group of up to eight, this tour is an investment. But for those seeking an intimate, flexible, and informative experience, the value is clear.

This tour best suits travelers who want an insider’s perspective on Provence’s most famous spots, enjoy walking and exploring at their own pace, and appreciate a personalized guide to enhance the journey. Families, couples, or small groups looking for a day filled with art, history, and scenery will find this to be a solid choice.

Key Points

• Private, customizable experience tailored to your interests.
• In-depth exploration of Arles’s Roman ruins and Van Gogh sites.
• Stunning panoramic views from Les Baux de Provence’s hilltop setting.
• Visit the birthplace of Nostradamus in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
• Flexibility with pick-up and drop-off options at your hotel.
• Inclusive transportation, with wrap-around convenience.
• Authentic places with free admission, making the most of your time and money.

An Overview of the Provençal Treasure Trove

This private tour offers a thorough and relaxed way to discover three of Provence’s most captivating locations. It’s designed for travelers who prefer a personalized approach to sightseeing, with a guide who can adjust the pace or focus based on your interests. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or someone simply eager to soak in beautiful landscapes, this tour aims to deliver a well-rounded experience.

The tour lasts roughly eight hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. The convenience of private transportation means you won’t have to worry about public transit schedules or navigating unfamiliar roads — instead, you can focus on soaking in the sights and stories.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Arles — Walking in Van Gogh’s Footsteps

We start our day in Arles, a city that dates back to the Roman Empire. The Roman amphitheater here is remarkably well-preserved and offers a glimpse into ancient entertainment, with its grand scale still impressive. Walking through the arena and surrounding streets, you’ll get a feel for the city’s historic significance.

What sets this part of the tour apart is the focus on Van Gogh’s connection to Arles. Our guide will take you to the famous Café Van Gogh — immortalized in his paintings — and share stories about his time here. Van Gogh spent several months in Arles, creating many of his famous works, which makes walking these streets feel like strolling through a living art gallery.

The tour is admission-free for these sites, so you can appreciate the architecture and scenery without extra costs. If visiting on a Saturday, you’ll also experience the lively market, where local vendors sell everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts — a lively, authentic taste of Provençal life.

Stop 2: Les Baux de Provence — A Village on a Hilltop

Next, you’ll ascend to Les Baux de Provence, a medieval hilltop village perched dramatically above the surrounding landscape. Dated to the 11th century, it offers spectacular views of the Alpilles Regional Park. As you wander the narrow, winding streets, you’ll notice the blend of history, art, and natural beauty.

The highlight here is the Carrière de Lumière, an immersive art gallery that projects artwork onto the caves’ walls, creating an incredible visual experience. It’s a relatively modern addition but perfectly suited to showcase famous artworks in a stunning setting, blending history with contemporary art.

Lunch in Les Baux provides a chance to savor local flavors, perhaps with Provençal specialties like ratatouille or a hearty baguette with cheese, depending on your preferences. The village’s charm, combined with these views and art experiences, makes for a memorable stop.

Stop 3: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence — Birthplace of Nostradamus and Van Gogh’s Retreat

Our final stop takes us to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a quaint village with a notable claim to fame as the birthplace of Nostradamus. The town retains much of its Provençal character — narrow streets, stone buildings, and lively markets.

On Wednesdays, the market here is especially lively, offering local produce, crafts, and Provençal specialties. But the real draw for art fans is a visit to St Paul de Mausole, the former mental hospital where Van Gogh spent several months. This site is where he painted many of his most famous works; standing in the very courtyard where he looked out over the landscape, you get a tangible sense of his creative environment.

Like the other stops, this site is admission-free, making it easy to enjoy at your own pace. Your guide will share insights about Van Gogh’s time in Saint-Rémy and how it influenced his art, adding depth to your visit.

Transportation, Timing, and Comfort

The tour provides private transportation, which not only adds a layer of comfort but also allows flexibility in the timing and order of stops. Starting at 9 AM, the day is paced to include ample time at each location, with a total duration of approximately eight hours. This means you get a solid overview without feeling hurried.

Given the intimate group size — up to 8 people — you’ll benefit from personalized attention, with your guide free to adapt the experience based on your interests. The tour ends back at your meeting point or your hotel, offering added convenience.

The Value of a Private, Tailored Experience

This tour’s price of around $1,233 for a group of up to eight might seem steep at first glance. However, when you consider the cost includes private transportation, a dedicated guide, and a flexible, tailored itinerary, the value becomes clearer. Instead of rushing through sites on a group bus, you’ll enjoy a leisurely, in-depth experience that can be adapted to your interests.

Travelers who are keen to learn stories behind the sights, enjoy walking and exploring, and prefer a personalized approach will find this tour well worth the cost. Plus, with the opportunity to visit sites like Van Gogh’s haunts, the Roman ruins, and a medieval village in one day, you’re getting a rich taste of Provence’s cultural tapestry.

What We Heard from Past Travelers

Both reviewers rave about the knowledge and friendliness of the guide. One highlights how the guide “sensed immediately the kind of travelers we were and tailored our experience perfectly,” reinforcing the importance of a guide who reads your interests. The other describes a “magical day” where everything unfolded seamlessly, thanks to the guide’s attentiveness.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for small groups or couples looking for a comprehensive, personalized day in Provence. It’s perfect for those who want to explore art and history, enjoy stunning views, and prefer walking on foot to soak in the atmosphere. If you’re traveling with family or friends who appreciate a flexible, relaxed pace, this tour will meet those needs.

People who value local insights and dislike large crowds will find this private tour especially appealing. It’s also a good choice for travelers with limited time, offering a curated, efficient way to see some of Provence’s highlights without the hassle of self-driving or coordinating multiple sites separately.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, especially since it involves walking and sightseeing at a relaxed pace. The guide can adapt the experience for different interests.

Can I customize the timing or stops?
Since it’s a private tour, the timing can be modified based on your preferences and interests, offering flexibility to focus more on certain sites.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included, but the guide will recommend local options in Les Baux or Saint-Rémy.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel are possible, making it convenient for travelers staying in Aix-en-Provence or nearby.

How much walking is involved?
You will walk through historic streets and sites, but the pace is generally manageable for most travelers. Your guide will help pace the visit comfortably.

Are admission fees included?
Sites such as Van Gogh’s locations, the Roman ruins, and Saint-Rémy are free of charge. The Carrière de Lumière has an admission fee, but this is optional and included in the overall experience.

What’s the best time of week to visit?
Market days, like Saturday in Arles and Wednesday in Saint-Rémy, add local flavor. However, the tour can be adjusted to avoid crowds or focus on particular days.

In essence, this private Provençal adventure combines history, art, and scenic beauty in a flexible, personalized way. It’s perfect for those who want an enriching, authentic experience with a knowledgeable guide leading the charge. Whether you’re tracing Van Gogh’s footsteps, exploring medieval villages, or simply soaking in the views, this tour offers a well-rounded and memorable day in Provence.