Historic Provence

Take a guided tour of Avignon with an expert local guide. Get to the heart of this UNESCO world heritage site, one of the few French cities to have preserved its ramparts. Indeed, they are one of the finest examples of medieval fortification in existence.
You'll discover the magnificent Popes' Palace (Palais des Papes) and the unfinished 'Pont d'Avignon', forever immortalised in that well-known French song
The town has 173 sites and buildings that are registered historic monuments. If you love your history, Avignon is a great place to start!

Head west from Avignon and be enthralled by the magnificent sight of the Pont du Gard. This former Roman aqueduct, a UNESCO world heritage site, spans the Gardon River and is the highest of all elevated roman aqueducts.
It is characterised by its three tiers of arches and is magnificently preserved.
In the afternoon, drive 30 mins down to Nimes and visit the superb Roman amphitheater.

The Roman and romanesque monuments in Arles were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1981. They include an amphitheatre and triumphal arch as well as the Barbegal aqueduct, a roman watermill complex located just a few kilometeres from Arles.
On the way back to Avignon in the afternoon, pass through the pretty Alpilles mountains and visit the medieval perched village of les-Baux-de-Provence with its ruined castle.

Head north today to the old town of Orange where you'll experience the Roman theatre, the 'Théâtre antique d'Orange', which is described as the most impressive still existing in Europe. The fine Triumphal Arch of Orange is reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and typical of the roman period.
In the afternoon, head east to Vaison-la-Romaine which was a prosperous metropolis during its roman rule in the 1st century. The excavations here have unveiled the daily lives of their early inhabitants. The medieval upper town is also well worth exploring.

Head down towards the coast and spend the day in the old Roman town of Aix-en-Provence, declared a Roman colony by Julius Caesar in 45 BC.
Treat yourself to an experience in the Thermes Sextius spa and enjoy the same mineral-rich spring water enjoyed by the Romans all those years ago. The remains of the original thermal baths can still be viewed through glass panel flooring in the facility.