Provence Day Trip from Aix-en-Provence: On the Trail of Van Gogh
Aix-en-Provence, France
Rating: 
Trip Type: Day Trips
Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes
Follow the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh, see Roman monuments and visit one of Provence’s best open-air markets on this action-packed day trip from Aix-en-Provence! First stop is St Rémy de Provence, for a market visit and a look at St Paul de Mausole (where Van Gogh stayed after cutting off his ear). Relax in the cliff-top village of Les Baux de Provence, and then enjoy a walking tour in the UNESCO-listed town of Arles. Learn about Van Gogh’s life in town, while seeing Roman ruins like Arles Amphitheatre!
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Follow the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh, see Roman monuments and visit one of Provence’s best open-air markets on this action-packed day trip from Aix-en-Provence! First stop is St Rémy de Provence, for a market visit and a look at St Paul de Mausole (where Van Gogh stayed after cutting off his ear). Relax in the cliff-top village of Les Baux de Provence, and then enjoy a walking tour in the UNESCO-listed town of Arles. Learn about Van Gogh’s life in town, while seeing Roman ruins like Arles Amphitheatre!Leave central Aix-en-Provence and travel northwest by air-conditioned minibus through the scenic Provencal countryside to the northern slopes of the Alpilles mountain range. Your destination is the pretty village of St Rémy de Provence; once a walled Roman town, it is now a thriving market village popular with locals and visitors alike.
Spend time here at leisure, doing whatever you please. Perhaps visit its picturesque open-air market (one of the region’s fines), or stroll to finding St Rémy’s best monuments, such as St Paul de Mausole. This gorgeous Romanesque monastery was formerly a psychiatric hospital that treated St Rémy’s most famous ex-resident -- Vincent van Gogh -- when he cut off his ear. Entrance fees to any monuments are at your own expense.
Continue your tour by minibus to the medieval cliff-top village of Les Baux de Provence to admire its postcard-perfect views and enjoy lunch at leisure (own expense). If time permits, take a wander around the village’s lovely cobblestone streets to soak up its historic charm.
Meet your guide at the pre-arranged time, and travel to Arles -- an ancient city that’s made its way onto the UNESCO World Heritage list in recognition of its beautifully preserved Roman monuments. Like St Rémy, Arles was once home to Vincent van Gogh, and you’ll follow in his footsteps on a walking tour of the town. As you learn about Van Gogh’s life in the city, watch out for the places that inspired the artist’s works, like Café Van Gogh in Forum Square. The distinctive yellow-fronted café is said to be the building in Van Gogh’s acclaimed The Café Terrace painting. If you travel on a Saturday, you will also be able to enjoy the open-air market in Arles.
Marvel at Arles’ Roman monuments, too, including the ruins of Arles Amphitheater and the city’s Roman Theater. Pass St-Trophime church, admiring its carved 12th-century doorway, and then return to your minibus for the journey back to Aix-en-Provence. Your tour finishes at the start point in the later afternoon.
Spend time here at leisure, doing whatever you please. Perhaps visit its picturesque open-air market (one of the region’s fines), or stroll to finding St Rémy’s best monuments, such as St Paul de Mausole. This gorgeous Romanesque monastery was formerly a psychiatric hospital that treated St Rémy’s most famous ex-resident -- Vincent van Gogh -- when he cut off his ear. Entrance fees to any monuments are at your own expense.
Continue your tour by minibus to the medieval cliff-top village of Les Baux de Provence to admire its postcard-perfect views and enjoy lunch at leisure (own expense). If time permits, take a wander around the village’s lovely cobblestone streets to soak up its historic charm.
Meet your guide at the pre-arranged time, and travel to Arles -- an ancient city that’s made its way onto the UNESCO World Heritage list in recognition of its beautifully preserved Roman monuments. Like St Rémy, Arles was once home to Vincent van Gogh, and you’ll follow in his footsteps on a walking tour of the town. As you learn about Van Gogh’s life in the city, watch out for the places that inspired the artist’s works, like Café Van Gogh in Forum Square. The distinctive yellow-fronted café is said to be the building in Van Gogh’s acclaimed The Café Terrace painting. If you travel on a Saturday, you will also be able to enjoy the open-air market in Arles.
Marvel at Arles’ Roman monuments, too, including the ruins of Arles Amphitheater and the city’s Roman Theater. Pass St-Trophime church, admiring its carved 12th-century doorway, and then return to your minibus for the journey back to Aix-en-Provence. Your tour finishes at the start point in the later afternoon.
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