Medieval villages Les Baux, St Rémy de Provence & Alpilles wine

Marseille , France

Medieval villages Les Baux, St Rémy de Provence & Alpilles wine

Active

8h - 9h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Medieval villages of Les Baux de Provence, the immersive experience of Carrières de Lumière, Saint Rémy de Provence culture, food & olive oil and the flavours of Domaine de la Vallongue wines.

A fortified hilltop village one of the most visited in Provence, narrow cobbled streets, ancient houses run up to a ruined castle - the Baux family ruled from the 9th century to 1426. Explore the village & then Carrières de Lumières, one time 19th century quarry Les Grand Fonds. In the 1960s it found a new function thanks to the genius of Jean Cocteau, an immersive experience that exhibits work from famous painters. Next Saint Rémy de Provence, savour the unique flavours of olive oil from Domaine Jolibois, true Provençal art of living. olive oils produced that symbolize the conviviality & joie de vivre. Finally a relaxing wine tour of Domaine de la Vallongue on the hillsides of the Alpilles. Located at the bottom of a long valley which was once the ancient Roman road which linked Rome to Spain.

Available options

Medieval villages Les Baux, St Rémy de Provence & Alpilles wine

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Wine & olive oil tasting at Domaine de La Vallongue in the Alpilles mountains

Admission and visit to St. Paul de Mausole - the hospital where Van Gogh spent time & painted

Admission to Carrieres des Lumieres - the ancient quarry now and art light show

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The monastery is best known for the fact that Vincent van Gogh stayed here from May 1889 to May 1890. A masterpiece of Provencal Romanesque art, the 11th -12th Century cloister backs onto the chapel, in pure Romanesque style, with a façade altered in the 18th Century.

Stop 2

The town of Baux-de-Provence entrusted Culturespaces with the management of the quarry, as part of a public service concession agreement. Named ‘Les Carrières de Lumières’, Culturespaces have developed a unique and innovative concept for the site: AMIEX® (Art & Music Immersive Experience).Les Carrières de Lumières opened in March with the exhibition "Gauguin, Van Gogh: Painters in Colour", a musical journey into the colourful world of these two artists, produced by Culturespaces and directed by Gianfranco Iannuzzi, Renato Gatto and Massimiliano Siccardi.

Visit to this historic quintessential Provençal village, explore the tiny streets and enjoy the ambience of it's charm, shops, cafes and local eateries. St Rémy is the birthplace of Nostradamous.

An end of the day visit to this family owned estate set against the magnificent Alpilles mountain range - everything you imagine about Provençal style. A renowned wine maker and olive oil producer. Tastings included

What's not included

We allow time for lunch - at your leisure in either St Rémy or Les Baux and happy to make recommendations to you

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Not suitable for a shore excursion arriving and departing same day from the Port of Marseille

Important notes

We will liaise with you regarding the pick up & drop off point. Due to the locations of the villages, it may not be suitable for passengers arriving & departing same day into the Port of Marseille. Please ask as we may be able to adapt the itinerary.

About Marseille

Marseille, the oldest city in France, is a vibrant port city known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning Mediterranean coastline. With its bustling Vieux Port, historic architecture, and nearby Calanques National Park, Marseille offers a unique blend of urban and natural attractions.

Top Attractions

Vieux Port (Old Port)

The heart of Marseille, the Vieux Port is a bustling harbor surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and shops. It's a great place to start your exploration of the city.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore

Calanques National Park

A stunning coastal park with turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and hidden beaches. Perfect for hiking, swimming, and kayaking.

Nature Half-day to full day Free entry

Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

A iconic basilica offering panoramic views of Marseille. A symbol of the city and a must-visit for its architecture and views.

Religious 1-2 hours Free entry

MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations)

A modern museum exploring the history and culture of the Mediterranean region. The building itself is an architectural marvel.

Museum 2-3 hours €11 for full access

Château d'If

A historic fortress and prison, made famous by Alexandre Dumas' novel 'The Count of Monte Cristo'. Accessible only by boat.

Historical Half-day €10 for the boat and entry

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bouillabaisse

A traditional Provençal fish stew made with various types of fish and shellfish, served with rouille and toasted bread.

Dinner Contains seafood, gluten (in the bread)

Navettes

Small, orange-blossom flavored biscuits shaped like boats, a specialty of Marseille.

Snack Vegetarian, contains gluten

Tapenade

A spread made from olives, capers, and anchovies, typically served with bread or crackers.

Appetizer Vegetarian option available (without anchovies)

Popular Activities

Hiking in Calanques National Park Kayaking in the Mediterranean Scuba diving at the Riou Islands Sunbathing at Plage des Catalans Spa treatments at a luxury hotel Strolling along the Vieux Port Visiting museums and galleries Attending a performance at the Grand Théâtre de Marseille

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the best time to visit Marseille for beach activities and outdoor exploration. The weather is warm, and the city is lively with festivals and events.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English, Arabic, Italian
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Marseille is generally safe for tourists, but like any large city, it has its share of petty crime. Exercise caution, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night.

Getting there

By air

Marseille Provence Airport • 25 km from city center

By train

Marseille Saint-Charles

By bus

Gare Routière Saint-Charles

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and easy to use, with two lines connecting key destinations.

Taxis

Available • Apps: G7, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Le Panier La Canebière Cours Julien

Day trips

Aix-en-Provence

30 km • Half-day to full day

A charming university town known for its elegant architecture, vibrant markets, and proximity to the Luberon region.

Cassis

25 km • Full day

A picturesque coastal town known for its stunning calanques, white cliffs, and vibrant port. Ideal for swimming, hiking, and boat tours.

Arles

80 km • Full day

A historic town with Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and a rich artistic heritage. Arles is known for its connections to Vincent van Gogh.

Festivals

Fête de la Musique • June 21 Marseille Jazz Festival • July Festival de Marseille • June to July

Pro tips

Visit the Calanques early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best light for photography.
Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Provençal dishes like bouillabaisse and tapenade.
Explore the city's street art scene in the Cours Julien and Panier neighborhoods.
Try local specialties like navettes, panisse, and socca at the markets and street food stalls.
Take a boat tour to the Château d'If for a unique perspective on the city and its history.