It was my French friend Lolo who said, “Tout est beau à Arles.” She was so right. Everything is beautiful in Arles. Arles had been on my list of cities to visit in Provence, France for a long time and I had the good fortune to visit it on two separate occasions recently.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Arles. With its impressive ancient Roman ruins, picturesque narrow streets, and stunning architecture, Arles is a charming destination. It’s no wonder it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. With its provençal shutters and lively squares shaded by towering plane trees, Arles is a true gem to add to your travel itinerary through the heart of Provence.
Arles, France: A Brief History
Before beginning all the fabulous things to do in Arles, having some historical context is key. Located in the south of France, Arles has a rich and ancient history. The city was founded by the Greeks around 600 BC and was later conquered by the Romans in 123 BC.
During Roman rule, Arles, which was known as Arelate, became an important trading centre and played a significant role in the development of Christianity. It is said that Saint Trophimus arrived in Arles during this time and established a Christian community there.
In the Middle Ages, Arles continued to thrive as a cultural hub with its famous school of sculpture. However, it also experienced periods of turmoil including invasions by barbarians and wars between rival factions.
The Renaissance brought renewed prosperity to Arles as it became an important centre for trade and commerce. This period saw many notable artists flocking to the city including Vincent Van Gogh who famously painted some of his most iconic works while living there.
Today, Arles remains a vibrant cultural destination with its well-preserved ancient Roman architecture and picturesque medieval streets. Add Arles, France to your itinerary in southern France.
11 Things To Do In Arles, France
1. Flâner In Arles
The art of combining being a tourist, who wants to see all the sights, and the ability to “flâner” is the true sign of a curious traveller. To flâner, one has to wander without a real agenda. Here’s how. On my first day in Arles, my daughter and I turned a corner and there she was. A talented street artist filling the square with her melodic voice. Swept away, we sat before magnificent buildings and let the vibe of Arles soak in.
The center of Arles is one of the best places to stroll! Full of charming winding streets and Roman treasures, wandering is one of the most delightful things to do in Arles.
2. Marvel At The Roman Amphitheatre In Arles
Pro Travel Tip: Buy a pass for multiple sights at the tourist office or at any of the Roman sites.
The Advantage Pass: Costs 19€ and includes 6 monuments and 4 museums (good for 6 months).
The Liberty Pass: Costs 9€ and includes 4 monuments of your choice, the Réattu Museum and one other museum of your choice (good for one month).
Visiting the Roman amphitheater is one of the essential things to do in Arles. A breathtaking sight to behold, the Roman amphitheatre is much more impressive in real life than in photos with its soaring sandstone arches. This magnificent structure was built almost 2,000 years ago and is one of the best-preserved examples of Roman engineering in the world.
With its grand arches and towering walls, it’s easy to imagine the roar of the crowds as gladiators battled to death on its sands. The amphitheatre, which held up to 20,000 spectators, would have been a central part of life in ancient Arles and played host to a variety of events from religious ceremonies to public executions.
I can’t help but ponder the brilliance of the Roman builders as I marvel at the corridors, arches and staircases that lead up to the top tiers of seating.
From the Arles Amphitheatre, the views over Arles town are magnificent – red-tiled roofs, shuttered stucco buildings and the Rhône River shimmering in the distance.
This largest Roman monument in France, the amphitheatre in Arles, is still used today. Why not time your visit for a bullfighting performance, concert, or show?
The Roman Amphitheatre in Arles Hours:
March, April and October: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
May to September: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
November to February: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Pro Travel Tip
Arles is a great destination for a day trip from Avignon or Aix-en-Provence.
Why not plan a day trip that includes enchanting St Remy de Provence?
3. Explore The Cloisters Of Saint-Trophime
One of my favourite discoveries in Arles was the cloisters of Saint Trophime. This has to top your list of one of the best things to do in Arles. Named after the first bishop of Arles, the Church Of Saint Trophime was built between the 12th and 14th centuries. The Saint-Trophime cloisters were originally part of a large monastery complex that served as a centre for religious and cultural life. It’s easy to imagine monks going about their daily routines here centuries ago – reading scripture by candlelight or tending to their gardens outside.
Marvel at the intricate stone carvings that adorn the walls and columns of the cloisters. These sculptures depict biblical scenes, as well as various mythical creatures and fantastic beasts. The attention to detail is truly impressive.
Soak up the peaceful atmosphere that pervades these cloisters and wander through Saint-Trophime Church a Romanesque-style Catholic church.
4. Stand In The Ancient Theatre
Oh, those Romans knew how to live. The ancient Roman Theatre, which held up to 8000 spectators, was one of the first Roman stone theatres. Two columns still stand soaring skyward. Imagine when there were 100 such columns just how grand this theatre would have been. Be sure to visit the ancient theatre or attend a play or summertime concert.
5. What To Do In Arles: Find Van Gogh
Vincent Van Gogh is an integral part of the things to do in Arles. He arrived in Arles France in February 1888 and stayed until May 1889. It is no surprise with the magical Mediterranean light that he created over 300 paintings in Arles. Van Gogh’s painting of Starry Night Over the Rhône, The Bedroom on Place Lamartine in Arles, and Sunflowers were all produced in Arles.
Look for the twelve panels in Arles showing where Van Gogh set up his easel and created his famous paintings.
Visit the Fondation Vincent Van Gogh open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. There is no permanent exhibition at this gallery but temporary exhibitions always feature Van Gogh. Each year the Vincent Van Gogh Foundation exhibits between one and ten Van Gogh paintings on loan from museums or private owners.
Art Lovers: Van Gogh arrived in Auvers-sur-Oise, close to Paris, where he produced 80 paintings in 70 days before taking his own life. Read more about Auvers-sur-Oise, a great day trip from Paris.
6. People Watch At Café Van Gogh
Place du Forum is lined with cafés but it’s the unmistakable sunflower yellow façade of the Van Gogh Café that catches your attention. It is here that Van Gogh painted his Café Terrace at Night (1888). The original hangs in the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands but here in Arles, you can soak up the inspiration for the painting.
The downside is that the Café Van Gogh is jammed with people. I sauntered by admiring the sunny yellow house but of all the top things to do in Arles, I preferred to sit under the plane trees in Place Voltaire. The Café Bistrot de Pitchounet had a decidedly local feel with residents greeting each other and sharing stories. I found the people watching here mesmerising.
7. Attend A Festival In Arles
Time your visit with an event in the Roman Amphitheatre. Being a spectator in this incredible structure would be one of the most memorable things to do in Arles.
- Féria d’Arles: The Festival that starts the bullfighting season. Bullfighting takes place in Les Arènes most Sundays in May and June. Visit the official website here. Next dates: March 29 to April 1, 2024
- Fête des Gardians: Takes place every May 1 with parades, and games, and features the Camargue cowboys that herd the bulls. The animals are blessed, locals dress up in traditional clothing, and there is a grand spectacle in Les Arènes.
- Les Suds: This world-music festival takes place every July (July 8 to 14, 2024). Visit the official website here.
- Les Rencontres d’Arles Photographie: Calling all photography fans! This International photography festival, founded in 1970, runs from July 1 through September 29, 2024. Visit the official website here.
- Féria de Riz: This annual festival to celebrate the beginning of the rice harvest takes place on September 6 and 8, 2024. Find plenty of vendors selling paella and dishes using the local red rice from the Camargue. Look for bullfighters in costume, music and in 2023, Picasso prints will decorate the arena as it is the 50th anniversary of his death. Visit the official website here.
8. Take A Tour Of The Camargue Countryside
Just south of Arles, is the protected wetland the Camargue. If you love birds, this is one of the non-negotiable things to do in Arles France. Over 500 species of birds can be found here with the superstar being the pink flamingo. Wild horses, roaming bulls and pink salt flats add to the charm of a visit to the Camargue Nature Park. If you have a rental car, the Camargue is easily accessible. If not, take a guided safari tour from Arles to this unique spot in France.
9. Musée Réattu
This contemporary art museum, named for Arles-born painter Jacques Réattu (1760 – 1830), is housed in a 15th-century grand priory overlooking the Rhône River. The Musée Réattu offers visitors a journey through time, showcasing 57 sketches and two paintings by Picasso, an art collection of 18th and 19th-century painters from Provence and an impressive sculpture and photographic collection.
Pro Travel Tip: What to do in Arles, France for cultural activities? LUMA Arles, a new arts centre, opened in June 2021. Designed by the Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, this enormous centre or Parc des Ateliers is built on a former rail yard. Find out more here.
10. Browse The Arles Market
Spending time at the local market is one of the essential things to do in Arles. A trip to Provence is not complete without a morning spent at a Provençal market. These open-air markets are not just places to shop for fresh produce and local delicacies but are an integral part of Provençal culture and a sensory feast for all who visit. The lively market at Arles is unforgettable with delectable local foods, gorgeous Provençal baskets and linens. What will you tuck in your suitcase?
Market in Arles: Wednesday and Saturday mornings
11. Search Out The Smaller Churches
Somehow we ended up on Hauture Hill in Arles before Notre Dame de la Major. We had a seat and soaked up the calm energy emanating from this 12th-century church. Originally built on the site of a Roman temple, Notre Dame de la Major has seen a lot of transformations over time. Although the doors of the church remained closed, the priest’s comings and goings held our interest.
This was definitely off the beaten path in Arles France. A great find as a result of wandering, one of my favourite things to do in Arles.
If you happen to be in Arles on May 1st, it is here that the Festival of the Gardiens (the Camargue Cowboys) starts each year.
Where To Stay in Arles
Location is everything in Arles. And charm. And comfort. Here are my top recommendations for Arles.
Maison Volver, the historic hotel l’Hôtel de l’Amphithéâtre and the Hôtel Spa Le Calendal where you can soak in the spa and while away some time in the lovely garden and terrace café.
Arles France: Practical Information
How To Get To Arles
Arriving by Train:
From Paris Gare de Lyon: A 3 to 5-hour trip depending on the train with a change in Nîmes Pont du Gard, Avignon or Marseille St-Charles.
From Avignon Centre: Note: There are 2 train stations in Avignon. A 25-minute trip to Arles.
From Aix-en-Provence: Note: There are 2 train stations in Aix-en-Provence. Between 1 hour and 2 hours with changes in Avignon or Marseille.
From Marseille St-Charles: About 45-minutes
Arriving by Car: It’s ideal to have a car if you are visiting Arles for a short time and as part of a longer itinerary in Provence. There is plenty of street parking and numerous car parks in Arles.
From Avignon on the D570N (23 miles/ 37 km). About 45 minutes
From Aix-en-Provence: A54 (autoroute) or the D7N or the D113. 51 miles/ 83 km. From 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes, depending on the route taken.
Guided Tours Of Arles France
A guided tour can often give you a great overview of a city.
Why not try this 2-hour walking tour of Arles? Or a safari trip to La Camargue?
If you are based in Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, or Marseille, there are plenty of day trips that include Arles such as Van Gogh in Provence, and this one that includes both Arles and Les Baux-de-Provence.
What Is the Best Time To Visit Arles?
Oh là, là…Provence is a very popular destination in France, especially in the summer months. There are many popular events in the summer, the weather is warm, and it is peak tourist season. Planning a trip to Arles in the spring or the fall seasons when there are less crowds is ideal.
Is It Worth Visiting Arles?
When planning a trip through Provence France it can be hard to prioritize stops along the way. I loved the time I spent in Arles, Provence. There are plenty of things to do in Arles France so go for an afternoon, a full day and if you have time linger longer. I highly recommend visiting charming Arles and its historical sites. As my friend Lolo told me, “Tout est beau.”
I hope you love all these things to do in Arles, France as much as I did. I can’t wait to return.
Until next time,
More Travel Info…
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