Departure from Arles (Timings are given as an example)
9h
Guided tour of the UNESCO world patrimony city center. The amphitheater and the roman heritage, the ancient Saint Trophime cathedral (a master piece of Romanesque facade sculptures) and discovery of the life of Vincent Van Gogh settled here in 1888 and 1889. Stop by the chocolate shop Les délices du Sud and the pastry Leblanc. End of the tour by the Rhône river banks.
11h
From Arles, drive to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence passing by the abbey of Montmajour and also Fontvieille where the windmill of Alphonse Daudet stands.
11h45
Arrival to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
Have a walk in the native city of Nostradamus, visit the huge neo-classical church Saint-Martin. This little city, symbol of the provençal lifestyle is perfect for a relaxing walk in the narrow steets of its old center and by the small squares full of fountains, especially when it is the market day (Wednesday and Saturday).
12h45
Lunch in the center to enjoy local specialities made with goat cheese or local vegetables. Provence was called the “French garden” during the middle ages.
14h15
Drive to Chateaurenard. On the road have a stop to the candy shop Lilamand (open at 14h30).
15h
Arrival at Chateaurenard. Visit of the feudal castle, an ancient fortress of the Counts of Provence. The visiting path is leading to a beautiful panorama and a gorgeous garden.
16h15
Teatime at the pastry Hawecker, then drive to Aix-en-Provence by the highway (A7).
17h15
Guided tour of Aix-en-Provence : The Cours Mirabeau where you can taste the special sweet of the city invented by the cooker of the last King of Provence, King René, in 1471 : « les calissons » ; the Mazarin neighborhood with its luxurious palaces and mansion-houses, the Place des Prêcheurs and the approaches to the ancient jail. Stop at the chocolate shop Chocolat de Puyricard.
It is possible to have diner in Aix-en-Provence close to an old fountain or a quiet square shaded by age-old plane trees.