Provence Day Trip: Les Baux, Avignon & Châteauneuf Wine Tasting

Les Baux cliffs, Avignon history, Pont du Gard & Châteauneuf wine

You’ll taste wild herbs in the air at Les Baux de Provence, stand under the arches of Pont du Gard, wander Avignon’s papal streets with your guide, and finish sipping bold reds at a Châteauneuf-du-Pape winery. This day trip from Aix blends history with small moments—like laughter over local words or sunlight on old stone—that stay with you long after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Provencal towns and winery

• Free time in Les Baux de Provence
• Visit Pont du Gard aqueduct
• Walk around Avignon
• Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The Experience

I didn’t expect the wind to smell like wild thyme as we climbed up to Les Baux de Provence. It’s perched so high you can almost see the whole countryside stretching out—patches of green and that soft golden light you only get here. Our guide, Luc, pointed at an old olive mill and told us how his grandmother used to sneak him bread dipped in new oil. I just stood there for a minute, trying to picture it all. The stones under my shoes were warm already, even though it was barely ten.

We rolled north after that—windows down, sun on my arm—towards Avignon. I’d seen photos of the Pont du Gard before but seeing it curve over the river is different; it’s bigger and stranger than I thought. Luc told us Romans built it without mortar (which sounds impossible), and then he let us wander along the path by ourselves. There was this quiet moment where all I could hear was water moving below and some kids laughing somewhere out of sight.

Avignon felt busier—students on bikes weaving past us, café tables spilling into the street. The Popes’ Palace is huge up close; honestly, I got lost inside for a bit (literally). Luc laughed when I tried to say “Pont St-Bénezet” properly—probably butchered it. We ended up in Châteauneuf-du-Pape for wine tasting, which was less formal than I expected. The winemaker poured us reds that smelled like pepper and cherries, and there was this old dog sleeping by the barrels who didn’t even wake up when we clinked glasses. I still think about that view from Les Baux sometimes—you know?

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable travel by air-conditioned vehicle from Aix-en-Provence with a professional driver-guide throughout. You’ll get admission to Pont du Gard’s ancient aqueduct site and enjoy a guided wine-tasting session at a Châteauneuf-du-Pape winery before heading back in the evening.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by A la Francaise Aix-en-Provence

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Top questions

How long is the day trip from Aix-en-Provence?

The tour lasts a full day with morning departure and evening return.

Is wine tasting included in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

Yes, a wine tasting session at a local winery is included.

Does the tour include entry to Pont du Gard?

Admission to Pont du Gard is included in your tour price.

Are children allowed on this Provence day trip?

Children under 4 years old are not allowed on this tour.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No lunch is provided; you have free time to eat at your own pace.

Will there be free time in any towns?

You’ll have free time to explore Les Baux de Provence independently.

Is pickup included from my hotel in Aix-en-Provence?

The tour includes pickup from central points in Aix-en-Provence.

What languages does the guide speak?

The professional driver/guide speaks English and French.