Aix — Alpilles & Les Baux: private taxi tour

A big day through the Alpilles, the small chain of white mountains that Van Gogh painted in vibrant colours. We leave Aix and reach Salon-de-Provence in three quarters of an hour. The Château de l'Empéri, one of the oldest fortresses in Provence, has overlooked the town since the 8th century and now houses a fine military museum. We continue to Les Baux-de-Provence. The medieval village clinging to its rocky spur is spectacular, but I especially recommend taking your time at the citadel: catapults, war machines, a 360-degree view over the Alpilles. At noon, we head to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Provençal market on Wednesday mornings, intact ramparts, full sun, coffee on a terrace. Van Gogh spent a year at Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, and you can visit the gardens he painted. Finally Arles, in the late afternoon. The Roman arena still in use, the little café the painter turned yellow on his canvas, Place du Forum. Back to Aix through the Durance valley in the evening light. Call +33 6 98 46 63 34.