Arles
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Only have a day? See a ready-made day plan ↓10 places on the map
Top 10
- 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
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
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
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
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
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
Remains of 4th-century Roman baths.
3 tips
- Short visit
- Included in the monument pass
- Near the Rhône
📷 Photos
- 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
Fine-arts museum with Picasso drawings and photography.
- Must know: Closed Mondays
2 tips
- Photography collection is excellent
- Right on the Rhône
📷 Photos
- 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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