5 days in Arles, Avignon, Nimes & Aix en Provence
If Paris is the city of light Provence is the country of light! Then same light that Van Gogh saw in Arles or Cezanne in Aix en Provence.
Coming in Provence it is discovering another face of France full of nature and culture. The sun and the sky do not have the same color when you are there but this is also about spirituality with Avignon and its palace of the popes. As this tour will bring you to some village where it is not possible to access by public transportation we arrange you 3 days with a private car only for your group!
Arles
Arles is a city on the Rhône River in the Provence region of southern France. It's famed for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh, which influenced the contemporary art displayed at the Fondation Vincent Van Gogh. Once a provincial capital of ancient Rome, Arles is also known for many remains from that era, including Arles Amphitheatre (les Arènes d'Arles), now hosting plays, concerts and bullfights.
Avignon
Avignon, a city in southeastern France’s Provence region, is set on the Rhône River. From 1309 to 1377, it was the seat of the Catholic popes. It remained under papal rule until becoming part of France in 1791. This legacy can be seen in the massive Palais des Papes (Popes' Palace) in the city center, which is surrounded by medieval stone ramparts.
ITINERARY
Day 1 (Fri)
Marseilles, Arles
Starting from Marseilles, departure for Arles by train TER, duration 01H05 mn, departure every 20 mn (included)
The city of Arles offers you 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Check-in at a hotel in Arles.
Free lunch
Important : All museum visits & entrances are not included. They are to be arranged directly by clients.
Recommended visits NOT INCLUDED:
* Theatre antique, UNESCO World Heritage, from the former Roman colony.
* Amphitheatre (arènes), same period
* Cloister of St Trophime, middle age religious monument
All these monuments are open every day and close at 17:00 from november to february, at 18:00 in other periods.
* Visit of Manade (cow farm)
Free dinner
Overnight stay in Arles at Arles Plaza or similar
Day 2 (Sat)
Arles, Nimes
Breakfast at hotel
Private car for disposal during 8H from Arles to Nimes include.
Departure with your private car, destination Les Baux de Provence
(Arles - Les Baux de Provence 30 minutes by car, 20 km).
The village of Les Baux de Provence is perched on a spur of rock. Enjoy a visit on foot of this beautiful village.
Free lunch in a local restaurant (not included)
Departure from les Baux de Provence, direction Nîmes, 40 mn by car.
Arrival in Nimes, end of service of private car for day 2.
Important : All museum visits & entrances are not included. They are to be arranged directly by clients.
Recommended points to see NOT INCLUDED:
Visit of Arenes de Nimes, roman amphitheatre, best conserved of the Roman world.
Open every day till 18:00, 17:00 in winter.
Free dinner
Overnight stay in Nimes at Best Western Marquis de la Baume or similar
Day 3 (Sun)
Nimes, Avignon
Breakfast at hotel
Recommended visits NOT INCLUDED:
Visit of Maison Carrée, a Gallo-roman temple and musée de la Romanité which explains the Roman culture with more than 5000 pieces and the history of Nimes.
Both places open at 10:00.
Private car for disposal during 7H from Nimes to Avignon.
Departure for Le Pont du Gard with your private car (30 mn, 22 km)
Free lunch at Pont du Gard, and visit of the spot (2 hours) (Lunch and entrance fee are not included)
UNESCO World heritage, masterpiece of Roman ingenuity, three-storey bridge. open every day.
14:30 Departure for Avignon
15:30 Arrival in Avignon
End of service of private car for day 3. Free time in Avignon
Important : All museum visits & entrances are not included. They are to be arranged directly by clients.
Recommended visits NOT INCLUDED:
* Visit of Palais des Papes, biggest gothic palace in all Europe, symbol of the Church’s influence in the 14th century.
* Saint Benezet Bridge
* Rampart around the town
Free dinner
Overnight stay in Avignon at Cloitre Saint Louis or equivalent
Day 4 (Mon)
Avignon, Gordes, Aix en Provence
Breakfast at hotel
Departure for Gordes (Avignon-Gordes 50 mn, 50 km) with your private car.
Free lunch in Gordes
Gordes is a typical village on a rocky promontory of the Vaucluse mountains.
Important : All museum visits & entrances are not included. They are to be arranged directly by clients.
Recommended visits NOT INCLUDED:
Departure for Terre d’Ocre, Colorado provencal, discover this arid landscape, very similar to the american one, and its beautiful colors. (20 mn, 13 km)
Departure from le sentier des Ocres-destination Aix en Provence (01:10, 61 km)
Arrival at Aix en Provence end of service for private car.
Overnight stay in Aix en Provence at Birdy Hotel by Happyculture or similar
Day 5
Aix en Provence
Breakfast at hotel
Visit of Aix en Provence
Important : All museum visits & entrances are not included. They are to be arranged directly by clients.
Recommended visits NOT INCLUDED:
Visit of Atelier Cezanne (optional). opens at 09:30. Pre Booking of guided tour is compulsory, 100% cancellation charge apply once confirmed.
Departure for Marseilles with public transportation (Not included)
Included
- 4 nights accommodation with breakfast
- Full day Private car from Arles to Aix en Provence
- Train tickets TER / bus mentioned “included” in the itinerary
- Entrance fee to Pont du Gard (parking)
Not Included
- Personal expenses such as telephone, laundry
and Tips
- City tax to be paid to the hotel upon check-in
- Travel insurance
- Entrance fees to museums
- Anything not specifically mentioned in
“Service includes”.
Please note that this tour will be subject to any social distancing measure taking place in this country and some modifications may apply to any activity per the requested period of travel. Please consult us for more information.