Alyscamps Archaeological Site

Les Alyscamps is a Roman-era necropolis immediately south of Arles in Provence, France, noted for its long funerary avenue lined with sarcophagi and tomb monuments. It is one of the most visible surviving Roman burial complexes in the region.

A tree-lined avenue historically marked by rows of stone sarcophagi and funerary monuments is the site’s principal feature; many surviving sarcophagi and fragments are arranged along the old road. The site attracted artists in the 19th century and remains an archaeological and visitor focus within the Arles landscape.

The necropolis developed during the Roman period and remained in use into the medieval era; later centuries saw reuse and relocation of some funerary stones for local building projects. Excavations and stabilisation work have documented its Roman funerary architecture and medieval transformations.

The site sits just outside the southern edge of Arles, along the route that linked the city to nearby Roman sites such as Glanum, within the low plains of Provence and easily reached from Arles’ centre.

• Art connections: Vincent van Gogh painted several works showing the necropolis during his 1888 stay in Arles, which helped raise the site’s 19th-century profile.
• Best viewpoint: The funerary avenue is best viewed from the raised path running along the row of sarcophagi; morning light gives the strongest relief on carved stone.

The Alyscamps are a short walk west of Arles’ city center-about 10-15 minutes from the Place de la République. The site is accessible on foot or by local buses that circle the city. Plenty of parking is available if driving from nearby towns.

• Walk the length of the avenue-the working cemetery was a processional road for sarcophagi and medieval funeral rites, and the full effect requires time.
• Visit in the late afternoon when the light slants across the sarcophagi and the Roman stones take on a warm ochre tone.
• Read the inscriptions up close: many sarcophagi were reused, and the graffiti and medieval additions tell centuries of reuse.