Arles is a city that moves at the pace of a slow-brewed espresso. While most travelers come for the Roman ruins and the Van Gogh trail, the city’s true pulse is often found inside its cafés. These are spaces where artists sketch, locals argue about the weather, and the Provençal light filters through the windows just right.
The café culture here blends French tradition with a distinctly southern character. You are as likely to find a classic zinc bar as you are a sun-drenched terrace hidden in a medieval square. The quality of coffee has risen dramatically in recent years, but the soul of these places remains rooted in conversation and lingering.
Choosing where to sit down can be overwhelming because Arles offers a surprising density of options for a city of its size. From historic institutions that have served patrons for over a century to modern specialty roasters, the variety is impressive. It is essential to know which spots cater to a quick espresso, a long lunch, or a remote working session.
This guide focuses on quality, atmosphere, and location. We have considered the sourcing of the beans, the pastry selection, and the charm of the surroundings. Whether you need a cool refuge from the Mistral wind or a sunny spot to people-watch, there is a chair waiting for you.
We have also paid attention to the neighborhoods, from the bustling Place du Forum to the quieter streets of La Roquette. The best café in Arles is not just about the drink; it is about the view, the acoustics, and the feeling of belonging. These recommendations aim to cover every possible mood and craving.
Below is a curated selection of the establishments that currently define Arles’ coffee scene. Each one offers a unique reason to visit, ensuring that your caffeine fix is accompanied by an authentic slice of local life.
Le Petit Arles Coffee shop
| Address | 29 Rue de l'Hôtel de ville, 13200 Arles |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | 06 18 47 01 76 |
Looking for coffee and a gluten free snack is always a challenge. Les petit Arles was a great chance find while wandering around the old city of Arles. The classique buckwheat crêpe hit the spot perfectly. With coffee and friendly service a must for all crepe lover, whether gluten-free or not.
Little Slice of Heaven: The Perfect Crêpes Experience
Tucked away on a quiet street corner, this tiny crêpes restaurant feels like stepping into a warm embrace. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a smile so genuine it feels like you’re visiting old friends rather than dining out. The service is attentive without being intrusive — a perfect balance that lets you relax and savor every moment.
The atmosphere is pure charm: soft music playing in the background, the scent of butter and sugar filling the air, and delicate fairy lights casting a golden glow across rustic wooden tables. Every little detail, from the hand-written menu to the vintage plates, seems lovingly chosen to create a cozy, heartwarming experience.
And then, of course, there are the crêpes. Light, delicate, and made to perfection, whether you choose a simple sugar and lemon classic or a rich, indulgent Nutella and banana creation. Each crêpe is a small masterpiece, made fresh right before your eyes with high-quality ingredients that you can truly taste. The savory options — with melting cheese, fresh herbs, and seasonal vegetables — are just as irresistible.
Highlights:
• The homemade salted butter caramel sauce is absolutely unforgettable.
• They offer gluten-free and vegan crêpe options, crafted with just as much care and flavor.
• If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the chef playfully flipping a crêpe high into the air — a little show that always brings a smile.
In a world of rushed meals and impersonal service, this little crêperie stands out as a place full of heart. It’s not just about eating; it’s about slowing down, enjoying the simple pleasures, and leaving just a little bit happier than when you arrived.
An absolute hidden gem — and a delicious reason to come back again and again.
Wonderful spot for cafe, pastries, lunch and people watching! Family business that adds charm and warmth gathering spot. Always excellent home-made foods. A true French experience! Will miss this place!
We have been coming here for years. There is new ownership and everything is as good if not better than we always experienced. The Nutella crepes are amazing. And the pricing is reasonable. We’llbeback.
The most delicious crepes in Arles. We tried a savory made with buckwheat flour and a sweet with chantilly and chestnut cream — amazing!!
CAFAR coffee lab
| Address | 22 bis Rue Amédée Pichot, 13200 Arles |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM Sunday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Phone | 06 34 18 69 67 |
I’ve ordered a double espresso And It was so Good. They roast the coffee, they have served me a natural Rwanda. I think It doesn’t appear the notes, but so intense (probably chocolate). I’m so glad I’ve come here!!! 🙂
Probably the best Coffee in town...great own roast. You choose natural, washed or honey and all organic. Super friendly and fast service...
Warm, cozy, delicious - the kind of coffee shop that feels like home. The owner, Julia, is one of the most kind and sincere people. She makes every cup of coffee with intention and care. And she roasts her own beans!! We’ve been going just about every morning since we’ve been in Arles!
* no wifi, which is perfect for making friends or enjoying your coffee with a good book ✨
Updated 28 Apr 2026:-
And looks like fate did bring me back here again - so fortunate to see how the establishment has grown. Thank you dear Yuliya for the kindness and the year of friendship! ❤️
Super friendly shop owner-roaster-barista, Yulia, who roasts her own beans! So proud of this establishment for a one-lady show and absolutely amazing coffee!!
Gonna miss this place so much, and if fate would have it, will be back next time if I am ever in Arles!
Such a brilliant find in Arles! Cosy, comfy and amazing coffee. Lovely chilled vibes and very decently priced for home-roasted coffee. Lovely, warm and friendly owner (who speaks English!). Sad that I didn’t get a chance to try any sweet treats as they were rightfully sold out! Definitely recommend if you’re in the area, and if I ever return to Arles, I will definitely come back for another cappuccino.
Café Factory République
| Address | 35 Rue de la République, 13200 Arles |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM, 6:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM, 6:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM, 6:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM, 6:00 – 9:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM, 6:00 – 9:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 90 54 52 23 |
We were craving a big healthy salad and visited for lunch after seeing the amazing reviews.
We sat outside in the sunshine and enjoyed two very large and tasty salads.
The waitress was very friendly and she tried very hard to speak to us in English which was greatly appreciated.
The food was amazing and very reasonably priced. There were so many things in the menu which I could have ordered.
It was away from the hustle and bustle of the main street which was very busy.
Superb - everything fresh and tasty and such lovely friendly service - enjoyed the chicken salad and mozzarella salad
Excellent place for lunch, the fresh sauces prepared on site are excellent, pleasant service and comfortable seating
We came to this place for lunch during our sightseeing. It’s one of the very few places open during siesta time. Our decision was spontaneous, but the place didn’t disappoint. The chicken salad was surprisingly good, and the duck was also well-prepared and enjoyable. The food arrived quickly as well.
The quality of food and service was good for a very reasonable price.
If you are looking for a quick spot to eat lunch and rest, we definitely recommend this place!
What a fantastic cafe. Mojito was great, followed by beautiful mains and desserts. My duck melted in the mouth perfectly cooked. My wife had salmon - equally delicious. The desserts to finish were wonderful also. Enjoy.
COSMOS - Pâtisserie et Salon de thé engagés
| Address | 5 Rue Dulau, 13200 Arles |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 1:00 – 7:00 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 7:00 PM Friday: 1:00 – 7:00 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 7:00 PM Sunday: 1:00 – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 84 84 94 11 |
Exceptional experience! You can relax get a coffee and a wonderful and masterfully prepared piece of dessert!
Like the art books in the cafe, the desserts are work of art!
Loved sampling a couple of their beautiful pastries. Both were delicious. The woman working there was even kind enough to let my husband charge his phone.
Amazing experience!
The location itself is small but looks beautiful.
The small pastry is pricey, but are worlds above anything I've tasted elsewhere! Selection is limited but gets more attention and love 🙂
The pastry tastes amazing, and nothing was too sweet! The coffee, we had Frappe, was also great for the warm weather.
I can absolutely recommend this patisserie! 🙂
Absolutely fabulous Gluten free & vegan delight. Has the pistachio dessert and it blew me away. Such a perfect balance of sweetness and lightness in the creation. My highlight of visiting Arles.
Very very delicious, maybe the best we’ve ever tasted in France, cakes. They are in the higher price range but you can definitely taste that they are worth it! We had the chocolate yuzu one but would’ve liked to have stayed more days in Arles just to try them all 😅😋
Madame Café
| Address | 4 Rue Jean Jaurès, 13200 Arles |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | — |
good place, central, with Air Conditioning, OK to work with laptop concerning the temperature and the good wifi connection. There's no toilettes!
Great cafe in Arles. We went here both mornings during our stay. I ordered an iced americano and it was tasty and cold. Most beverages seemed to be available cold, which was nice. Super nice service.
Great select of different kinds of tea and coffee. Nice seating area. Friendly people. A refreshing experience.
Nice place with a very good selection of teas. My wife also enjoyed her coffee. Very good!
Great coffee and cute place!
Les Cafés de la Major
| Address | 7 Bis Rue Reattu, 13200 Arles |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 90 96 14 15 |
Best coffe in Aarles by far
Awesome place for a good cup of coffee as well as coffee beans! We told the man that we would come back and we will! Unfortunately we didn’t that day, but that’s 100% our loss. Will come back for sure on my next visit to Arles!
Excellent coffee from a knowledgeable barista. Nice selection of cups and equipment. Not cheap but quality. Enjoyed our espresso so much we bought some beans to take home and have had success with pulling great shots with them!
A coffee cave of delights, but strangely tea as well, however they both share a heritage of exotically sauced products that is presented here in an authentic setting, as if you are stepping back in time. A welcome relief from over commercialised modern consumption. The barrister is master of his art as well...did I mention the coffee is amazing?
The right place to buy coffee beans for home. Yirgacheffe was good for our aeropress and not very expensive. We came back for the second package:)
Café de la Roquette
| Address | 12 Pl. Paul Doumer, 13200 Arles |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 07 78 80 93 74 |
The neighbourhood, and this café too, exudes a quiet yet lively charm. It’s a world away from the tourist hotspots of Arles, and that’s how it should stay. I hope that by paying tribute to the wonderful time I’ve had in this welcoming place, with its friendly and cheerful service, I won’t be changing any of that. Come here if you have the time and the inclination and enjoy.
This place became my favorite in Arles. Local and relaxed feel, often nice music and baristas sometimes singing to it) delicious coffee and slighly away from main tourist paths. And tasty coffee!
Can't qualify the food, just had wine there, but: amazing flair, beautiful little place, amazing people, very friendly!
Next time I'll stay longer at this café for sure!!
Update: I just ordered tarde de saumon with spinache and mint... Incredibly fresh and good!!!
I stopped there for a drink, and the place was ok, but the atmosphere in the square was truly bad, a sense of insecurity, it looked as if you had to show a card of membership just to drink there, as if the square was privatized by a small group of offensive people likely to belong to the same pack. I won't recommend it, I would actually avoid it.
Best place to experience the French lack of manners and respect. Great if you like to get shouted at by uneducated workers.
Drum Café
| Address | 35 Av. Victor Hugo, 13200 Arles |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 06 14 59 57 93 |
Stylish, just like the rest of the building. But would you go there just for the drinks? In any case, the selection is incredibly comprehensive and lovely. The place also invites you to read or browse through one of the many cool books. Walls made of sunflower husks are supposed to symbolise sustainability... but doesn’t that energy then get taken away from the natural floor?
Great service and amazing food!
Amazing service and atmosphere, definitely a great place to experience some delicious meals and deserts. Wonderful cafe 🤌
Excellent for everything : food, service and location
The food and tastes are amazing. You spend a great moment there while eating high pleasure providing food !
super nice restaurant, food is special and amazing! And super friendly staff, highly recommend
Cloé Brunch Arles
| Address | 13 Pl. Voltaire, 13200 Arles |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: Closed Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | 07 81 86 13 82 |
Excellent breakfast in a lovely and cozy atmosphere. Everything was fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented, and the staff was very friendly. A special mention goes to the chai latte – absolutely outstanding and one of the best I've ever had! We will definitely come back next time we're in Arles. Highly recommended!
Very friendly staff. Our food was delicious and came out quickly
Such a lovely new brunch spot! Food was good, prices are totally fair, and the staff was friendly. Highly recommend!
Excellent tasty brunch in pretty déco with super friendly staff for very good value
The best cheese board ever
Peach
| Address | 2 Rue de la République, 13200 Arles |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 90 93 60 98 |
Were thrilled to find a place in arles that had good healthy smoothies. Also had quiche which was very good. Very helpful that the person at the counter spoke English.
Lovely atmosphere, lots to choose from. Very happy with our selecton of vege quiche and eclair. Enough tables inside for a quick sit down before heading back out to explore Arles.
This place has the best coffee drink I’ve ever had in my life. Their mochaccino is basically the creamiest, richest, best hot chocolate ever, with a shot of espresso. The pastries (a roule and a carré à la pomme) were good too, but it was really the mocha that made it such a great experience.
One of the best bakeries I've been in all of France. Super tasty desserts, friendly staff, great atmosphere. One of the best places in Arles. Check out also the garden
Great place with tasty sweets and good coffee. I really enjoyed being there, good and friendly service and a nice and cosy atmosphere. Highly recommend.
Mazette !
| Address | 8 Pl. Antonelle, 13200 Arles |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM Friday: Closed Saturday: Closed Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | 06 46 66 71 30 |
BRUNCH can be a bit difficult to find in a relatively small town but we found Mazette! and enjoyed a very good brunch. It is a small restaurant with a few tables inside and a few outside. Decent menu selection. My husband had the scrambled eggs, and I had the French toast and yogurt parfait. Both were very good. We both thought the coffee was especially good. Nice location on a corner street that wasn't too busy. Highly recommend.
I had the best time in Arles and this place was definitely part of it! Team is super nice, place is lovely whether you seat on the terrace, by the counter or on the first floor, coffee omg so good and food perfectly tasty and healthy. Highly recommend! Had breakfast and 3 lunches there. Their plate, toasty and burger are perfect!
This place is really great the staff was tolerant of my lack of command of French I had the soft-boiled eggs with avocado, a flat white coffee and some hibiscus beverage. One of the few places that I found in Arles where you can get eggs early in the morning. Plus I got to discover that neat tool to use to crack the shell of the soft-boiled egg.
We had a phenomenal veggie bowl with a side of bacon at the lovely Wow! Mazzette! Restaurant in Arles France. The salted carmel cookies & the cappuccinos made a fantastic desert.
The out door seating was lovely & the service was friendly & attentive. We would highly recommend Wow! Mazzette! for a very French, casual dining experience.
Lovely, friendly staff, unfortunately it was let down by the food and the coffee which was, from the reviews, the reason we chose to come to Mazette.
The "House Granola" was a) tiny and b) like the texture of wood chips - perhaps this is my fault as I did not see "gluten free" on the menu when I ordered it. The fruit was lovely but hardly worth the €7 compared to others I have had in France that are substantially more generous and satisfying.
The Avocado with spices was disappointing as the taste I had from my partners plate had a bitter taste indicating that (I believe) a lemon seed had been let slip through and tarnished the whole taste of the guacamole.
One thing we have noticed in our travels around France is the high quality of the local produce and the genuine flavour that comes through from locally sourced small producers. I have no idea where the ingredients were sourced four our meal but the poached egg here was virtually tasteless and the bacon over cooked and virtually inedible in its toughness.
Unfortunately the reviews did not live up to the reality in our case and hopefully it was just an one off as the establishment has many good reviews but our experience was our reality.
La cachette
| Address | 19 Pl. Honoré Clair, 13200 Arles |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Phone | 06 25 62 65 15 |
We were expecting a tapas dinner, but the experience was quite disappointing. The menu was set and seemed to consist almost exclusively of cold dishes and small portions of purées or sauces: olive cream, a hummus-like purée or lentils, a small piece of zucchini with goat cheese, etc. The only bites we liked were the falafel, although the portion was very small.
Furthermore, one of the dishes included chicken livers, something that wasn't clearly indicated and which we didn't even get to try. Overall, we missed having more substantial food and a more varied and balanced menu.
The biggest disappointment was the wine: we ordered a glass of red and were served a drink that was almost pink, with a slightly effervescent texture and a flavor more reminiscent of cider than red wine. All this for €6 a glass, a price we felt was excessive for what we received. This style of cooking may appeal to other people, but for us the value for money was not satisfactory
Great food. It's a cool and cozy little place. The sandwiches tasted great and they gave us a salad. The waitress was friendly. The menus were only in french so it was difficult to figure out what kinds of sandwiches they had because the connection wasn't the best in the part of the restaurant where we were. All in all a great restaurant, would recommend.
Very good food: flavorful, but balanced in such a way that your stomach is as happy as your tongue, plus lovely service, at a more than fair price
Everything we tried (including the coffee and desert) was just amazing.
The staff was really kind and quick and the restaurant was clean and beautiful. We chose eat inside because of the air conditioner, but they also have a nice terrace which we will try next time.
Very nice place!
A very tiny and nice place in Arles !
This place was recommended to us and we really enjoyed out lunch under the shade !
The cooker and the waiter are very nice and welcoming!
The food was absolutely delicious, simple but with lots of taste 🤩
I do recommend that place
Casa Jill
| Address | 27 Rue de Chartrouse, 13200 Arles |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | 07 69 59 40 74 |
The best iced coffee in Arles! We really enjoyed our time in this wonderful cafe. We visited it every day, the staff was incredibly nice to us. The food was delicious and the cafes interior was beautiful.
Very nice service and wine. Feels like home
We stopped here for a glass of wine pre-dinner. The wine was excellent, and the service was great.
This welcoming and stylish restaurant was a great discovery in our trip to Arles. The food was delicious (and organic !) and the home made drinks were fantastic. A lot of attention to the details.
An off-the-beaten-path location worth a detour in the picturesque La Roquette district.
Grand Café Malarte - Restaurant Arles
| Address | 2 Bd des Lices, 13200 Arles |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 90 54 56 74 |
Great location for eating our lunch after visiting the local attractions. We were greeted with a smile and shown a table, drinks and food order was taking in a timely manner, the food and service was amazing. Always judge a restaurant as busy as this one with the conditions of the toilets and they didn’t disappoint. We recommend eating here to all, as it a great stopping point to refuel away from the hustle and heat.
A great place for a lunch during our day in Arles. We had the Tartares and they were excellent. Well located and shaded during the hot summer days.
It was really good dinner. Me and my family came from Korea and we ate dinner here. Mona, who works this restaurant, served soo kindly, took photos for our family. We spent good time. Merci Mona!
Stopped for a Sunday lunch. Good food, helpful staff to accommodate our GF restrictions. Great sidewalk view but a little dark with black umbrellas. If we ate dinner here I’d prefer to be inside.
The hot weather made me lose my appetite, but the food was so good that I ate really well. I'd definitely come back for this flavor.
Restaurant Arles - Le Comptoir du Calendal - La Table du Calendal - Garden Café
| Address | 5 Rue Prte de Laure, 13200 Arles |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 90 96 11 89 |
Nice place right next to the ancient arena. We had coffee and tea in the morning and decided to come back for lunch as we saw they had a quiet garden out the back, one of the trees there is 500 years old. We had the plate of the day which was very tasty and good value. Service was quick and the waitress was very friendly. Lots of staff were serving.
I had a very lovely afternoon. I had the grilled octopus which was delicious. The waitress with dark hair was incredibly friendly. I didn’t catch her name but she was lovely and bubbly. I was nervous because my French is bad and I had a bad experience in a restaurant the day before so she made me feel very welcome. Merci.
Just don’t. We came here for a glass of wine and a quick dinner. I knew going to a restaurant close to the arena would not be gourmet, but the pizza was inedible. It looked ok, but was very cold in the middle, so it must have started frozen. We should have just gotten a sandwich from the grocery store. But at least the wine was good.
Not the best bar in Arles, but probably the best located.
Seemingly the only place to get full afternoon sun, I think we went most afternoons for a drink in the sunshine. Views of the amphitheatre and antique theatre are a superb bonus.
Nice cafe, cool desserts, great ambiance.
Tips for Enjoying Cafés in Arles
To make the most of your café hopping in Arles, it helps to understand the local rhythm and etiquette. Unlike some big cities where coffee is a grab-and-go commodity, Arles treats the café as an extension of the living room. Knowing when to go and how to order will dramatically improve your experience and help you blend in with the locals.
- Adjust to the Local Schedule: Arles runs on a southern French clock. Cafés are busiest between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM for coffee, then again from 3:00 PM onwards. Many kitchens close between 2:30 PM and 7:00 PM, so if you want food with your coffee, plan for a standard lunch hour (12:00 PM to 1:30 PM).
- Know Your Coffee Lingo: While specialty cafés use English terms like "flat white" or "latte," a traditional French café will serve a "café" (espresso), a "noisette" (espresso with a dash of milk), or a "café crème" (similar to a latte). Ordering a "café allongé" gets you a long black or Americano.
- Terrace Pricing is Real: You will notice two prices on many menus: "Comptoir" (at the bar) and "Salle/Terrasse" (table service). It is significantly cheaper to drink your espresso standing at the counter. If you want to sit for an hour with a book, you are paying a premium for the real estate.
- Embrace the Art of Lingering: Service is deliberately unhurried in Arles. Waiters will not bring the bill until you ask for it ("L’addition, s’il vous plaît"). Do not panic if the service seems slow; you are expected to sit and enjoy your drink without being rushed.
- Watch for the Mistral: Arles is famous for its strong, cold wind. While a sunny terrace might look inviting, it can become uncomfortable quickly. Look for cafés with sheltered courtyards or glass windbreaks if the wind picks up.
Stepping into one of these cafés is often the quickest way to connect with the texture of Arles. It is where the architectural beauty of the city becomes a backdrop for daily life rather than just a photo opportunity. Taking the time to sit still here is rarely a waste of time.
Whether you are seeking a robust specialty brew or a simple glass of rosé at a marble table, the city offers a venue for every disposition. Let the pace slow down, watch the play of light on the stone walls, and you will understand why so many people fall in love with this corner of Provence.
