From Avignon: Van Gogh’s sites and Roman monuments

If you’re planning a day trip from Avignon that combines art, history, and stunning scenery, this tour promises to deliver just that. It’s designed to give you a taste of Provence’s most iconic sights, all wrapped into a manageable 8.5-hour experience. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on reviews and the detailed itinerary, it looks like a well-rounded way to explore this part of France with ease and insight.

What we genuinely appreciate about this tour is how it balances guided commentary with free time at each stop, letting you soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed. Plus, the small group size—limited to eight participants—means you get a more personal experience, which many travelers find refreshing. One thing to keep in mind is that this isn’t a deep-dive art or history tour; rather, it’s a scenic and cultural highlights reel. So, if you’re after a leisurely, insightful day with stunning visuals and friendly guides, this could be a good fit.

That said, it’s worth noting that the tour doesn’t include some things you might be hoping for, like interior visits to certain sites or a detailed Van Gogh art immersion. It’s more about experiencing the landscapes, towns, and monuments that inspired the artist and the Romans. If that sounds appealing, especially if you’re traveling with a flexible mindset and an interest in Provence’s iconic sights, this tour is worth considering.

Key Points

• Small group size offers a more intimate experience and personalized attention.
• Expert guides provide engaging commentary, making the sites come alive.
• Balanced itinerary with a mix of art, history, and stunning landscapes.
• Flexible free time allows for personal exploration at each stop.
• Cost provides good value for a full day’s sightseeing and entrance fees included.
• Not ideal for those with mobility issues or looking for in-depth interior tours.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Van Gogh’s Inspiration at Saint Rémy de Provence

The day kicks off with a short drive from Avignon to Saint Rémy de Provence, a town forever linked to Van Gogh. Here, you’ll visit the exteriors of St Paul de Mausole’s asylum, where the artist spent a year and painted some of his most famous works, including The Starry Night. The tour includes boards illustrating Van Gogh’s paintings and the last part of his walk through Saint Rémy, offering a visual connection to his creative process.

While you can only see the exterior of the hospital—since it’s still operational—many find the atmosphere inspiring enough to imagine Van Gogh’s presence. A highlight is the nearby remains of the Roman town of Glanum, which adds a layer of ancient history to the day. This site offers a peaceful, contemplative spot where history and art intersect beautifully.

The Charm of Les Baux de Provence

Next, you’ll hop into your air-conditioned vehicle and enjoy a scenic drive through vineyards and olive groves to arrive at Les Baux de Provence. This hilltop medieval village is visually stunning, with narrow, cobbled streets winding through ancient stone buildings. From the entrance of this pedestrian-only town, you’ll have vistas over the Alpilles massif, the Crau, and the Camargue.

The tour allows about an hour here—just enough to stroll, shop, or soak up the views. Many reviews mention how memorable this spot is, both for its medieval charm and the panoramic scenery. It’s a true highlight for those interested in history and picturesque towns.

Exploring Arles — Van Gogh’s Artistic Playground

The largest stop of the day is in Arles, a vibrant city packed with Roman monuments and lively markets. Your guide provides maps and tips, so you can tailor your visit to your interests, whether that’s wandering the Unesco-listed Roman Arena and the Théâtre Antique or exploring Van Gogh’s haunts around the city.

Many travelers comment on the quality of the guide’s knowledge and friendliness. Reviewers like Jennifer from the UK and Nicola from the US appreciated how engaging and helpful their guides were, making the experience feel personalized. During your 2.5 hours here, you can also enjoy a local lunch — though it’s not included, the guide offers suggestions.

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The Roman Marvel of Pont du Gard

The tour concludes with a visit to Pont du Gard, the impressive Roman aqueduct crossing the Gardon River. It’s an engineering marvel, and the walk along shaded alleys provides spectacular views of the structure. On hot days, many enjoy dipping their feet in the river or viewing the aqueduct from a different angle, which adds a touch of refreshment to the visit.

The site is well-preserved and offers a great opportunity for photos and soaking in Roman ingenuity. You’ll have about an hour here before heading back to Avignon, feeling like you’ve just experienced a perfect slice of Provence’s treasures.

How the Experience Feels in Practice

From the glowing reviews, it’s clear that guides make a big difference. Many travelers praise their guides for being knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. For example, one reviewer mentioned their guide was very informative and friendly, making their day truly enjoyable. The small group size enhances this intimacy, allowing for more tailored commentary and questions.

The tour’s pacing seems just right. With enough time at each site, you aren’t rushing through highlights but also aren’t left waiting around. A few reviews mention that the tour might lack some depth—such as interior visits or detailed art commentary—but overall, it strikes a good balance for most visitors.

The comfort of the transport—air-conditioned vans—also gets positive remarks, especially on warm days. Having a dedicated driver means you avoid the hassle of public transport and can relax and enjoy the scenery.

What You Should Know About the Cost and Value

At $123 per person, this tour provides a lot of value considering the transportation, entrance fee to Pont du Gard, and guided commentary. It’s a full day that covers some of Provence’s most iconic sights, with plenty of opportunities for photos and personal exploration.

While food and additional entrance fees aren’t included, the guide’s suggestions for lunch and free time at each stop mean you can customize the experience to your taste and budget. The inclusion of parking, tolls, and gas fees in the price makes it straightforward without hidden costs.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is especially suited for travelers who want a rundown of Provence’s highlights in one day without the hassle of planning multiple transport routes. It’s ideal if you’re interested in Van Gogh’s connection to Saint Rémy, enjoying medieval villages like Les Baux, exploring Roman architecture in Arles, and marveling at Roman engineering at Pont du Gard—all in a relaxed, guided manner.

The small group dynamic and knowledgeable guides make it appealing for those who appreciate personalized attention and engaging storytelling. If you’re comfortable with some walking and want a manageable, well-organized trip, this tour hits the mark.

However, if interior visits or more in-depth art history are what you’re after, you might find this tour somewhat surface-level. Also, those with mobility challenges should note that the tour involves walking through towns and sites that may have uneven surfaces.

All in all, this tour delivers a solid, enjoyable way to see Provence’s most celebrated sights with friendly hosts and enough flexibility to make it feel personalized. It’s a well-rated choice for anyone looking to maximize their day in this beautiful corner of France.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour starts at the Avignon Tourism Office, so you’ll need to make your way there.

Are meals included in the price?
No, lunch and drinks are not included, but the guide provides suggestions, and you’ll have plenty of free time to eat in Arles.

Can I visit the interior of Saint Paul de Mausole’s hospital?
No, only the exteriors are visible since the hospital is still in use today. The tour also features boards illustrating Van Gogh’s works.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour isn’t specifically designed for children, and it involves some walking. It’s best for older kids or teenagers interested in history and art.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as you’ll be walking around towns and sites. Water and sun protection are also good ideas on warm days.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility in case plans change.

You can check availability for your dates here: