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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

France

Exploring Regional Gems

The Camargue region places you near remarkable sites like Nîmes (Roman arena, Maison Carrée), Pont du Gard (aqueduct), and Avignon (Papal Palace).

Also within reach are Uzès, a charming ducal town, Marseille with its Old Port, and elegant Aix-en-Provence.

Transportation Options

  • Car access is flexible for multi-stop day trips.
  • Train connects Arles to Nîmes, Avignon, Marseille, and Aix-en-Provence.
  • Regional buses link some smaller towns and major hubs.
  • Most destinations can be enjoyed as half or full-day trips.

Nearby Destinations

Independent travel offers flexibility, while organized tours simplify logistics for multi-site visits.

Independent Journeys

Plan your own pace and itinerary. Independent travel often lessens costs if you have a rental car or prefer public transport on your schedule.

Your Journey, Your Pace

  • Freedom to explore at your leisure.
  • Discover hidden local spots.
  • Potential for more budget-friendly exploration.

Organized Excursions

Tours simplify reaching multiple sites without personal transport. This removes navigation and parking concerns.

Effortless Exploration

  • Convenient transport to attractions.
  • Expert guidance from local guides.
  • Pre-arranged itineraries.

Suggested Itineraries & Timeframes

Typical Visit Durations

  • Nîmes and Pont du Gard can be combined for a full day.
  • Avignon or Marseille easily fill a full day.
  • A full day in Uzès or Aix-en-Provence allows for thorough enjoyment.
  • Most destinations are enjoyable as half-day or full-day trips.

Planning Your Days

  • Consider a tour covering Pont du Gard and Uzès.
  • Local operators offer diverse combined excursions.
  • Check seasonal opening hours for attractions.
  • Book popular tours in advance, especially in peak season.

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Traveler's Note

A popular full-day itinerary combines Nîmes and Pont du Gard, providing a complete Roman heritage experience.

Natural Escapes

Beyond the Camargue's unique wetlands, the surrounding region holds diverse natural landscapes, from limestone hills to famed lavender fields.

Alpilles Regional Park

This park features picturesque limestone mountains, olive groves, and charming villages like Les Baux-de-Provence.

Luberon Regional Park

Known for iconic hilltop villages like Gordes and Roussillon, and stunning seasonal lavender fields.

Diverse Landscapes

The Alpilles contrast the flat Camargue, with hiking and panoramic views. The Luberon offers classic Provençal rural charm.

Explore the Alpilles

Rugged limestone formations define this area, offering stunning vistas.

Features

  • Opportunities for invigorating hikes.
  • Panoramic views from mountain peaks.
  • Picturesque olive groves.

Discover the Luberon

This area captures classic Provençal charm with its villages and agriculture.

Seasonal Beauty

  • Vineyards and ancient olive groves.
  • Experience authentic rural Provençal life.
  • Charming hilltop villages to visit.

Seasonal Spectacles

Lavender BloomMid-June to Mid-July
Prime ViewingLuberon region
Photographic OpportunityVast purple fields
Planning InsightPlan your visit during this specific period.
Harvest TimeEarly August is often harvest.
Early BloomsSome areas may see earlier blooms.

Nature Lover's Tip

  • The lavender fields in the Luberon create a sea of purple, attracting global visitors.
  • This seasonal spectacle is well worth planning a day trip around.
  • Check local tourism boards for precise blooming times each year.
  • Respect private property and designated viewing areas.
  • Avoid trampling flowers for photos.

Cultural Excursions

Extend your cultural exploration beyond the Camargue's borders to uncover more of Provence's rich heritage.

Medieval Les Baux-de-Provence

A dramatically situated medieval hilltop village with castle ruins.

Historical Gems

  • Impressive castle ruins.
  • Breathtaking panoramic views.
  • Nearby Carrières de Lumières for immersive art.

Artistic Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Known for Roman ruins and its ties to Vincent van Gogh.

Art and Antiquity

  • Ancient Roman ruins (Glanum).
  • Visit Van Gogh's asylum and related sites.
  • Lively market and charming streets.

Charming Rural Villages

Eygalières and Fontvieille offer glimpses of authentic Provençal rural life and scenic beauty.

Village Life

  • Authentic rural ambiance.
  • Beautiful agricultural scenery.
  • Traditional local feel.

Pilgrimage Site: Saint-Gilles

Visit its Abbey Church, an UNESCO World Heritage site and a Camino de Santiago stop.

Spiritual Heritage

  • Impressive Romanesque Abbey Church.
  • Important stop on Camino de Santiago.
  • Noteworthy Romanesque portal sculpture.

Deepening Your Experience

Beyond Arles

Explore historical layers that extend into the Alpilles.

Local Immersion

Discover smaller villages beyond the well-trodden path.

Artistic Inspiration

Walk in the footsteps of famous painters.

Cultural Note

The Carrières de Lumières presents an immersive art show projected onto the walls of a former quarry, an unique blend of art and history.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider extending your trip beyond a single day for exploration of the wider region.

Recommendations for Adding 1-3 Days

01

Provence Villages

Dedicate 1-3 extra days to the Luberon or Alpilles, staying in a charming guesthouse.

02

French Riviera Coast

Add 2-3 days to visit cities like Nice, Cannes, or Monaco for a different coastal atmosphere.

03

Cévennes National Park

For rugged mountain scenery and hiking, a 2-3 day extension offers a wilder landscape.

Planning Longer Journeys

  • After the Camargue, logical next destinations include the wider Provence region (Avignon, Aix-en-Provence).
  • Arles has good train connections to major hubs for onward travel to these regions.
  • High-speed rail makes connecting to many parts of France efficient.
  • A popular circular route could involve starting in the Camargue, moving to Arles/Nîmes for Roman history.
  • Then continuing to Avignon for papal history, and the Luberon or Alpilles for picturesque villages and nature.

Connecting to Regions

  • Arles Train StationMajor Hub
  • High-Speed RailEfficient Connections
  • Local BusesRegional Access
  • Car RentalUltimate Flexibility
  • Marseille AirportMain International Gateway
  • Montpellier AirportWestern Option

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

Provence Deep Dive

Begin in Camargue, then explore Arles for Roman history, Avignon for papal sites, and the Luberon for charming villages.

Coastal Exploration

Combine your Camargue visit with a journey along the French Riviera, stopping in Nice, Cannes, or Monaco.

Western Adventures

Head west to the Occitanie region, including cities like Montpellier, Toulouse, or the medieval Carcassonne.

Route Insight

A popular circular route could involve starting in the Camargue, then moving to Arles/Nîmes for Roman history, then to Avignon for papal history, continuing to the Luberon or Alpilles, and finally to Marseille or Aix-en-Provence before departing. This allows for a comprehensive exploration of Southern France's diverse offerings.