Private Van Gogh Provence Experience -St Rémy de Provence & Arles

Private Van Gogh & Provence Experience - Arles, Saint-Rémy de Provence & the Alpilles. Ancient Rome to Vincent van Gogh. Journey through over two thousand years of history, explore the Roman splendour of Arles, once one of Julius Caesar's most important cities & discover the timeless charm of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Nestled at the heart of the Alpilles it's one of the region's most enchanting villages. Surrounded by dramatic limestone hills, ancient olive groves & fields bathed in the extraordinary Provençal light has long captivated artists, writers, and travellers alike. Stroll its elegant historic centre, charming squares, artisan boutiques, centuries-old stone houses. Visit the Monastère Saint-Paul de Mausole, where Vincent van Gogh voluntarily admitted himself in 1889, creating some of his most celebrated masterpieces. Along the way, uncover remarkably preserved Roman monuments, picturesque Provençal streets, and the landscapes that inspired one of history's greatest artists.

1. 1

   Theatre Antique D'arles

   45 min

   The amphitheatre is the most important monument of the former Roman colony that we should admire, some two thousand years after its construction. Its architecture is entirely designed in relation to its vocation of place to great shows, hosting a large audience. In their initial rise, the bleachers could receive approximately 21 000 viewers, streams were cleverly organized by a network of doors, galleries and stairs, on several floors.Become at the beginning of the middle ages a city close and fortified, the building was cleared only in XIX century. He himself then for part, its original function, including bullfighting, which earned him his current common appellation of "arenas".It is today the monument of the most visited city, bringing the image of Arles in the world.With a major axis of 136 meters in length and a minor axis of 107 meters, the amphitheatre of Arles is slightly larger than that of Nîmes and the 20th ranked among those of the Roman world. It has a shape of an ellipse. The façade includes two levels of sixty semicircular arches, separated by the abutments, massive rectangular section. A wider opening points out the ends of the two axes of the monument. The main entrance was not North as today, but the West where we can see the remains of a staircase overlooking the city.The cavea, space reserved for spectators, included 34 stands, divided into four series: the maeniana, where viewers were divided according to their social status. It is estimated the initial capacity of the monument to some 21,000 people.

2. 2

   Primatiale Saint-Trophime

   30 min

   Dating from the 12th century this exceptional cloister sits adjacent to the church.

3. 3

   Basilique Primatiale Saint-Trophime d'Arles

   20 min

   Built between the 12th and 15th century, this exceptional former cathedral displays some of the best examples of Romanesque sculpture.

4. 4

   St. Paul de Mausole

   1 hour

   A visit to the 12th century former monastery Saint Paul de Mausole remains today a psychiatric health institution. In the former chapter houses and the Romanesque stairwell, you can see a permanent exhibition of works for sale, made by the patients at the art therapy studio Valetudo. It was here that Vincent Van Gogh spent just over a year and during the visit you get to experience the views that he saw and painted.

5. 5

   Saint-Remy-de-Provence

   2 hours

   At the heart of the Alpilles - Saint Rémy de Provence is one of the must-see places. Surrounded by the dramatic backdrop of the mountains, ancient streets lined with old houses. Birthplace of Nostradamus and on Wednesdays the village plays host to one of the best street markets in Provence. Other days the village is lively with many small independent shops and galleries.

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• If you're a solo traveller this tour is bookable at a special rate only via our website
• Ideal river cruise excursion from Avignon or Arles

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.