Arles
Western Europe · France
Did you know?
- Vincent van Gogh once lived and painted in this Provençal city.
- Roman sights include an amphitheatre, a theatre, cryptoporticos and the Thermes de Constantin.
- Saint-Trophime's cathedral and cloister showcase Romanesque architecture.
See also
Overview
Arles brings Roman archaeology, Provençal culture and the legacy of Vincent van Gogh together. Stroll along the Rhône and stop at cafés between museum visits.
Languages: French
Why go?
Arles is steeped in Provençal culture and features a collection of Roman archaeological sites. Its museums, though small, hold interesting artifacts. It is also famous as the residence of Vincent van Gogh, where he was most productive. Take a lazy stroll along the Rhône, dip into a café, and enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage atmosphere.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Arles is served by Gare d'Arles train station on the Paris-Marseille line. The bus station (Gare Routière) offers regional connections. Bicycle rental is available at Taco & Co near the railway station, which also offers luggage storage for €4 per bag. New bicycles can be rented from 1 Véloc.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
Arles is small enough to explore on foot. Taxis and buses are available for longer distances. Bicycle rental is also an option.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
Arles hosts Corridas bullfighting at Easter and the Rice Festa in September. Summer sees various courses camarguaises (bloodless bullfighting) in the amphitheatre. The town is pleasant for strolling year-round, but these events draw crowds.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
The Auberge de Jeunesse (youth hostel) is within walking distance of the train station at 20 avenue du Maréchal Foch. Résidence Club Le Domaine de l'Estajan offers self-catering apartments and leisure facilities. Alternatively, camping is possible, but beware of mosquitoes near rivers and marshes.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Local specialties include Saucisson d'Arles (traditionally made with donkey meat), marinated olives, Languedoc cheeses, and dishes like Gardianne de Boeuf and Fougasse d'Arles. For drinks, try Pastis or local wines from nearby Nîmes. Restaurants line the side streets; popular options include La Bohême, La Mule Blanche, and Querida. The touristy Café Van Gogh is painted to resemble his Night Café painting.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Visit the Roman amphitheatre (Arènes d'Arles), the Théatre Antique, the cryptoporticos, and the Thermes de Constantin. The Cathedral Saint-Trophime and its cloister are Romanesque gems. The Musée de l'Arles antique and Musée Réattu offer archaeological and fine art collections. The Saturday market is a must for local produce. In summer, the amphitheatre hosts bullfighting events.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Shopping
The Saturday market is the main shopping attraction, offering local produce, olives, cheeses, and Saucisson d'Arles. Brocantes (flea markets) are also worth exploring.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connect
As of July 2023, Arles and its approach roads have 5G from all French carriers. Internet access is available in cafés and hotels.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Arles is centrally located for exploring Provence and Languedoc. Day trips include the Camargue wetlands (20-30 km south), the Alpilles, and towns like Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, and Tarascon. The Arles Way of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela passes through.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Auberge de Jeunesse
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Résidence Club Le Domaine de l'Estajan
The residence is made up of several small buildings, no higher than one floor, spread around the Maeva Camargue estate: Les Roselières, Les Oliviers, Les Amandiers, Les Piboules, etc. A large number of leisure activities (riding, tennis, golf, etc.) and relaxation facilities (balneotherapy centre) are available.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
La Bohême
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
La Mule Blanche
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Querida
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Abbaye de Montmajour
A national monument and former Benedictine monastry founded in 948.
Recorded price: EUR
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Alycamps
An ancient burial site and early Christian cemetery. Its allée of trees was painted by Van Gogh. Eglise Saint Honorat is at the SE end of the allée.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Arles Patrimoine
Most of the important sites of Arles can be visited on a combined ticket, which includes the ampthitheatre, the antique theatre, the cryptoporticos, the cloister, and many more.
Recorded price: EUR
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Youth hostel within walking distance of train station.
Connectivity
5G coverage from all French carriers.
Culture
Corridas at Easter and Rice Festa in September.
Food
Try Saucisson d'Arles, Gardianne de Boeuf, and local wines.
Market
Saturday market for local produce and specialties.
Safety
Mosquitoes near rivers and marshes; bring repellent.