Arles Travel Guide
City City in France famous for Roman ruins
Roman stones - an amphitheater and baths - still shape Arles’s streets; people arrive for classical monuments, weekly Provençal markets, Van Gogh connections and access to the Camargue’s marshes and salt flats.
Why Visit Arles? #
Roman antiquity and Provençal culture make this southern French city irresistible to history and art lovers. Explore the Roman amphitheatre and other ancient ruins, follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps through the streets that inspired his work, and browse lively Provençal markets for olive oil, saffron and local cheeses. Close access to the Camargue adds wildlife and horse-riding possibilities-pairing ancient monuments with regional traditions and flavors.
Who's Arles For?
Arles’ Roman arena, narrow streets and twilight cafés create an intimate Provençal setting for couples. Small boutique hotels and riverside dinners add romance, with quiet corners away from summer crowds.
Local Provençal cuisine and lively markets feature seasonal produce, salt-cured fish and regional wines. Bistros around Place du Forum and Sunday markets deliver authentic flavors without exorbitant prices.
The Camargue is a short drive: wild marshes, flamingos and white horses offer unique wildlife and easy nature excursions. Birding, horseback rides and coastal salt flats suit outdoorsy day-trippers.
Roman monuments like the amphitheatre and Alyscamps are engaging and walkable for families; kid-friendly tours and shady parks make the historic center manageable with children. Summer can be hot, so plan morning visits.
Top Things to Do in Arles
All Attractions ›
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- Arènes d'Arles - Large Roman amphitheatre hosting bullfights and summer concerts among ancient stone tiers.
- Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles - Contemporary museum dedicated to Van Gogh and artist residencies, exhibitions rotate frequently.
- LUMA Arles (Parc des Ateliers and LUMA Tower) - Cultural complex with Gehry-designed tower, experimental exhibitions, and restored industrial workshops.
- Les Alyscamps - Ancient Roman necropolis lined with sarcophagi and evocative plane trees along the route.
- Église et Cloître Saint-Trophime - Romanesque church and cloister featuring carved capitals and a richly historic atmosphere.
- Théâtre Antique d'Arles - Smaller Roman theatre near the city centre, sometimes used for summer performances.
- Les Halles d'Arles - Covered market where locals shop fresh produce, Provençal specialties, and lively weekday bustle.
- Pont Van Gogh (Pont de Langlois) - Reconstructed lift bridge Van Gogh painted; photogenic spot at the edge of town.
- Musée Réattu - Art museum in a former priory with Picasso drawings and contemporary photography.
- Musée Départemental Arles Antique - Extensive Roman collection near the Rhône, including mosaics and imperial sarcophagi.
- Place du Forum - Cobblestone square flanked by cafés and Roman columns, perfect for slow people-watching.
- Parc naturel régional de Camargue - Wild wetlands famed for pink flamingos, salt flats, bulls, and horseback nature trails.
- Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer - Seaside village central to Romani pilgrimage, with wide beaches and rustic seaside restaurants.
- Les Baux-de-Provence (Carrières de Lumières) - Perched medieval village above limestone quarries and famous immersive Carrières de Lumières show.
- Avignon - Historic city with the Palais des Papes and the Pont Saint-Bénézet, reachable quickly by train.
- Nîmes - Roman-era monuments including the Arena and Maison Carrée, excellent for ancient history fans.
Where to Go in Arles #
Old Town (Centre Historique)
A compact medieval core layered with Roman remains - cobbled streets, small museums and lively terraces. It’s the area to wander, find Van Gogh connections and pause for a café. Perfect for history lovers who enjoy wandering without a car.
Top Spots
- Arles Amphitheatre (Les Arènes) - well-preserved Roman arena still used for events.
- Place du Forum - lively square with cafés and terraces.
- Musée Réattu - art museum in a medieval townhouse.
Roman Quarter & Alyscamps
Where Arles’ best-preserved Roman funerary sites and archaeological treasures sit, the Alyscamps area feels contemplative and a touch cinematic. Artists and history buffs linger here. Ideal for slow exploration and those following Arles’ Roman and Van Gogh threads.
Top Spots
- Alyscamps necropolis - atmospheric Roman funerary avenue favoured by artists.
- Thermes de Constantin - Roman bath remains and archaeological interest.
- Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles - contemporary exhibitions linked to Van Gogh.
Trinquetaille (Right Bank)
Across the Rhône from the historic centre, Trinquetaille is quieter with a more local feel - bakeries, markets and pleasant river walks. It’s useful for budget stays and quieter evenings away from the tourist core. A good place to experience everyday Arles.
Top Spots
- Banks of the Rhône - riverside walks and sunset views.
- Local markets and bakeries - neighbourhood food stalls.
- Small galleries - local artists and occasional exhibitions.
Camargue Gateway
Arles is the natural base for exploring the Camargue - expect wide skies, rice fields and wildlife tours. Not a neighborhood so much as the surrounding landscape you’ll enter from Arles. Perfect for nature lovers wanting horses, flamingos and salt‑flat scenery.
Top Spots
- Day trips into the Camargue - wetlands, white horses and salt flats.
- Local tack shops and equestrian centres - access to riding and nature tours.
- Birdwatching sites - flamingos and marshland species nearby.
Plan Your Visit to Arles #
Best Time to Visit Arles #
Visit Arles in spring (April-June) or early autumn for warm, pleasant weather, blooming fields and fewer tourists. Winters are mild but damp; summers are hot, dry and festival-packed, often gusty from the mistral.
Best Time to Visit Arles #
Arles's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (716 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 23 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (122 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Arles
Arles is best reached by rail from nearby regional hubs; Gare d'Arles sits close to the historic centre. The nearest major airport is Marseille Provence (MRS); smaller airports at Avignon (AVN) and Nîmes (FNI) offer useful regional options.
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS): Marseille Provence is the largest nearby airport and is well served by national and many European flights. From MRS take the airport shuttle (navette) to Marseille Saint-Charles station (about 25-30 minutes, roughly €10-11 one way). From Marseille Saint-Charles there are frequent TER trains to Gare d’Arles (about 35-45 minutes, tickets commonly from around €5-12 depending on advance purchase).
Avignon-Provence Airport (AVN): Avignon-Provence handles regional and seasonal flights and is the closest airport for many visitors. A shuttle or local taxi to Avignon city/Avignon TGV takes about 15-25 minutes (shuttles/taxis vary; taxis ~€25-40). From Avignon TGV or Avignon city there are regular TER services to Gare d’Arles (about 20-30 minutes, fares typically in the low single digits to low teens € depending on the service).
Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes Airport (FNI): Nîmes-Garons is a small regional airport with limited scheduled flights. The easiest public option is to get a taxi or transfer to Nîmes station (taxi ~15-20 minutes, roughly €20-30) and catch a TER to Arles (about 20-25 minutes, fares usually a few euros).
Train: Gare d’Arles is on the regional TER Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur network and is the most convenient rail gateway to the old town (the station is a short walk from the centre). Key regional routes serve Arles from Marseille Saint-Charles (35-45 minutes), Avignon (20-30 minutes) and Nîmes (20-25 minutes). TER fares vary by route and booking but commonly range from about €3-€12 for these short trips.
Bus / Coach: Local and regional buses (the Région Sud network branded ZOU! and local Arles agglomération services) link Arles with nearby towns and villages; coach connections are useful for places not served by rail. Intercity coaches and some low-cost operators also stop in Avignon or Nîmes - journey times depend on route (typically 30-60 minutes from nearby cities) and single fares are generally modest (a few euros to around €10).
How to Get Around Arles
Arles is easiest to navigate by train and on foot: Gare d'Arles sits close to the old town and regional TERs make short hops from Marseille, Avignon and Nîmes quick. For excursions into the Camargue or for more flexibility a rental car or bike is recommended; use local coaches for destinations not served by rail.
- TER (regional train) (€3-€12) - Regional TER trains are the smartest way to get to and from Arles for most visitors - they are frequent from Marseille, Avignon and Nîmes and deliver you right to Gare d'Arles, a short walk from the centre. Trains are generally punctual and comfortable for short hops; book in advance for the best fares on busy days. If you plan day trips to Avignon or the Camargue, the TER is faster and less hassle than driving.
- Regional coach (ZOU! and intercity buses) (€2-€10) - The Région Sud 'ZOU!' network and other coaches connect Arles with smaller towns and some coastal destinations. Coaches can be slower than the train but are handy for places without rail links; check timetables in advance as frequencies can drop on weekends. Tickets are inexpensive and sometimes sold onboard or via the regional app.
- Car rental (€35-€80/day) - Renting a car is the best option if you want to explore the Camargue, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer or rural Provençal villages around Arles. Roads are straightforward and parking in the town is available but can be limited during festivals (including the Feria and Rencontres d'Arles). Expect daily rental rates to start in the low tens of euros outside peak season; watch for low-emission zones and occasional one-way fees.
- Taxi & local transfers (€8-€40) - Taxis and private transfers are useful for early-morning or late-night connections and for getting to nearby airports when public links are sparse. Within Arles a short taxi ride is usually under 10-15 minutes; fares from the nearest airports or bigger stations to Arles are notably higher and should be quoted in advance. Ride-hailing apps are less common here than in larger French cities, so pre-booking or using a local cab company is recommended.
- Bicycle (€8-€20/day) - Arles is very cycle-friendly: flat streets and many short distances make biking an excellent way to see the city and riverside. Several local shops and services rent bikes by the hour or day; cycling also lets you explore nearby Roman sites and the Camargue shoreline at your own pace. Be cautious on narrow streets in the historic centre and lock your bike securely when parked.
- Walking - The historic centre of Arles is compact and best explored on foot - most Roman monuments, museums and the best cafés are within a short walking radius. Pavements can be uneven in places because of old stones, so wear comfortable shoes and allow time to wander the small streets.
Where to Stay in Arles #
- Local guesthouses and hostels (Arles) - Basic stays close to Roman sites
- Budget listings (Booking) - Aggregated inexpensive options
- Hôtel Jules César Arles - MGallery - Historic hotel near the amphitheatre
- Hôtel & Spa Jules César Boutique Hotel - Comfortable rooms and good location
- Hôtel Jules César Arles - MGallery - Upmarket historic hotel with spa
- L'Hôtel Particulier Arles - Boutique luxury in eighteenth-century house
- Hôtel Jules César Arles - MGallery - Central, walkable to main attractions
- Central guesthouses (Booking listings) - Close to museums and markets
- Family-friendly guesthouses and small hotels - Spacious rooms and central locations
- Hôtel Jules César Arles - MGallery - Comfortable rooms, easy access to sites
- Hôtel Jules César Arles - MGallery - Calm public areas and Wi‑Fi
- Central hotels with internet (Booking) - Select properties with confirmed Wi‑Fi
Where to Eat in Arles #
Arles is a Provençal food town: olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, lamb and market vegetables dominate, and most meals feel relaxed and plainly excellent. The old town around the Roman amphitheatre and Place du Forum is where cafés and bistros serve the region’s staples - ratatouille, grilled fish, tapenade and a crisp rosé or a local Côtes du Rhône to match. Farmers’ markets and small neighbourhood bistros are the highlights: buy produce in the morning and eat a leisurely lunch in the afternoon. There are also Italian trattorias and a few modern restaurants that take local ingredients in a contemporary direction.
- Café Van Gogh - Light Provençal plates in the old town.
- Place du Forum cafés - Tapas-style plates and local charcuterie.
- Local bistros near the Roman amphitheatre - Provençal stews, lamb and olive-forward dishes.
- Mediterranean seafood bistros - Fresh fish with regional Mediterranean touches.
- Italian trattorias - Pasta and pizza popular with locals and visitors.
- Small contemporary restaurants - Modern takes on regional ingredients.
- Local farmers' markets - Seasonal produce, cheeses and fresh herbs.
- Vegetarian-friendly bistros - Ratatouille, grilled vegetables and salads.
- Cafés around Place de la République - Light vegetarian lunches and tartines.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Arles's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Arles #
Arles is a relaxed Provençal town whose nights skew toward cafés, wine bars and the occasional open-air concert. The Roman amphitheatre (Les Arènes) and Place du Forum animate summer nights with performances and bullfights when in season. Evenings are casual but smart - people tend to dress neatly for dinner. Many cafes close earlier in low season; check event calendars for arena performances.
Best Bets
- Les Arènes (Roman amphitheatre) - Historic arena hosting concerts and summer events.
- Place du Forum - Central square with cafés and evening people-watching.
- Rhone riverside walks - Peaceful riverside spots for after-dinner strolls.
- Cloître Saint-Trophime area - Historic quarter with quiet evening charm and cafés.
- Summer festivals and Feria events - Seasonal fêtes and bullfights that fill the nights.
- Nearby evening excursions (Les Baux area) - Short drives bring atmospheric hilltop dinners and views.
Shopping in Arles #
Arles thrives on market life - weekly Provençal markets sell local produce, herbs, textiles and antiques amid Roman-era streets. Les Halles is the pulse for fresh food and regional specialities; on market days the Place du Forum and surrounding squares fill with vendors. Expect lively bargaining at antique stalls and polite fixed prices at specialty food shops.
Best Bets
- Les Halles d'Arles (covered market) - Indoor market for cheese, olive oil and Provençal produce.
- Place du Forum market - Regular open-air market with clothes, crafts and regional foods.
- Rue de la République / Rue Rosenberg - Central shopping streets with boutiques and souvenir shops.
- Antique & secondhand markets - Frequent brocantes and antique stalls around the city.
- Art galleries and photography shops - Gallic and international art galleries tied to the photography scene.
- Provençal food and craft shops - Shops selling saffron, tapenade, soaps and linen tableware.
