Private Van Gogh, Roman Provence Tour from Aix-en-Provence
Experience the artistic soul of Provence on this private 8-hour Van Gogh and Roman tour from Aix-en-Provence. Your expert English-speaking guide will take you to Arles’ UNESCO-listed Roman amphitheatre, the Saint-Rémy asylum where Van Gogh painted ‘Starry Night,’ and the medieval clifftop village of Les Baux-de-Provence…
✓ Private tour, max 8 guests
✓ Expert English-speaking guide
✓ Hotel pickup included
✓ Perfect for families & first-timers
✓ Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
✓ Flexible itinerary – you choose pace
✓ Money-back guarantee if tour cancelled by us
From €950 per group (up to 8 people)
Licensed, Insured Guides
Local experts with Personal Stories
Family Business
Founded 2022 Post-Covid
500+
Five Star Reviews Across Multiple Platforms
why is this tour different
You Won't Find This Anywhere Else
We believe it’s people who make the experience. Our motto, travel like a local, guides everything we do. Each tour is carefully fine-tuned to strike the perfect balance between insightful storytelling and engaging entertainment, combining deep local knowledge with meticulous attention to detail. We focus on true hospitality, not just service—creating warm, human connections that make you feel welcome, not rushed. Our guides are passionate, joyful, and genuinely love sharing their city. Their joie de vivre, energy, and enthusiasm are contagious, turning every tour into a memorable, authentic experience.
Most Provence tours rush you through in a crowded bus with 40+ strangers. Not this one.
Private Small-Group Experience Maximum 8 guests means your questions get answered, photo opportunities aren’t rushed, and we can adapt the itinerary to your family’s interests on the day. Want to spend extra time at the Van Gogh asylum? We can do that. Prefer to skip a site for a longer lunch? Just ask.
Expert Guide, Not Just a Driver Your guide is a trained historian and Aix local who brings Roman civilization and Van Gogh’s story to life with details you’d never find in guidebooks. Think of them as your personal Provence professor who also happens to know the best places for lunch.
Zero Logistics Stress We pick you up at your Aix hotel, handle all driving and parking in medieval villages (trust us, you don’t want to attempt this yourself), and return you after a full day of exploration. You just show up and soak it in.
Insider Access Skip the tourist traps and discover the quiet corners where locals actually go. Learn which restaurant in Les Baux has been family-run since 1890. See the hidden Van Gogh painting location that guidebooks don’t mention. Find out where to buy the best calissons in Aix.
Your guide isn’t just trained in history—their family has lived in Provence for 200+ years. You’ll hear stories about the resistance during WWII, meet locals who’ve known your guide since childhood, and discover hidden spots that aren’t in any guidebook because they’re family secrets. This isn’t a script. It’s personal
Your Itinerary
Your Day in Van Gogh's Provence
Roman Amphitheatre & The Rhone River
The still-in-use asylum of Van Gogh
Quarries and Medievil Castles
Pick up and Drop Off from Aix en Provence
9:00 AM - Hotel Pickup in Aix-en-Provence
We collect you from your hotel or accommodation in central Aix. Settle into our comfortable, air-conditioned van as your guide shares what makes today special—and answers any questions about the rest of your Provence trip.
Driving time to Arles: 45 minutes through olive groves and sunflower fields
9:45 AM - Arles: Ancient Rome Meets Modern Art
Your day begins in Arles, where a 20,000-seat Roman amphitheatre towers over medieval cafés and Van Gogh’s yellow café still serves coffee on the same terrace he painted.
What You’ll Experience:
Roman Amphitheatre
- Walk by the arena where gladiators fought 2,000 years ago.
- See why UNESCO called these ruins “better preserved than Rome itself”
Van Gogh’s Arles
- Stand at the exact spot where he painted Café Terrace at Night in 1888
- Visit the Rhône riverbank where Starry Night Over the Rhône was created
- Understand why Arles’ intense Mediterranean light drew artists for centuries
Roman Theatre & Medieval Streets
- Explore the 1st-century Roman theatre (free time for photos)
- Wander ivy-covered medieval lanes unchanged since Van Gogh’s time
- Your guide shares stories of the Roman emperors who vacationed here
💡 Pro Tip: Saturday is Arles’ famous market day—if you’re touring on a Saturday, we can adjust timing so you experience the bustling stalls selling Provençal olives, lavender, and cheeses.
Time in Arles: 2 hours
12:00 PM - Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Where Starry Night Was Born
Next, the historic village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, nestled beneath the dramatic limestone peaks of the Alpilles Mountains. This is where Van Gogh spent one transformative year and created some of his most celebrated works.
What You’ll Experience:
Van Gogh’s Asylum (Saint-Paul-de-Mausole)
- Walk the serene monastery gardens where Van Gogh painted 150+ works during his stay
- Stand in the exact field he saw from his window—the inspiration for The Starry Night
- See interpretive panels placing his paintings side-by-side with the real landscapes
- Learn the moving story of his recovery through art (1889-1890)
- Visit his recreated bedroom (the same view that inspired multiple paintings)
Glanum Roman Ruins
- Explore this 2,500-year-old Celtic-Roman settlement (optional entry: €9)
- See the sacred spring still flowing after millennia
- Walk streets where Romans shopped and worshipped
- One of France’s most impressive archaeological sites outside the major cities
Alpilles Natural Beauty
- Stroll beneath ancient plane trees lining Saint-Rémy’s boulevards
- Understand why this unique light attracted Van Gogh and countless artists
- See the landscapes that appear in dozens of his paintings
💡 Pro Tip: Wednesday is Saint-Rémy’s legendary Provençal market—200+ stalls selling everything from lavender soap to fresh goat cheese. If you’re touring on Wednesday, we can arrive early to experience the market bustle before crowds peak.
Time in Saint-Rémy: 1.5 hours
1:30 PM - Lunch Break in Les Baux-de-Provence
Time to refuel! Your guide will recommend three lunch options in Les Baux based on your preferences and budget.
Lunch Options (your choice, not included in tour price):
- Quick & Casual: Gourmet sandwiches with local ingredients (€15-20)
- Provençal Bistro: Traditional ratatouille, lamb daube, rosé wine (€25-35)
- Fine Dining: Michelin-quality cuisine with valley views (€40-60)
Your guide knows which family-run places locals eat at versus tourist traps. They’ll make reservations if needed and give you space to enjoy your meal at your own pace.
Lunch duration: 1-1.5 hours (flexible based on your preference)
3:00 PM - Les Baux-de-Provence: Medieval Village in the Clouds
Your final destination perches on a cliff 800 feet above the valley floor: Les Baux-de-Provence, one of France’s most spectacular medieval fortress villages.
What You’ll Experience:
Medieval Fortress Exploration
- Walk cobblestone lanes medieval knights once defended
- Explore the dramatic 11th-century castle ruins
- Imagine siege warfare from the ramparts (kids especially love this!)
- See restored trebuchets (medieval catapults) and war machinery
Panoramic Provence Views
- Gaze across olive groves and vineyards stretching 30 miles to the Mediterranean
- Watch the golden Provençal light transform the limestone cliffs
- Capture photos that will make your friends back home jealous
- Understand why this strategic position made Les Baux unconquerable for centuries
Carrières de Lumières (Optional Add-on)
- Immersive art experience inside a former limestone quarry
- Floor-to-ceiling projections of famous artworks (often Van Gogh, Monet, or Klimt)
- Cool underground escape during hot summer months
- Entrance: €14/adult, 45-minute experience
- Note: We can extend the tour by 45 minutes to include this. Just ask!
Artisan Shopping
- Browse authentic Provençal crafts (lavender products, olive oil, pottery)
- Watch traditional soap-makers at work
- Your guide knows which shops are genuine vs tourist gimmicks
Pro Tip: Arrive after 3pm and you’ll avoid the cruise ship crowds that descend mid-morning. The afternoon light is also spectacular for photography.
Time in Les Baux: 2 hours
5:00 PM - Scenic Return to Aix-en-Provence
Wind through Provence’s iconic countryside as the late afternoon sun bathes everything in golden light. Your guide might stop for photo opportunities of lavender fields (July), sunflowers (August), or dramatic mountain vistas.
This is also your chance to ask any final questions about Provence—where to eat tonight, which villages to visit next, how to navigate French customs, or simply share what made today memorable.
Return to Aix hotel: 5:30 PM (approximate)
What's Included in Your Private Tour
Included in Your Tour Price:
Why €950?
Most tour companies charge €600-800 for similar tours. Here’s why ours costs more—and why guests say it’s worth it:
✓ Private licensed guide (not just a driver)
✓ Maximum 8 guests (most competitors: 15-20)
✓ Premium vehicle (Mercedes, 2020+)
✓ 200+ years local family knowledge
✓ Flexible itinerary (not rigid schedule)
The difference? You’re paying for a personal experience, not a production line.
Transportation & Logistics
We handle all transportation so you can relax from the moment your day begins. Your guide picks you up and drops you off anywhere in the Aix-en-Provence city center, traveling in a comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes van (2020 or newer). All fuel, tolls, and parking fees are included, and your professional driver-guide is fully licensed and insured.
Guiding & Expertise
You explore with an expert English-speaking guide trained in history, not just transportation. For eight full hours, your guide provides personalized attention, rich storytelling, and local insight, while sharing insider recommendations for restaurants, shops, and hidden gems. The itinerary remains flexible and adapts to your interests throughout the day.
Access & Assistance
Your guide helps you make the most of every stop with smart skip-the-line strategies at popular sites and expert assistance with photo opportunities. We also take care of restaurant reservations when needed and offer WhatsApp support before and during your tour for seamless communication.
Comfort & Convenience
We prioritize your comfort at every step. Complimentary bottled water is available throughout the day, umbrellas are provided if rain is forecast, and child seats can be arranged upon request. With a maximum of eight guests, the experience remains intimate, relaxed, and personal.
Not included
Lunch & Refreshments
Lunch is not included, giving you the freedom to choose a restaurant that matches your tastes and pace. Most guests budget between €20–40 per person for lunch, depending on preference. Coffee or snacks at sites typically cost an additional €5–10 per person.
Entre Fees (Option - You choose what to visit)
You remain in control of which sites you visit, with entrance fees paid directly on the day. Popular options include the Arles Roman Amphitheatre (€9/adult, €7/child), the Roman ruins of Glanum in Saint-Rémy (€9/adult, €7/child), Carrières de Lumières in Les Baux (€14/adult, €11/child), and Les Baux Castle (€11/adult, €8/child). Visiting all sites generally totals approximately €30–35 per adult.
Gratuities
Gratuities are always optional and never expected. If you feel your guide delivered an exceptional experience, a tip of 10–15% is customary and always appreciated.
Is This Tour Right for You?
decide for yourself
This Tour Is Perfect For:
Multi-Generational Families
A comfortable, engaging Provence day tour designed for grandparents, parents, and teens, with an easy pace, iconic views, and stories that connect every age.
First-Time Visitors to Provence
An ideal introduction to Provence that provides cultural context, local tips, and insider knowledge to enhance the rest of your trip.
Art Lovers & Van Gogh Enthusiasts
A must-do Van Gogh tour visiting the exact landscapes and sites that inspired his most famous works, guided by expert storytellers.
History Buffs & Ancient Rome Fans
An in-depth exploration of Roman Provence, featuring Arles and ancient ruins explained by trained historians who bring the past to life.
Travelers with Limited Time
A time-efficient Provence day trip covering multiple iconic destinations in one seamless, stress-free experience.
Couples Seeking Romance
A romantic Provence tour through medieval villages, dramatic scenery, and golden light, perfect for anniversaries, honeymoons, or special moments.
Photographers Chasing the Light
A photography-friendly Provence tour timed for the best light, viewpoints, and angles in landscapes made famous by Van Gogh.
This Tour Is Not For:
Party & Nightlife Travelers
Not designed for party tours, nightlife, or wine-fueled bus experiences—this is a cultural, scenic, daytime Provence tour.
Guests with Severe Mobility Limitations
Not ideal for travelers requiring full wheelchair access, as some historic sites include cobblestones, stairs, gravel paths, and inclines.
Luxury Shopping–Focused Travelers
Not the best fit for solo travelers on a tight budget, as this private Provence tour offers the most value when shared.
Budget-Conscious Solo Travelers
A time-efficient Provence day trip covering multiple iconic destinations in one seamless, stress-free experience.
customer's stories
“We Only Have a Few Days in Provence—Should We Spend a Full Day on This Tour?”
We understand—when you’ve traveled across an ocean and have limited vacation days, every decision matters. Here’s the honest truth about whether this tour is worth your precious time.
What Past Guests in Your Exact Situation Say:
“We debated doing this tour vs DIY-ing it with a rental car. SO glad we booked. In one day, we saw more than we could’ve organized in three, and Ben’s stories meant we actually understood what we were looking at instead of just taking photos. The time we ‘spent’ on this tour actually SAVED us time on the rest of our trip because Ben told us which other villages were worth visiting.”
— Mark T., Chicago (family of 4, first time in France)
“My husband wanted to rent a car and ‘wing it.’ I insisted on booking this tour. By hour two, even he admitted I was right. The parking alone in these medieval villages would’ve consumed half our day, and we would’ve walked right past the Van Gogh sites without knowing their significance.”
— Jennifer M., Boston (couple, 3-night Provence stay)
“Best money we spent in France, period. Our teenage kids are still talking about it six months later. The guide made history feel like storytelling, not a boring textbook.”
— David L., San Francisco (family with teens 14 & 16)
The Price, explained
(No Surprises)
The tour costs €950 total for your private group, and yes—that price already includes 20% tax, so what you see is what you pay.
That €950 covers everything that makes the day smooth and stress-free: private transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned van, fuel, tolls, parking, commercial insurance, and all required professional licenses.
More importantly, it includes a full day with a professional local guide who does far more than drive. Your guide plans the route, manages timing, adapts the itinerary to your interests, and brings Provence to life through stories, history, and local insight—while you simply sit back and enjoy the scenery. You never worry about getting lost, missing highlights, or figuring out logistics in unfamiliar places.
To keep the experience flexible and personal, lunch, food, drinks, and entrance tickets are not included. This allows you to choose where and how you eat, and which sites you’d like to visit, rather than being locked into a one-size-fits-all package. There are no surprise add-ons or forced stops—just transparency and choice.
In short, you’re not paying for meals or tickets—you’re paying for expert guidance, seamless transport, local knowledge, and peace of mind, wrapped into a private day designed entirely around you.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's okay to ask
The best time for a Van Gogh tour depends on your priorities. Spring (March-May) offers wildflowers and mild weather with fewer crowds. Summer (June-August) provides the intense Mediterranean light Van Gogh loved, plus lavender season, though it can be hot. Fall (September-November) brings golden vineyards and excellent weather—September is most popular. Winter (December-February) offers dramatic light, zero crowds, and lower prices. Van Gogh himself loved painting in winter for the crisp, clear skies.
This private tour costs €950 total for your group (1-8 people), which breaks down to €118-475 per person depending on group size. The price includes 8 hours with an expert guide, private transportation, hotel pickup in Aix, fuel, tolls, and parking. Entrance fees (€30-35/adult) and lunch (€20-40/person) are not included, giving you flexibility to choose which sites to visit.
How much walking is involved on this Provence day tour?
You’ll visit the exact locations where Van Gogh painted: Café Terrace at Night (Arles), Starry Night Over the Rhône (Arles riverbank), The Starry Night (Saint-Rémy asylum), Irises (asylum gardens), and Wheat Field with Cypresses (Saint-Rémy countryside). In Saint-Rémy, you’ll see the asylum room where he recovered and the field he viewed from his window—the inspiration for his most famous painting.
Expect approximately 2-3 kilometers (1.5 miles) of walking spread over 8 hours at a relaxed pace. Arles and Saint-Rémy are mostly flat with some cobblestones, while Les Baux involves uphill medieval streets and stairs. We take frequent breaks—this isn’t a fitness challenge. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Yes—this is a fully customizable private tour. Want extra time at the Van Gogh asylum? We’ll adjust. Interested in photography stops during golden hour? Just ask. Need accessibility modifications? We’ll adapt the route. Prefer to skip a site for a longer lunch? No problem. Changes can be made when booking or even on the morning of your tour.
The tour works well for children aged 8+ who enjoy castles, Roman ruins, and storytelling. Ages 5-7 can work depending on attention span—we build in breaks and adjust the pace. For children under 5, the full 8-hour day may be long; consider our shorter 2.5-hour Aix walking tour instead. Free child car seats provided on request.
appropriate route.
Light rain: The tour continues—we provide umbrellas, and sites like the Arles amphitheatre and Les Baux castle are beautiful in moody weather. The underground Carrières de Lumières is perfect for rainy days. Heavy storms: You choose: reschedule free, get a full refund, or modify to indoor-focused sites. Provence has 300+ days of sunshine, but we have backup plans.
locations. Contact us before booking to design an
Included: 8 hours with licensed expert guide, private Mercedes van (2020+), hotel pickup/drop-off in Aix, all fuel and parking, bottled water, flexible itinerary, restaurant recommendations. Not included: entrance fees (€30-35/adult total), lunch (€20-40/person), and optional gratuities (10-15% customary).
Book 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season (April-October), especially for weekends. Last-minute bookings (2-3 days notice) are sometimes possible in winter. If visiting during lavender season (June-July) or fall foliage (October), book 3-4 weeks ahead—these are our busiest periods.
with mobility limitations, we modify the itinerary—more time at accessible sites, skip Les Baux for alternative
Partially. Arles and Saint-Rémy have wheelchair-accessible areas, though cobblestones can be challenging. Les Baux is not accessible due to steep medieval streets. For guests with mobility limitations, we modify the itinerary—more time at accessible sites, skip Les Baux for alternative locations. Contact us before booking to design an appropriate route.
What Our Guests Say About Their Day
Client Stories
Our tour was simply wonderful, exceeding our expectations. Benjamin is a terrific guide; knowledgeable, smart, funny, professional and welcoming. He has a great ability to describe Aix's history and connect it to the present-day city we toured. He combined big picture stuff with "insider" details that only a native of Aix could offer. He made our stay so much richer. He was a pleasure. We are recommending him to others, and already making plans to return.
Olivia Bennett
Instead of just rattling off facts, he told stories that made the history stick, pointed out details I would have walked right past, and gave me a real feel for the rhythm of the city. We ended up wandering through quiet side streets and courtyards, local markets, quiet hidden fountains and Le Cours Mirabeau. And even a few spots we felt like only locals know about.
Chloe Adams
Benjamin was friendly and knowledgeable. He was able to distill a lot of relevant information in a layback and pedagogical manner, which is not the case with all guides. My family and I are big consumers of private guides when we travel, and we travel often. I would say that Benjamin ranks in our top three or top four of all time
James Walker
Benjamin is extremely knowledgeable of the city of Aix-en-Provence. He has a good mix of the history with a little touch of humor that makes it very interesting and fun! The additional touch of his own family history in the city is an added bonus. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city.
Daniel Brooks
Ben was an incredibly knowledgeable tour guide and very personable. It was a very fun and interesting morning learning about the history of Aix, its residents and the culture. Great recommendations for shopping and dining and what museums to pursue on our own. We highly recommend this tour for all that you will learn and how entertaining Ben is.
Harper MitchellBen was a fantastic guide. He lives and breathes Aix en Provence and imparts his knowledge along with lovely stories and a passion that clearly stems from his life and family history in Aix. We tried some local delicacies, bought strawberries, drank pastis in a square and really felt immersed in the town. Highly recommended!
Marcus Hayes
Benji has a great of humor, has an incredible amount of local knowledge (and family roots here in Aix) as well as an appreciation for his tour group/tailors to who he is speaking to. He shared information that is not readily available in the tour books - way better! Absolutely recommend him
Sophia CollinsI spent a morning walking around Aix-en-Provence with Benjamin, and it was nothing short of fabulous. He has that perfect mix of local knowledge, easygoing energy, and a real love for Aix.
Tyler Grant
“We came to Provence to see where Van Gogh painted, but we left understanding why his time here changed art history forever. Ben’s storytelling made every site feel personal, not just another photo stop.” — Jennifer M., Boston (family of 4)
By the end of your day, you’ll:
– Have walked through 2,000 years of history, from Roman gladiator games to Van Gogh’s masterpieces
– Understand the landscapes and light that inspired countless artists to flock to Provence
– Own dozens of photos you’ll actually want to print and frame
– Know exactly which Provençal specialties to order at dinner (and which villages to revisit tomorrow)
– Feel confident navigating the rest of your Provence trip with insider knowledge
Most importantly? You’ll return to your hotel energized, not exhausted—with memories that last a lifetime, not just a camera roll of generic landmarks.
Book your Tour
Check Your Availability
Book your tour below, or e-mail us via the contact page or via WhatsApp – if you have any questions.
After You Book:
1. Instant confirmation email
2. WhatsApp contact with your guide
3. Reminder 48 hours before
4. Guide calls you morning of tour
Explore More of Provence
Not sure if this is the right tour? Compare your options:
Luberon Tour
Let us take you on one of our city tours to make the most of your time in Aix-en-Provence. Check out our group wine, walking and market tours plus information of our private tours.
3 Saints Tour
Hoping to day trip from Aix-en-Provence? We have you covered with a select itinerary of day trips to choose from. Where North, South, East or West, we have got great experiences to offer.
Coastal Tour
If you're looking to unwind and realign in Provence, we have created various seasonal retreats to help you connect with your deeper self and the world around you. Discover our luxery multi-day tour in Partnership with Allez Let's Go.
Our experience with Benjamin and his tour was excellent. We walked the city of Aix and through Benjamins deep knowledge we gleaned much insight into its history. Ben is personable and easy to know. He has a terrific sense of humor. Ben welcomes questions and shares his insight with enthusiasm. Aix-en-Provence is a beautiful historic city and you do not want to miss the opportunity to experience it through the eyes of an expert. Hire this guide, you will not regret it.
Ethan Carter