Excursion : Arles, Saint -Rémy-de-Provence and Les Baux-de-Provence - OPH6

Explore 3 gems on this full day tour :
✘ Arles, listed by Unesco as a World Heritage Site because of the number of roman
monuments
✘ The village of Saint-Rémy de Provence, where Van Gogh lived for a year
✘ The village of Les Baux de Provence, an outstanding medieval village.

● Meet your English-speaking local guide.
In the morning, we will come and pick you up at the tourism office in Aix-en-Provence. Meet your English-speaking driver/guide who will go over the itinerary and program of the day with you. Then board your premium A/C vehicle and begin your small group tour led by a local guide.

● Arles Town Visit
Discover the Historic city of Arles, a fortified town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Participate in a walking tour of the historic center to visit the most emblematic monuments of the town including the amphitheater, the antique theater or Saint Trophime church (entrance fees not included).

● The Roman City & Sites
The roman amphitheater was built at the end of the 1st century to the North of the town. It is part of a general extension of Arles and was built at the same period a the baths. It is larger than the one located in Nîmes and could welcome up to 25.000 spectators. Antique games will be held within until the fall of the Roman Empire. The building of the Antique Theatre was requested by Emperor Auguste. It could welcome up to 10.000 spectators at a time. Only part of the Theater remains but it is still one of the most well preserved in France. Used as a Theater until the beginning of the 5th century, it was then used as a quarry for the construction of the paleo-Christian church of Saint Stephen. In the 17th century the famous Venus of Arles was discovered during early archeological digs.

● The Roman Forum.
Located at the intersection of the Cardo (north-south axis) and the Decumanus (eastwest axis), the Roman Forum of Arles is made up of a great square of which only two fragments still exist. What is interesting about the Forum in Arles are the foundations as it is built on a cryptoporticus, which is a covered corridor or passageway. The cryptoporticus were known to be used as storage areas in other towns but the one in Arles is, however, too damp for prolonged storage and may have served as a barracks for public slaves.

● On the Footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh.
During his stay in Arles between February 1888 and May 1889, Vincent Van Gogh executed about 300 paintings and drawings. The places in the city where the artist set up his easel are marked with panels representing his paintings.

● Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
Arrive in Saint Remy de Provence, one of the prettiest villages of the area. The village is known for its squares, narrow streets and art galleries. After the short guided visit, enjoy some free time for personal discovery and lunch. For your information, there is a beautiful Provence Market on Wednesdays.

● Les Baux-de-Provence.
Drive to the Alpilles mountain region that is famous for its vineyards and olive trees. Reach the medieval hilltop 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 stroll and explore the narrow streets, art galleries and the remains of a 10th century fortress.

➜ Commented excursion only in English / Guaranteed departure from 2 people
➜ Departure from the Tourist Office at 8.30am
➜ Duration: 8.30hour
➜ Pets are not allowed

➜ Booking at the information desk or on the website of the Tourist Office.