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Arles

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29 hand-picked places in 9 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.

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Tips

10 places on the map

Top 10

  1. 1

    1st-century Roman amphitheatre still used for events.

    3 tips
    • Climb the towers for city views
    • Check bullfight and event dates
    • Combined ticket covers several monuments
    📷 Photos
  2. 2

    Roman theatre with two surviving columns, used for festivals.

    • Tip: Go early
    2 tips
    • Ticket covers other Roman sites
    • Very close to the Arènes
    📷 Photos
  3. 3

    Lively square above the Roman forum, with Van Gogh's cafe.

    3 tips
    • Good for a coffee break
    • Look for the Cryptoportiques entrance nearby
    • Busy at weekends
    📷 Photos
  4. 4

    Romanesque church with a famous sculpted portal and cloister.

    3 tips
    • Cloister requires a ticket
    • Look at the Last Judgment portal
    • Often closed at lunch
    📷 Photos
  5. 5

    Former hospital where Van Gogh was treated, now a cultural centre and garden.

    3 tips
    • Free to wander the garden
    • Matches his painting of the hospital court
    • Photo spot
    📷 Photos
  6. 6

    Roman necropolis lined with sarcophagi and plane trees.

    3 tips
    • Combine with Saint-Honorat church
    • Quiet and shaded
    • Van Gogh and Gauguin painted here
    📷 Photos
  7. 7

    Remains of 4th-century Roman baths.

    3 tips
    • Short visit
    • Included in the monument pass
    • Near the Rhône
    📷 Photos
  8. 8

    Museum of Roman Arles with the Rhône barge.

    3 tips
    • Allow 2 hours
    • Famous Roman barge on display
    • Take a taxi or bike from the centre
    📷 Photos
  9. 9

    Fine-arts museum with Picasso drawings and photography.

    • Must know: Closed Mondays
    2 tips
    • Photography collection is excellent
    • Right on the Rhône
    📷 Photos
  10. 10

    Gehry-designed tower and arts campus in the Parc des Ateliers.

    3 tips
    • Park is free
    • Check exhibition times
    • Good for architecture photos
    📷 Photos

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Before you go: Arles tips

Transportation

  • Explore on foot: Arles' historic centre is compact and full of narrow lanes, and the train station is a short walk from the old town.
  • Use regional trains: Frequent trains link Arles with Avignon, Nîmes and Marseille, making it a good base for exploring Provence without a car.
  • Rent a car or bike for the Camargue: The wetlands, rice fields and beaches of the Camargue are spread out, so a car or bike makes exploring far easier.

Security

  • Watch your belongings in crowds: Keep an eye on bags at the Saturday market and during festivals like the Feria, when the streets get very busy.
  • Protect against mosquitoes: Bring repellent when visiting the Camargue marshes, especially at dusk in the warmer months.
  • Mind the summer heat: Midday temperatures can be intense, so carry water, seek shade and plan outdoor sightseeing for mornings and evenings.

Saving

  • Buy a monuments pass: A city pass covers several Roman sites and museums, including the amphitheatre and theatre, and is cheaper than separate tickets.
  • Eat the plat du jour: Many bistros offer a daily lunch special or set menu that costs much less than ordering from the evening menu.
  • Follow Van Gogh for free: Walk the self-guided trail of spots Van Gogh painted, like the café terrace on Place du Forum, without paying for a tour.

Weather/Clothing

  • Prepare for the mistral: This strong, cold northern wind can blow for days, especially in winter and spring, so pack a windproof layer.
  • Dress for hot summers: Summers are hot and dry, so light linen clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are essential.
  • Bring a jacket in winter: Winters are mild but can feel chilly with the wind, so pack a warm layer for evenings.

Cultural

  • Understand the Feria: Arles hosts ferias with bull-related events and street celebrations; some find them controversial, so research beforehand.
  • Try Camargue specialities: Sample gardiane de taureau, a slow-cooked bull stew, along with Camargue red rice and local sea salt.
  • Catch the photography festival: Les Rencontres d'Arles fills the town with exhibitions every summer; book accommodation well ahead for that period.

Local Hacks

  • Shop the Saturday market: The huge Saturday morning market along Boulevard des Lices is one of the best in Provence for food, spices and fabrics.
  • Climb the amphitheatre towers: Go up the towers of the Roman arena for panoramic views over the rooftops and the Rhône.
  • Visit LUMA's tower: The striking Frank Gehry tower at the LUMA Arles campus is worth a visit for its architecture and views over the city.

1-day itineraries in Arles

Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.

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