History & Beauty: Arles & Les Baux Private Shore Trip from Marseille

Meet your English speaking local guide

Today, we will come and pick you up directly at your cruise terminal in Marseille Cruise Port Terminal. Meet your English speaking driver/guide who will go over the itinerary and program of this private tour to Arles and Les Baux de Provence with you.

Admire medieval Les Baux de Provence

Drive to the Alpilles mountain region that is famous for its vineyards and olive trees. Reach the medieval village of les Baux-de-Provence built on a rocky spur and from where you will have a breathtaking view of the surrounding Provence Countryside.

Enjoy some free time to explore the narrow streets, galleries and the remains of a 10th century fortress. Visit the carrières de lumières, a unique light and sound show in Europe located in an ancient limestone quarry (entrance fees not included) where the natural 14 meter high limestone walls act like giant screens.

Visit the charming small town of Arles

This is one of the most peculiar towns of France. It possesses some of the most fascinating architectural highlights including Roman monuments and Medieval buildings and churches. The town is also influenced by several cultures because of its location at the crossroads of Camargue & Provence. A number of monuments in Arles are classified as Unesco World Heritage Sites.

For many years it has attracted Parisians, intellectuals and of course artists of which Vincent Van Gogh is the most famous. If you wish, it is possible to make a stop at the Monastery Saint Paul de Mausole where Van Gogh resided for just over a year.

This lunatic asylum is where the artist voluntarily admitted himself after his breakdown in December 1888 that resulted in the self-mutilation of his left ear. It is during his stay here that he will achieve one of his most famous paintings La Nuit étoilée - The Starry Night. It is also here that the Artist will paint an enclosed field that fascinated him.

Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour of the city of Arles. Explore the Roman arena, the Arles Amphitheatre, Van Gogh cafe, hospital and garden, the Church of St Trophime church and city hall square. Arles was the Roman capital of Provence during the reign of Julius Caesar and also the Christian capital of the emperor Constantine. The city houses Christian, medieval and Roman sites and is considered as one of the most interesting locations to visit in Provence.

After the visit of Arles, we will return to Marseille Port of Call and that will be the end of our services.