Provence Historical Tour: Arles, Pont du Gard and Avignon

Marseille , France

Provence Historical Tour: Arles, Pont du Gard and Avignon

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About this experience

Explore the rich history and culture of Provence on this immersive tour featuring Arles, Pont du Gard, and Avignon. Begin with a walking tour of Arles, a Roman city renowned for its stunning architecture and vibrant art scene, including landmarks linked to Van Gogh. Discover the impressive Pont du Gard, a marvel of Roman engineering and the best-preserved aqueduct. In Avignon, stroll through the charming streets to the iconic Palace of the Popes and the famous Pont d’Avignon, known from the popular French song.

- Walking tour of Arles with insights into its Roman history and Van Gogh connections
- Visit the Pont du Gard, the highest Roman aqueduct bridge
- Explore Avignon’s historic centre (visit of the Palace of the Popes available on request)
- Flexible itinerary tailored to group interests, with optional visits to local landmarks

Available options

Provence Historical Tour: Arles, Pont du Gard and Avignon

Pickup included

What's included

Air-conditioned vehicle

Parking Fees

Detailed itinerary

In Arles you will do a walking tour together with your driver/giuide. We will visit the pedestrian area of the City, to admire the Roman monuments (Amplitheathre, Colusseum etc), walk by the Cathedral, the Café Van Gogh and also reach the Rhone River. We can also walk to reach the Hotel Dieu (hospital where Van Gogh was taken care of in 1888).

Stop 2

we will reach the Pond-du-Gard, the impressive ancient Roman aqueduct.
The Pont du Gard is the highest (161 ft high above the river) of all Roman aqueduct bridges, and one of the best preserved.

Avignon is easy to tour, the centre can be visited walking. From the main square (Place de l’Horologe) we can in a few minutes reach the Palace of the Popes.
We mostly adapt time to the interest of the people. A walk can be enough to get a good grasp of the centre. To visit the Palace of the Popes more time will be necessary, as the Palace alone will need at least 1 hour (tickets not included, they provide audio-guides). In most of the tours we do not visit the Palace inside, but again it can be possible on request.

What's not included

Gratuities

Food and drinks not included

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT FR ES

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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.