Is the Avignon, Arles, & Provence Tour Worth It? Review

Planning a trip to Provence, that beautiful area of southern France? Thinking about that ‘From Avignon Arles Les Baux De Provence Saint Remy’ day tour? Well, that’s pretty smart, it could be just the ticket. So, is this tour really worth your hard-earned cash and one of your precious vacation days? Let’s take a look at what the tour offers, things like the cool stuff you see, the experience you have, plus some of the things that might give you pause. So, let’s go ahead and dig in, alright?

What’s Included?

Before getting into all of those pretty Provencal villages, it’s good to get this out of the way first: what this tour includes. That way, we both kinda know where we’re coming from, correct? Most tour companies are going to give you roughly the same package, that’s typical. Count on a full-day adventure, and I’m talking about something around eight to nine hours. This generally includes transportation in a comfortable van or minibus, so that you are really are chauffeured around the countryside. And most of these trips are arranged in such a way that an English-speaking driver will lead you as well, as a friendly companion, giving you stories about each location, so that things stay as engaging and captivating as they should.

Think about it: Entrance fees, that sort of thing? This almost never included. Expect to shell out a little bit more for that castle entrance, a peek at that Roman ruin, alright? Plus, the meals are generally on you, I will say. This means budgeting for a pastry here, maybe a bistro lunch there, is probably a pretty good plan, in that instance. Just a head’s up there, pal!

Avignon: More than Just a Bridge

This is probably the spot you kick things off from, naturally enough. Avignon has that famous bridge, the Pont d’Avignon. Still, don’t think that’s the only reason to head there. I will say, that Palais des Papes, it’s also pretty darn impressive! That huge, medieval palace shows how much power the popes used to wield, I guess, when they chilled in Avignon back in the 14th century. What happened was that, for a hot minute, they decided Rome was not so great so they rolled on over there, pretty interesting huh?

Getting to traipse around the palace’s huge halls, the colorful chapels, or its cozy courtyards? That’s an experience, a treat, really allowing your imagination to bring things to life back to when cardinals walked those very hallways, you might get the same chill I did. And while some tours do, and other tours may not give you, that guided tour treatment within the palace, it’s worth looking at adding that to your plans. Without some insight, some context, you’re only looking at rock walls, not truly feeling their story, or maybe seeing it, maybe even, hearing it.

Arles: Walking in Van Gogh’s Footsteps

Alright, let’s be frank: Arles is one of those places where time stands just about still. So too it’s practically impossible to not instantly associate it with Vincent van Gogh, that artistic gent, okay? He lived there for a short bit and made some paintings showing those places. That hospital courtyard—L’Espace Van Gogh? Instantly recognizable, that almost goes without saying. Walking in those steps, is that not an unforgettable experience, by any chance?

You can see that Arènes d’Arles too, the Roman amphitheater, if you can find the time and make the effort, which puts Rome’s Coliseum almost to shame. What happened was that they’ve hosted gladiatorial contests and, now, some bullfights. Those old stones are still in great shape! Roaming the old lanes or checking out the Église Saint-Trophime, I might just point out, means stepping back in time, I really think. And a tour leader that knows their stuff can point out all sorts of historical oddities, local lore, you just might be surprised what stories are hiding right beneath your feet!

Les Baux-de-Provence: Views from the Top

Now, for something a little bit different, what do you say? Perched atop a rocky spur is Les Baux-de-Provence, a medieval village. The drive up there? Gorgeous, basically, the views once you arrive? Crazy good, really. Sure, there are some great shops for a knick-knack or two, local artisan spots, but those sweeping views, it is basically what everyone heads up there for!

It feels more like stepping back in time if you ask me, as you meander those narrow cobblestone streets. Think about seeing the Château des Baux-de-Provence, that partially ruined castle there, so many echoes of history. Some tours might even provide time for something of a themed event; visiting Les Carrières de Lumières, that old quarry transformed into something of an immersive art exhibit showing artists such as Monet, Renoir, and that Chagall chap! This experience alone might just be enough to make it all worth the day trip, just for a bit, you know?

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Serenity and History

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence can offer something a little calmer if all those huge medieval fortresses feel exhausting to you. Still with tons of that Provencal character you are craving. Known for that pretty mellow pace, and, that is, for being the location where Van Gogh stayed voluntarily at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole monastery after something of an episode. It’s even possible to stroll via fields to that hospital location (the rooms are all closed to the public now, sadly), that still provided much of his inspiration at the time. You still might like the place if you think about the historical context of where the art derived from. That just makes sense, typically.

A particular treat involves going to that Wednesday morning market, if this tour is planned to include that day, because many of the tours will not. This weekly event has all of those great scents, regional food choices, local characters. It’s one heck of a way to immerse yourself in this culture, so they say. This village can easily provide that more personal peek at that Provencal existence. Something to really treasure!

What Could Be Better?

Okay, it’s about time we got brutally truthful: like any trip, any trip, there’s always room to change some things! Spending all that time travelling in one day can leave everything pretty short and superficial. Now this is something that should be understood upfront. Taking quick photos? Checking out a few gift shops? Grabbing some food and then just on to the next thing? You might not experience this place if you keep it at that distance, I think.

I’m going to have to say this part outright too: relying on a driver also means they might be light on their local area expertise! Finding a tour which also includes a certified tour guide can enrich what it is you get. If you would like even more control, there’s renting a car; if, however, the thought of that terrifies you, as you would not be alone. So just weigh those particular trade-offs carefully there. So, don’t let me mislead you here! It is generally about deciding which aspects you personally treasure, I should imagine.

Worth It for You?

So, here’s that bottom line, folks. Thinking this whirlwind venture from Avignon, taking you to Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence, or Saint-Rémy can just provide some pretty tempting slices of what makes Provence cool. If what you value are quick peeks and photos from everywhere, this can do you just great!

On that other hand, it can seem quite expensive and surface-level to some. Look, there are plenty of tours you can book; so it will almost always be smart if you go compare options as well. Get your preferences ironed out for that Provencal experience you wanna have. Weigh if being able to relax throughout your journey beats trying do that all on your own, so it goes, as there’s something to be valued from that, you recognize? To truly explore this region probably does need additional time. As for dipping a toe into some water before you swim around that pool? That might be the approach you wish to take, alright!

#Avignon #Arles #Provence #France #TravelReview