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Théâtre antique d'Arles and around
A day in Arles · 9:30–17:00 · 5 stops
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mapvivid.com/arles/itineraries/theatre-antique-d-arles-and-aroundA walking day around Théâtre antique d'Arles, Arènes d'Arles and Musée Réattu, with a lunch break nearby and LUMA Arles to end the day.
Every stop on Google Maps: open the list
Morning
9:301Théâtre antique d'Arles ↗1 hGo early
Roman theatre with two surviving columns, used for festivals.
- Ticket covers other Roman sites
- Very close to the Arènes
↓ 2 min walk
10:3021st-century Roman amphitheatre still used for events.
- Climb the towers for city views
- Check bullfight and event dates
↓ 3 min walk
11:303Musée Réattu ↗1 h 30 minClosed Mondays
Fine-arts museum with Picasso drawings and photography.
- Photography collection is excellent
- Right on the Rhône
Lunch
13:00Lunch break nearby · Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps ↗
↓ 6 min walk
Afternoon
14:304Romanesque church with a famous sculpted portal and cloister.
- Cloister requires a ticket
- Look at the Last Judgment portal
↓ 10 min walk
15:305LUMA Arles ↗1 h 30 min
Gehry-designed tower and arts campus in the Parc des Ateliers.
- Park is free
- Check exhibition times
Good to know. Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Planned with MapVivid. Opening hours change, so check each place before you go. This day, with the map: mapvivid.com/arles/itineraries/theatre-antique-d-arles-and-around
Day 1 of 19:30–17:005 stops
Théâtre antique d'Arles and around
A walking day around Théâtre antique d'Arles, Arènes d'Arles and Musée Réattu, with a lunch break nearby and LUMA Arles to end the day.
Opens Google Maps with every stop of the day, ready to save to your own list.
Morning
109:30 · 1 hRoman theatre with two surviving columns, used for festivals.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Ticket covers other Roman sites
- Very close to the Arènes
📷 Photos
2 min walk
210:30 · 1 h1st-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
3 min walk
311:30 · 1 h 30 minFine-arts museum with Picasso drawings and photography.
- Must know: Closed Mondays
2 tips
- Photography collection is excellent
- Right on the Rhône
📷 Photos
Lunch
Lunch break nearby · 13:00
Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps6 min walk
Afternoon
414:30 · 1 hRomanesque 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
10 min walk
515:30 · 1 h 30 minGehry-designed tower and arts campus in the Parc des Ateliers.
3 tips
- Park is free
- Check exhibition times
- Good for architecture photos
📷 Photos
Take this day with you
Add the stops to your calendar
Times are local time in Arles. Apple Calendar adds every stop at once (Outlook too). Google Calendar adds one event per link.
Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.