Hello, all--My wife and I will be in Arles this Saturday before departing on river cruise on Sunday. We were hoping to join a group tour (rather than costly private) to St. Remy to see the Van Gogh sites. I can't seem to find anything from Arles, only from Avignon. Not interested in a tour that includes Arles as that will be the first tour of the cruise itinerary. Sounds like we might have to take a bus from Arles and do it on our own, unless someone has any other suggestions. Thanks so much in advance. Paul
Posted by
Paris
7300 posts
If you want a tour, given the very short deadline: maybe call the Tourist Information office in Arles, https://www.arlestourisme.com/en/contact-us.html
Regarding public buses: line 704 only runs 3x/ day, see timetable HERE
Posted by
Chicago, IL, USA
486 posts
If the bus works for you or even a taxi it’s not that far from Arles and St Remy is not very big and easily walkable. And the walk just a little bit out of town to the south has plackards showing Van Gogh works in the settings the were painted. It goes to the asylum where he lived and the have his room recreated. https://www.alpillesenprovence.com/en/history-heritage/a-land-of-art-and-culture/vincent-van-gogh/
Posted by
Slidell, LA
570 posts
It's probably too late, but here goes. Consider renting a car. It is a short, easy short drive from Arles to St. Remy (15 miles) and the roads are great, as is the scenery. Unlike Scotland where we were last month, driving in France is like driving here at home. A few years ago, we rented a farmhouse in St. Remy for six nights and each day headed out in a different direction. It was the best part of a two-week trip that included Paris and Normandy and we fell in love with the town. If you go, be sure to go into the beautiful church (Paroisse St Martin) in the town center and eat at the cafe across the street.
Posted by
OP
27 posts
Thanks everyone for always helping out with great advice!
We did not realize there was major international photography festival happening in Arles at this time, so taxis and Ubers are scarce and catering to the Dior crowd. Going to try the bus option and take our chances. All good!
Again, you are the best!!
Posted by
Paris
7300 posts
If you come back to this thread: did it work out?
Posted by
OP
27 posts
A bit of a disaster with a happy ending! First bus we waited for never came (had been rerouted due to the Saturday Market). Good news was we got to visit Market. Next bus came but we missed the transfer to another bus because our bus was late. Had to walk back 25 minutes to Arles. To keep my wife from killing me, I went to the taxi stand next to the train station and inquired about a taxi to St. Remy. Within 15 minutes we had a private air conditioned Tesla ride with a great driver to the heart of St. Remy, Best 61 Euros I ever spent! Got a direct bus back to Arles through Les Baux and Fontvielle for 5 Euros for the both of us, with only 6 other people in the air conditioned bus. Best 5 Euros I ever spent! Thanks again for the support!!
Posted by
3438 posts
Thanks for the trip report! It sounds like it all worked out; your wife didn't kill you; and you have a great story to share.