Aix-en-Provence to Arles and Les Baux: Private day trip

Founded in the 7th century BC, Arles grew into a major Gallo-Roman city. As such, it was bestowed with the empire’s integral structures, such as an arena and theatre. Today, these sites are integrated into the town’s architecture, rather than sitting apart as they do in most places. The 1st century arena is still used for events today, as is the the amphitheatre, and the Musee Departemental Arles Antique allows visitors to examine ancient artefacts excavated in the area. The town’s main square, the Place de la République, offers a snapshot of the city’s history, with 19th-century fountain topped by a Roman obelisk, surrounded by the 17th century town hall, Sainte-Anne d'Arles Church, and 12th century Saint-Trophime d'Arles Cathedral and peaceful cloister. Van Gogh stayed here for 14 months, and producing 200 paintings in that time, the subjects of which many fans seek out during their visit.

Easily defensible, Les Baux-de-Provence’s rocky hilltop has been inhabited since around 6000 BC. Even today, one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France is crowned by the ruins of a medieval citadel. In the village, visitors can simply enjoy walking through the narrow cobblestone streets, between grey-stone buildings and Medieval monuments. At the rocky pinnacle, the Chateau-Fortress offers stupendous panoramic views, reaching to Aix-en-Provence in one direction, and Arles in the other. Among the castle ruins, visitors can see how stone was cut directly from the living rock, while the explanations of life and medieval battle are embodied by recreations of medieval siege engines.