From Avignon: Art and History in Provence – Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France

EXPERIENCE:

After a short drive from Avignon and your tour guide’s commentary along the way, experience the peaceful surroundings of St Paul de Mausole’s asylum, where the Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh created masterpieces like “The Starry Night” and “The Irises”. Don’t miss the remains of the former Roman town of Glanum that are to be admired just nearby. Please be aware that the hospital is still in use today so you will only be able to see the exteriors and the last part of St Remy’s Van Gogh Walk with boards representing some of the painter’s most famous works. The visit of the replica of the painter’s room is not included in this tour.

A beautiful drive through vineyards and olive groves will take you to Les Baux de Provence, a real gem in the heart of the Alpilles massif. Your tour guide will drop you at the entrance of this pedestrian village, from where you’ll have the chance to enjoy breathtaking views. An eagle’s nest perched on a rocky plateau overlooking the Crau and the Camargue, Les Baus is not only a medieval fortress: a lot of shopping opportunities are available there!

Meet your driver again and head to the “capital” of the Camargue, the lively and colourful old Arles. Your tour guide will provide you with maps and information about things to do and see, as well as lunch suggestions. A long stop is scheduled so that everyone can have enough time to visit the many monuments inscribed in the Unesco world heritage list, follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps and also taste some local specialties (lunch not included).
Don’t miss Arles’ picturesque market on Wednesdays and Saturdays!

In the afternoon, meet your guide again and continue the journey with another unique World Heritage Site. Enjoy a beautiful walk on shaded alleys and be awestruck by this 2000-year-old masterpiece of Roman engineering.
On hot days you can also deep your feet or take a dive into the river Gardon, to see the aqueduc from an unusual angle!
Afterwards, head back to Avignon old town.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Admire stunning landscapes painted by Van Gogh around Saint Rémy de Provence
Explore narrow cobbled streets in the medieval village of Les Baux de Provence
Discover Arles, its Unesco monuments and Van Gogh’s path
Be amazed by the impressive Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard

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