Arles & Camargue private day tour Van Gogh sites

Roman ruins, a painter's city, and flamingos in the delta

A private day tour from Arles through two landscapes: the ancient city on foot, tracing Van Gogh's time there and its Roman amphitheatre and theatre, then south into the Camargue wetlands where flamingos and Camargue horses move through salt marshes and reed beds. The tour includes private transport in an air-conditioned van, bottled water, and a guide who speaks English or French; pickup is arranged, and the day runs eight hours. Lunch is your choice at a village restaurant.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Arles, Camargue, and Saintes Marie de la Mer

• Walking tour of ancient Arles
• Visit Roman monuments in Arles
• Follow Vincent Van Gogh's footsteps
• Travel to Saintes Marie de la Mer
• Stroll through village alleys
• Visit Church of Saint Sarah
• Have lunch in village restaurant
• Observe wildlife in Camargue

The Experience

The day starts in Arles itself, walking through the ancient city to see the Roman monuments that have survived centuries—the amphitheatre, the theatre, and the streets where Vincent Van Gogh lived and painted during his time here. The guide traces the painter's footsteps and points out the places he rendered on canvas. This is not a museum visit; you are standing in the actual streets and squares he knew, seeing the buildings and light he saw.

From there, the van carries you south into the Camargue, the Rhône delta and one of Europe's most singular landscapes. The territory is vast, flat, and layered with salt marshes, salicorn moors, and reed beds where herds of white Camargue horses and bulls graze. Flamingos inhabit the ponds and marshes. You pass through this environment before arriving at Saintes Marie de la Mer, the capital of the Camargue and the village where, according to tradition, the first Christians reached France by sea. The Church of Saint Sarah stands at the centre of the small streets, and the village has restaurants where you can stop for lunch and watch the delta light change over the water.

The route itself is the point: eight hours moving between two kinds of history—the built city and the wild landscape—with a driver and guide who know both. The van is air-conditioned and holds small groups. Bottled water is provided. If you travel with infants or small children, car seats and prams are available.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned van transport for the full eight hours.
• bottled water.
• English or French-speaking guide.
• hotel or meeting-point pickup arranged before the tour.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Discover Provence on a private tour

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or French, so choose this tour if you are comfortable following commentary in one of those languages. The pace is set by a single guide leading a small group, not a large coach, which means the walking in Arles can pause where you want to linger and the drive through the Camargue can slow for wildlife or questions.

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Top questions

What Roman monuments will I see on the walking tour of Arles?

Arles holds the amphitheatre and the ancient theatre, both Roman structures that have endured through centuries. The walking tour passes through the city streets and squares where these monuments stand, and the guide explains their history and their place in the city's layout.

Can I see wild animals in the Camargue on this tour?

Yes. Flamingos live in the reed marshes and ponds of the Camargue, and herds of white Camargue horses and bulls graze across the salt marshes and moors. The drive through the delta gives you the chance to observe them in their habitat, though sightings depend on the season and time of day.

Where do we have lunch, and is it included?

Lunch happens in Saintes Marie de la Mer, where many restaurants line the village streets. You choose where to eat and what to order; the meal cost is not included in the tour price, but the guide can recommend places.

How long is the walking portion in Arles?

The tour is eight hours total, including transport, the walk through Arles, and the drive into the Camargue and to Saintes Marie de la Mer. The walking section of Arles itself is part of that day, not a separate timed block; the guide sets the pace through the city.

Will the guide explain Van Gogh's connection to Arles?

Yes. The guide traces Van Gogh's footsteps through the city and points out the places he painted during his time in Arles, connecting the streets and buildings you see to the works he created there.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

The tour works for all fitness levels. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant car seats are available in the van. The day involves walking through Arles and sitting in the vehicle for the Camargue portion, so plan accordingly for your child's comfort and nap schedule.