A Private Shore Excursion From Marseille to Arles & Les Baux de Provence

Embark on a vibrant Private Shore Excursion from Marseille to discover the town of Arles & the village of Les Baux de Provence

Meet your English speaking local guide

Today, we will come and pick you up directly at your cruise terminal in Marseille Port. Meet your English speaking driver/guide who will go over the itinerary and program of this private tour with you. Then board your premium A/C vehicle and begin to make your way to the town of Arles. After the visit of Arles and some free time for lunch, visit the charming village of Les Baux de Provence.

Make your way to the Charming small town of Arles

Departing from the port, this Marseille shore excursion will begin with a short one hour drive to the 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.

Arles Town Visit

Upon arrival in Arles, it is possible to choose from different types of walking tours of this charming small town. 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.

The Roman City & Sites

If History and Culture are of interest, then this option is the one you should choose. Arles underwent an urban revolution following the foundation of the Roman Colony of Arelate in 46 BP. Most of the Roman monuments that can be visited in Arles date back to the 1st Century though. 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 of time as 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 (east-west 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

If you are attracted to painting and wish to learn a bit more about the life of Van Gogh in Arles, then this option is perfect. 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. 

During this tour, your guide will take you through the town of Arles on the footsteps of Van Gogh to show you the setting of where some of the most famous paintings of the artist were done. To enhance this tour, it is also possible to purchase the tickets to the Arles Van Gogh Foundation during the booking process.

Reach Les Baux de Provence, a most beautiful village

Drive to Les Baux de Provence, a medieval village, through the stunning landscape of the regional park of the Alpilles mountains. The area is covered with olive trees that are surrounded by vineyards. The fortified village of Les Baux is classified as one of the most beautiful villages of France.

Here, stroll through the streets to admire the ancient town hall and its Santons museum – hand painted clay figurines that are traditional to Provence. Other highlights of the village include the Porcelet Private Mansion and St Vincent square from where you will have a fantastic view on the Val d’Enfer. On this full day tour, enjoy some free time at leisure to discover the village.

A great option during your time is to visit the Carrieres de Lumiere – natural, underground quarries. Inside, a unique show highlights the works of an Artist. The natural limestone walls act like a giant 3-dimensional screen. In 2020, Artist Salvador Dali and Architect Antonio Gaudi have been chosen for the exhibits.

After the visit of Les Baux de Provence, it will be time to head back to your Cruise Ship in Marseille.