Arles & Les Baux de Provence

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

This full-day's excursion will give you a unique opportunity to view many awe-inspiring ancient landmarks, as well as enjoying the singular beauty of the French countryside.

At Marseille port, you will meet your guide before heading up the motorway towards the beautiful Provence countryside sprinkled with lush vineyards, orchards and cypress trees, en route to Arles.

Arles is a fascinating city, thought to be founded by the Roman Emperor, Julius Caesar, in the year 46 B.C. This picture-perfect town has also been an inspiration to a handful of famous artists, including the Dutch post-impressionist Vincent Van Gogh, who painted over 100 canvases, while living here from 1888 to 1889.

Your guide will take you around the stunning two-tiered Roman amphitheater, which once seated an amazing 20,000 spectators and features 129 arches. It was originally built to hold chariot races and ferocious man-to-man combat, but today it hosts bull-fights as well as summer concerts.
You will also view the 5th-century St. Trophime Church, which features wonderful 12th-century cloisters, the 17th-century Town Hall, and the Republic Square with its Roman obelisk.

You will have some free time to enjoy browsing the shops for souvenirs.
Then, you will head to a restaurant for a nice Provençal lunch.
Back on the motorcoach, you will drive through more breath-taking countryside, en route to your last stop of the day, Les Baux de Provence.
This amazing village, which dates back to 6,000 B.C., is located on a bare rock spur, surrounded by vertical ravines, and dominated by a picturesque ruined castle making it a truly special place to visit. The village gives its name to the aluminum ore Bauxite, which was first discovered here in 1821 by the famous geologist, Pierre Berthier.

You will have time to walk along the uneven cobbled lanes, which are lined with artisan workshops and craft stores, before getting back onto the motorcoach for the scenic drive back to Marseille..

Special Notes:

This tour involves walking over intermediate to long distances and stair climbing. It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility.

The visit of the Baux de Provence requires walking uphill and climbing stairs..