Marseille Shore Excursion: Private Arles and Les Baux de Provence Tour

For this private Marseille shore excursion, your guide will be waiting for you at the Marseille cruise terminal when your cruise ship docks. Hop in a luxury air-conditioned minivan and travel west along the coast to Arles, an ancient city known for its Roman heritage. In fact, the city made its way onto the UNESCO World Heritage list for its wonderfully preserved Roman monuments, some of which date back to the 1st century BC.

Arles is also known for its strong sense of cultural identity, attracting art and architecture lovers from around the world. Its most famous former resident is the masterful Vincent van Gogh! Learn about Van Gogh’s life in the city as you follow your guide on a leisurely walking tour.

Admire striking architecture and see several places that inspired Van Gogh’s works, like Café Van Gogh, the distinctive yellow-fronted café located in Forum Square that's said to be the building in his acclaimed The Café Terrace painting.

Stand in awe of the ruins of the massive Arles Amphitheatre and then explore the city’s fascinating ancient theater. Only two of its original Corinthian columns are still standing, but the ruins certainly hint at its former glory. Walk past St-Trophime Church, admiring its carved 12th-century doorway, and then take a break for lunch on your own.

After lunch, hop in the minivan and let your guide whisk you away from the coast toward the Chaîne des Alpilles mountain range to Les Baux de Provence. The afternoon is yours to spend at your leisure in this charming medieval village that clings to the top of a rocky cliff.

Enjoy picture-perfect views over the Provencal countryside and wander around the village’s cobblestone streets, gazing at the old fortress ruins (admission is at your own expense).

At the pre-arranged time, meet your guide for the trip back to Marseille. You'll be dropped off at the port in the evening to board your cruise ship.

Worry-free Shore Excursion GuaranteeWe will ensure your timely return to the Marseille port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.