Provence in a Day Tour from Marseille

The tour delivers what it says on the tin - you'll see/experience four very interesting and different Provencal locales in a trip that lasts under 11 hours (traffic depending). Top tip - if it's warm weather, take your own bottled water or buy it as the opportunity presents itself as you stop - none is offered by the tour (and none at the winery either). Our tour guide Nathalie greeted us at the pickup location, and kept up a great demeanour throughout the day, constantly divulging items of interest. There is a good balance between time in the vehicle (which was comfortable with good A/C) and time spent at the different locations. First up after around 80 minutes in the van was Baux-de-Provence, which was charming, and there was sufficient time to get right to the very top of the castle there - which was a bit precarious in places - to see the stunning view. Next after a short drive was Pont-du-Gard, which is quite special - it's hard not to be slightly awestruck when you first see it. Whilst you can walk across the lower span, this tour doesn't include entry into the museum or to the short walkway along the very top of the bridge - we decided to go in to the museum anyway even though we only had a short time to look round it - I'd say that if you have more than 15 mins having seen the structure itself, the museum is well worth a look (it's located by the car park for the departure point). We found there was only just enough time to enjoy lunch and also tour the Palais du Papes (but not the gardens or the bridge) in Avignon - but from what we read the Palais is the highlight of the town so we were satisfied to have seen it (I don't doubt you could see the whole lot if you went round at pace). Avignon itself is a very pretty town if you get away from the main square by the palais and down the side streets - it's on the list to return to for a stay at some point. Finally, the wine tasting at Maison Bouachon in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. This takes the form of a 10 minute intro to the winery and their process, followed by a tasting of three different examples of their produce. We tasted their white wine (produced in small quantities and not exported), their 2016 CdP (the best of the bunch for us), and their Dedication varietal. Contrary to another reviewer's comments, I wouldn't say these are "three thimbles" of wine - you are probably getting 75mls per glass, which is enough to get a decent impression - but you won't be rolling in the aisles either. Of course, one must exit the winery through the gift shop - it should be noted that, sadly, there is no discount in buying wine here at the source - the wine industry realised a while back that if you've got the money and inclination to come all the way to CdP, you can probably afford to pay standard retail pricing for the wine. Overall, the tour itself is good value for money for a full day in Provence. Recommended.

❤ that Ludovic answered all of my qyuestions! Whether it was about legend, environment, culture, history or food! He was an amazongly generous guide! I would recommend it for anyone wanting to get an overview of the provinces. My only disappointment in an amazing experience was having to crowd into the truck. Though I am plus size woman and now I realize I could have sat in a bigger seat in the back. Thank you Ludovic for a very generous tour, careful driving, good natured hosting. I loved it-

We spent 5 days in Marseille but I really wanted to get out into the countryside and at minimum see Avignon. We looked at train tickets but getting to and from the stations on each end was extra hassle and money. This was perfect. It was just my husband and I and our 15 year old, as it was would have been too long of a day for our younger kids. We saw so much more than Avignon, and each place we stopped, I would have stayed longer, but I would have regretted missing other stops. It was the best way to spend a day in Provence, if you only get one!

We had a fantastic trip with our guide, Ludo. He was prompt and welcoming and provided so much great local information. We had a bonus ride to Aix du Provence to pick up other guests. Les Baux de Provence mediaeval village was awesome and we then spent an hour relaxing at the Pont du Gard where it was so warm people were swimming in the river. Avingon for lunch in the old town via the Palais des Papes and finishing with a lovley wine tasting at Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Ludo drove us all day in heavy traffic and was so calm and relax. He made the trip that much more enjoyable.

A fantastic tour with our guide Florence. She really is great to explain. Worth visiting. Avignon was very nice.

This was an amazing tour. The Palace of the Popes in Avignon is a must see. The wine tasting place in Chateauneuf-du-Pape made us real wine connoisseurs through the short lecture of Pauline, the wine expert at the winery we went to. Our tour guide, Florence, made our trip worth while with the knowledge she imparted on areas that we passed through. She was very friendly.

It was an amazing tour. Our guide/driver, Remy from Tylene Tours was very charming and knowledgeable. It was a pleasure to spend the day with him.

Good guide, but not enough information in Aix and Cassis. If we did not ask we would have not seen much site in Marseille either. Still recommend this tour.

This was our third tour booked through Viator and once again we were not disappointed. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly and we managed to fit a lot of experiences into the one day. Thoroughly recommend booking through Viator.

Our guide, Gaelle, was wonderful. My only disappointment was not having enough time in Avignon. I would have preferred to not go to Chateauneuf-du-Pape and spend the time enjoying Avignon. It took a god couple of hours to get there and back for three thimblefuls of wine. Les Baux de Provence is a beautiful town and we enjoyed visiting it.