Arles is a city where Roman history, artistic legacy, and the slow rhythms of Provence converge in a way that feels both monumental and deeply personal. Sitting at the gateway to the Camargue, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers far more than a quick stop on a river cruise. It is a place to wander through stone alleyways, sit in sun-drenched squares, and trace the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh, who produced some of his most celebrated paintings here.
Unlike larger French cities that can feel overwhelming, Arles rewards the curious traveler with a walkable center and a pace that invites lingering. The city layers its identity beautifully: a Roman arena still dominates the skyline, while contemporary art installations breathe new life into medieval buildings. Whether you are drawn by ancient engineering, Provençal markets, or the lure of a café terrace, Arles delivers an experience that feels both timeless and immediate.
Planning a visit means deciding how to balance the must-see monuments with the quieter pleasures of local life. Many travelers arrive for a single day, but those who stay longer discover that Arles reveals its character slowly. The quality of light here is legendary, shifting from pale gold in the morning to deep amber at dusk, and it transforms even a simple walk into something memorable.
This guide is designed to help you make the most of your time in the city, whether you have a few hours or a few days. The recommendations below move from iconic landmarks to hidden corners, always keeping practical value in mind. You will find a mix of indoor cultural stops and open-air experiences, ensuring the city remains enjoyable in every season.
Because Arles sits close to other Provençal highlights, it also works beautifully as a base for wider exploration. Yet the city itself deserves unhurried attention. The list that follows focuses on what makes Arles special in its own right, rather than treating it as a launchpad for elsewhere.
Use this selection as a starting point, not a rigid itinerary. The true pleasure of Arles often lies in the unplanned detour: a quiet cloister, a sunlit square, or a conversation with a shopkeeper. With that in mind, here are the essential things to do in Arles.
L'espace Van Gogh
| Address | Pl. Félix Rey, 13200 Arles |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
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Must go if you’re Van Gogh’s fans. It is so worthy (I spend 16hours flight time + 4 hours train/ bus to get there). In summer time, the garden is so lush, perfectly match with the sunlight. A very calm and relaxed place.
Very cute garden at the courtyard of the former hospital whose most famous patient was Vincent Van Gogh after his mental breakdown.
We went there as Van Gogh spent some time there after he cut off his ear. He painted some scenes whilst there.
I thought it was a beautiful space with a garden which remains very much the way he painted it.
There’s an extensive souvenir shop there.
Entry to the space is complimentary.
To me it was an amazing experience to stand in the courtyard where Van Gogh used to be. Nice and peaceful place with the little fountain inside.
If you are interested in the life of Vincent Van Gogh and his art, then this is a must visit. We had fun trying to figure out exactly where Vincent was sitting when he painted the picture. I think he liked to use a slightly different perspective when painting.
Arles Amphitheatre
| Address | 1 Rdpt des Arènes, 13200 Arles |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
I loved this place. Walking around the inner part gave you a real sense of what it was like for the gladiators, as well as for the people when this was a living mini town. The stadium is still used for events including bull fights (non violent ones), so there is a modern structures and seating all the way round. Still flipping cool though. Don't miss this one
Today I visited the Colosseum of Arles, and I was truly impressed by this remarkable historical monument.
It was the first time I had the opportunity to visit such a well-preserved and nearly complete Roman amphitheater.
For an entrance fee of only €11, it is definitely worth a visit. You can clearly see that the monument is carefully maintained, with restoration work visible in several areas where new stones have been added.
What I also found fascinating is that the venue is still actively used for events.
During my visit, temporary stands had been installed, showing that this historic site continues to play an important role today.
A wonderful place where history really comes to life. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Arles.
A very impressive ruin of an ancient Roman arena, sadly much of it has been lost over time but the reason why is equally fascinating… well worth a look inside, there are endless ways to explore the arches and steps and towers and little passageways here and there. The views of the city from inside and through the arcades are also fantastic, make sure you walk around the whole thing inside and out—not to be missed!
Great attraction to visit if you are in Arles. We opted to purchase our tickets in advance, note though, there isn’t a cue for purchasing in advance, you seem to have to wait in line with everyone. We found it easy to walk around, but some elements can be tricky if you are unstable under foot. There are still lots of access points though.
Most memorable example of Roman ruins that I have seen on my trip. One thing is to read about it or watch on TV, but different thing is to walk the passages or sit on the arena. Longevity of this construction is mind-boggling.
Roman Theatre of Arles
| Address | 1 Rue du Cloître, 13200 Arles |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 90 18 41 20 |
Was pretty interesting, doesn't take long to walk around. There's a modern stage in the middle which is a bit weird, but they still use the place for events.
This is very interesting if you're in Arles, we visited around Mid- June and it was not that busy but definitely active amongst the town. The town itself had a lovely feel to it and it has a lot of history behind it which is so so interesting to delve into. It is definitely worth a stop if you ever find yourself in Arles as there is a walking route with so much information and history behind it. The town itself carries so much meaning behind each monument.
Excellent place to connect with the ancient culture of Arles, the Roman theatre of Arles. The video is enlightening, and then it is interesting to wander around the area of ruins at leisure. Recommended! It was covered in the Advantage Pass, which is a great deal!
A great place to visit. In the summer hot it may be challenging to visit. There is a huge tree that gives shadow to cool down under it.
We had a very nice visit to the site. We had combined ticket for multiple sites. But you can see it from outside without a ticket.
Alyscamps
| Address | Av. des Alyscamps, 13200 Arles |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 90 49 36 36 |
From the sheer history of the place it's worth a visit. Evidently, at one time during the middle ages, it was the biggest cemetery in the world.
But if you love Van Gogh and Gauguin it's a must see!! VVG painted 4 of his masterpieces here, one sold for £66 million in 2015, not to mention the Gauguin paintings.
If you're a true follower of VVG and Gauguin this is a must! Not to mention being a beautiful location. The old church alone is worth a visit.
You can purchase a ticket for €15 that gets you into multiple sites.
A very special place.
Freely accessible. Stunning architecture and an amazing view from the rooftop terrace.
I wanted to see Alyscamps because I’m a big Van Gogh fan. But this sight was so much more than that. 5 euros to enter and definitely worth it! Over 1600 years old!
This site is not as central as all the other historical sites and I wasn't originally going to see it until I noticed a photo in my hotel room that intrigued me. Alyscamps is definitely worth the journey if you have the city pass. It is very quiet and garden like and it is a very peaceful respite from the city.
Walk down Aurelian Way where people have walked for two thousand years. See the burial crypts along the road of people that always wanted to be remembered by passersby.
Saint-Trophime Primatial Catholic Church
| Address | 6 Pl. de la République, 13200 Arles |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 90 96 07 38 |
I'm not religious, but I do appreciate when a church has nice energy. It feels like it's still used a lot. The tapestries and art are incredible. Pop in if you're passing.
Fabulous facade. Interesting interior, clearly showing the different styles from the different building campaigns. Enormous height.
This huge old church has been built with the most beautiful architectural design and detailed sculptures. It's been maintained and preserved amazingly! So much history. A true gem of Arles. No tickets needed. It's in the very heart of the city's Old Town square, Place de la Republique.
Beautiful church with many intricate carvings. Don't miss the rare faded painting from the time of the French Revolution, it is in the Chapel of Baptism with the statue of St Johan Paul II. It is a triangle with a sunburst from 1789 - very rare to see evidence from then, when churches were turned into "Temples of Reason"!
Both stunning and somewhat austere in the typical style of such churches. Not my favorite cathedral in France, but it's up there. It's very poorly lit, but that adds to the charm somewhat. There are a number of impressive tapestries and stained glass pieces scattered amongst the stark, arching stonework. The palm fronds (this is April) were a nice contrast too
Musée départemental Arles antique
| Address | Presqu'île du Cirque Romain, 13200 Arles |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 13 31 51 03 |
Really well put together museum.
Early section takes you through pre-Roman Arles. Then the main section takes you through different aspects of Roman life in Arles: economy, water, sailing, funerals etc.
Highlight for me were the models of the town and various buildings that can also be visited, e.g. the amphitheatre.
Nice small museum, with a few outstanding items - most notably, a nearly complete 3C barge, some mosaics, Roman lead pipes, and carved sarcophagi.
The museum is a bit of a walk outside the main area on a hot day but do it it’s so worthwhile. Wonderful displays of artifacts that have been found in the area that tie into the sites in Arles. Great models showing the forum, baths, hippodrome, theatre and coliseum. The models I think should be replicated at these sites also to help with the true understanding of the sites design and realization. We loved the video of the boat found and reconstructed and the boat is displayed in the museum. We spent three hours here as it was so much fun.
This museum is a delight, filled with precious artifacts that are originals, with plenty of room to move around. I loved all the models of various buildings, and the many elaborately decorated tombs, especially. The film on rescuing the ancient boat / river barge, was fascinating and very well done!
Wow!! The Gallo-Roman barge, 50-60 AD, and cargo recovered from the Rhône was the highlight of our visit to this museum and a standout of the museums we visited in Arles.
What the archeologists-divers uncovered and painstakingly brought up and out of the river is mind blowing. Be sure to watch the video about the mission.
This museum is a MUST while in Arles if you have interest in Roman Antiquities!
The Arles market
| Address | 8 Bd des Lices, 13200 Arles |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM Thursday: Closed Friday: Closed Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 90 49 36 36 |
If you're here when it's open, you owe it to yourself to go. Nothing like your typical indoor boutique markets or upscale once a month things, this feels like a proper market for locals (and is a madhouse as such). Plenty of fresh produce at good prices, many places to grab a cheap, delicious meal for a picnic. A few more expensive places selling things like cured meats and nougat. I advise you to walk the length before buying anything if you have time to do it, many of the vendors sell the same things but at different prices.
Freshest vegetables and fruit, prepared foods ( paella for lunch)
Strawberries, small and sweet
Golden plums for tonight's sweet
Boulangerie - baguette and an almond religeuse
Provencal linens
Middle eastern breads and spices
AND SO MUCH MORE at the "small" Wednesday market .
Can't wait for Saturday!
Pretty large market with stalls selling everything from prepared food to clothes.
The Saturday market has more food, the Wednesday one ist more focused on second hand clothes, knickknacks, and is generally more utilitarian.
Both days are crowded and busy.
From a tourist perspective, there are more interesting markets.
This open air market provides an interesting opportunity to view such a very wide variety of crafts,fruits,vegetables,meat,honey and so much more and stretches two kilometres…capturing the energy of an open market with healthy interaction of customer with the seller…some suggest on the Wednesday Market there is a paradise for bargain hunters …
After the one in Carpentras the most beautifull large Provence market. Delicious food, specialities, little tourist merchandise, crowded but safe.
Camargue Regional Nature Park
| Address | Mas du pont de Rousty, RD 570, 13200 Arles |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | 04 90 97 10 40 |
An absolutely amazing place and a must-visit🤩Tip: Plan to go early and enter right after the park opens. It can get very crowded later on, making it difficult to find parking. Even though the flamingos don’t mind the crowds, arriving early lets you visit peacefully and take pictures without feeling guilty about people waiting behind you.
Beautiful place - great for bird watching, horse riding and hiking
Nice nature parc where you can see, if you are lucky, wild white horses, flamingos and salt lakes.
Camargue Regional Nature Park is an amazing destination for anyone who loves nature and unique landscapes. The park is incredibly beautiful, with vast wetlands, lagoons, and open spaces that create a peaceful and unforgettable atmosphere. It’s a perfect place to escape from busy cities and enjoy the calm of nature.
One of the highlights is the opportunity to see the famous white horses of Camargue, pink flamingos, and many other bird species in their natural environment. The biodiversity of the park is truly impressive. The scenery changes throughout the day, especially during sunrise and sunset, making it a fantastic place for photography.
The area is well preserved and offers many opportunities for walking, cycling, and observing wildlife. It’s a wonderful experience for families, couples, and anyone who appreciates nature. I highly recommend visiting Camargue Regional Nature Park!
A very unique place and definitely must visit. You will enjoy every minute here. You can get a horse riding experience ( the place we asked was 45 euro pp for 2 hours, but they we closed that day). Very peaceful and quiet and very beautiful.
Carrières des Lumières
| Address | Route de Maillane, 13520 Les Baux-de-Provence |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 90 49 20 02 |
Stunning, Stunning, Stunning! I am not a fan of Picasso, and my husband doesn't even like art...but we LOVED it! The venue is remarkable (lovely and cool on a jot summers day too) and the way the art is shown it is just so imersive. It was brilliant and we would go back again without hesitation.
The local village, Les Beaux de Provence, is listed as a beautiful village and you can see why. It's just a few minutes from the exhibition, up hill, and worth a visit. Look past all the tourists and gift shops to the history and magnificent views.
If you are staying in Les Baux-de-Provence, it’s worth driving over to check out this art exhibition. It’s located inside an old quarry, and the current feature is Picasso. It’s actually quite nice to just sit on the stone benches inside and watch the different paintings being projected one after another. This way, you don't have to keep walking around, and the combination of music and lighting gives it a unique character. However, I personally felt it wasn't quite as breathtaking or impactful as the one at the submarine base in Bordeaux."
A very unusual place, a multimedia show right inside the grottoes, which have preserved their history and pristine nature. We went to the "Oceans" show, a very interesting and colorful show. Cons: the parking lot nearby is overcrowded, so you either have to wait or park far away.
We (DASA) would like to leave a review of this remarkable place.
What has been created from a former quarry is truly impressive! The scale of the project, the presentation, and the amount of work behind it deserve nothing but admiration. It is a unique experience and definitely worth visiting.
However, there are a few drawbacks regarding the visitor services:
The parking is paid 5eu/h , which is not a problem by itself, but there is essentially only one payment machine. Its small screen is very difficult to read in the bright sun, and as a result long queues quickly form.
Also, keep in mind that this is a former mountain quarry, so there is quite a bit of dust inside. If you have breathing problems or are sensitive to dust, the visit may be somewhat challenging.
Other than that, everything is excellent, and the overall experience is truly memorable.
A place to go with the whole family and connect with something that will make you have fun like a kid. The vibe of the place is really great. It's totally worth it!
LUMA Arles, Parc des Ateliers
| Address | 35 Av. Victor Hugo, 13200 Arles |
|---|---|
| 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 | 04 65 88 10 00 |
It’s really amazing here!!!
Planning to visit ? Good place to explore with free tours. There are also two paid and guided tours in the morning around 11:30am and at noon around 2:30pm.
The staff are welcoming and accommodating.
The 9/8th, 3, 2, 1 floors are all free to explore.
Taking photos and touching sensitive items is prohibited within the library.
You’ll enjoy your visit, and there are lots of places nearby to relax, have a drink, or launch.
Now, Go exploooooorrrrreeeeee!!!!!
I used to be a fan of Frank Gehry, a long time ago when I had the chance to admire his studios and sketches. The way he guided his hand whilst sketching was also admirable. But then I visited the much-admired and famous museum in Bilbao and saw how his architecture and fame pushed the art on display into the background... indeed, stifled it. Unfortunately, I was already sceptical upon entering here in Arles, and my suspicions were confirmed. Admittedly, some of the galleries were undergoing renovation, but the striking and celebrated building seemed to be celebrating itself above all else.
Only in the basement was there an exhibition – no, two – that truly deserved to be called an art exhibition. The art was allowed to take centre stage. Unfortunately, there was little in the way of explanation, but the pictures managed to make an impression in those cramped, dark rooms. Upstairs, a great deal of effort and staff were devoted to guiding visitors. The fact that a different department was responsible for every query says a lot about the lack of understanding of intuitive design. Ms Hoffmann’s initiative is brilliant, but the result is too elitist. One definite plus: the building looks fantastic, provides a wonderful platform for viewing Arles from above, and brings tourists and employment to the south of France.
Gehry’s designs are almost always divisive—this museum is no exception—but inside it works in surprising ways… airy, playful, easy to navigate and full of intelligent details and a rotating selection of contemporary art, as well as a trippy site specific installation by Olafur Eliasson at the top of the spiral staircase. Ninth floor terrace offers a spectacular view over Arles and the surrounding area. Overall impressive and worth a couple hours of your time!
Fantastic building and grounds are worth it alone. We actually didn't see the exhibitions (short on time), just wandered around the building and grounds, but even that was amazing! The Tower is surreal.
It's about a 7 minute walk from the historical Alychamps, so easy to combine the 2.
This is absolutely a gorgeous place to visit. It’s free to visit the park and most of the building floors, including the library, terrace and more. You can admire Frank Gehry’s work closely in detail.
Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles
| Address | 35 Rue du Dr Fanton, 13200 Arles |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM 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 | 04 88 65 82 93 |
Unfortunately, if you are hoping to see a collection of Van Gogh’s paintings, you will be disappointed. We assumed there would be more than the 2 small original works of art. While these are inspiring to see, we expected more - we definitely should have read the reviews! But the views from the roof top were lovely and the shop had lots of Van Gogh products for sale.
But, I HIGHLY recommend a visit to the Saint-Paul Monastery where Van Gogh stayed during his time in St-Remy. While in the asylum, he painted a significant number of his famous works, including Starry Night.
It’s more a contemporary art museum. There are only 3 pieces of Van Gogh’s work, all are impressive. The ticket is only for these pieces for me. For other work, since I am not familiar with the artists so not much feeling on them, and I am not a fan of contemporary art. 10 Euro + 3Euro audio guide is but pricy in my opinion. There’s free locker service which is a bonus. The museum is quiet and you can enjoy the artwork without disturbances.
Beautifully curated displays of VanGogh inspired works of art of all kinds! A feast for the senses— even the stairwells are an immersive part of the experience. Truly worth the admission price. Two hours is plenty of time to fully appreciate most of the works.
What an experience. Loved seeing the two Van Goghs and 2 Picasso’s. Some other wild stuff too.
Nothing to see here. There is one self portrait by Van Gogh. The rest is random modern pieces of dubious quality and even more dubious taste. Not worth the 10 euro ticket for entry.
Thermae of Constantine
| Address | Rue du Grand Prieuré, 13200 Arles |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 90 52 02 06 |
It takes very little time to walk through the Baths of Constantine, and it is worth a visit if you love exploring ruins! It was well maintained with great info on signboards. Unfortunately, the sun shined bright on the signboards and they were hard to read, plus most of them were faded. It is perhaps time to get them replaced, and perhaps put a protection or shading cover to make them easier to read. They are also covered on the Advantage Pass, which was a great deal!
This is an ancient Roman historic site that you can access by purchasing the Pass Advantage for €19. You get access to six sites and four museums. Well worth the expense. The site itself is mostly in ruins, so you have to use your imagination and read the placards. I'm glad I went here.
A nice place to visit, not much to see though. Finished in less than 10 minutes for 5 euros entrance.
The remains of this thermen look impressive but are not as big as the one in Trier. Both relate to Emperor Constantine the Great who resided in Arelate (ancient Arles) early 4th century. He favoured the town and his son Constantine II was born there.
You can see the stone pillars that supported the floor of the Caldarium under which hot air was circulated.
Nicely restored parts of a Roman bath house. Small - worth dropping by - especially if you have an Arles access to pass.
Abbaye de Montmajour
| Address | Rte de Fontvieille, 13280 Arles |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 90 54 64 17 |
Awesome quick trip from Arles - honestly, way neater than we anticipated. 7 euros per person, well worth it. The views of the region from the top of the tower, the history, the tranquil feeling, the sculptures in the cloister, the echo in the church. Go check it out!! Open on Sundays.
Visited today with my daughter who was under 18, so she got free entry!
The staff are wonderful and very friendly. I'm not french and they explained everything perfectly! Even have the tour leaflet in English, also alot of the exhibits have some English at the bottom.
We went almost there hours walking around and had an amazing time!!
Very clean and well maintained, lots to see
Highly recommend for everyone to visit
Wonderful place to visit. Since being taken over by a foundation the site has seen improvements and more renovated buildings. It is Magical and spiritual as well as a great starting point to discover the history of Provence, with its monks in this once island. The chapel is a dream and the top of the tower gives you a view you won't believe.
Very impressing medieval caste with powerful towers and massive walls. It’s a engaging journey into history. There are many corridors, halls and ancient buildings which may well impress. I think it’s well maintained.
A large abbey ruin built over an ancient Roman necropolis. There is a tower you can climb that gives you amazing views of the surrounding countryside.
Jardin d'été
| Address | Bd des Lices, 13200 Arles |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 90 49 36 36 |
Nice little park with benches. There is a plaque at the spot Van Gogh painted one of his masterpieces-Entrance to the public garden in Arles.
Lovely and peaceful garden, and one of the locations with a Vincent Van Gogh easel, the 'L'Entree du Jardin Public Easel’. Worth a stop to enjoy nature in the middle of the town!
As a huge Van Gogh fan, visiting this garden was a truly meaningful experience. Knowing he painted here made it feel incredibly special. It’s a beautiful and peaceful spot — walking through it felt like stepping into one of his paintings. A must-visit in Arles for any art lover. You will be able to find safe to drink water fountain in the park.
The little park is just outside the old walls of Old Town Arles. There are a few beautiful sculptures left and Van Gogh memorial.
Nice little park, with many benches for seating, in a city with a shortage of parks!
The view of the Roman amphitheater is nice with the afternoon sun.
Cryptoportiques d'Arles
| Address | Pl. de la République, 13200 Arles |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 90 18 41 20 |
We bought the tickets which allowed us to take 4 attractions and 1 museum. It was 15 Euros per adult (children free). So one of the visits were the cryptiportiques. We enjoyed it as it remarkable how good in shape it was. Also the low temperature compared to the 37 degree outside were pleasant.
Surprising Roman ruin. I visited in 10 minutes. I would not buy a ticket just for it. But we bought tickets for multiple sites in Arles and we decided to see it. Be careful that it is a bit dark and the ground is not even. In fact I felt but luckily without consequences.
I wasn't sure what this place was all about. It was part of my Pass Advantage that covers most of the ancient sites in Arles + 4 museums. Well worth the 19 euros by the way. This place was a little spooky a little creepy and very cool. Nice break from the heat of Provence also. Well worth your effort to visit.
To find Intact roman ruins were a surprise. The crypts are long in two directions. Best Roman ruins i have seen including in Italy. The explanation was easy to understand. Some background about when they were uncovered would have been good. 5 euro entry is very fair.
There isn't much to see down in the cryptoportices, but it is valuable just to be in the area that witnessed so much history! The signs are in French only, it would be helpful to have some in English for all the international visitors.
Tips for Visiting Arles
The following suggestions will help you navigate the city with greater ease and avoid common frustrations. Arles is generally welcoming and safe, but a little preparation goes a long way, especially during peak travel months when temperatures rise and popular sites fill quickly. These practical tips cover everything from timing your visit to choosing the right footwear.
First, plan your visit around market days if you enjoy local food culture. The Saturday market is one of the largest in Provence and stretches along the Boulevard des Lices, offering regional cheeses, olives, tapenades, spices, and textiles. Arrive early, ideally before 9:00 AM, to browse comfortably before the crowds and midday heat. Smaller markets also take place on Wednesday mornings, providing a quieter alternative with many of the same vendors.
Second, wear sturdy, comfortable shoes with good grip. Many of Arles’ most atmospheric streets are paved with smooth stones that become slippery after rain. You will also cover more ground than expected, as the city’s charm often pulls you down one more alley or up one more set of stairs. Leave fashion-first footwear at the hotel and prioritize support.
Third, consider purchasing a combined monument pass if you plan to visit multiple Roman sites. The Arles monuments pass includes entry to the arena, the Roman theater, the Alyscamps, and the cryptoporticus, among others. It offers meaningful savings compared to buying individual tickets and often allows you to skip the main ticket line at each location.
Fourth, time your visit to the arena and theater for early morning or late afternoon. These open-air sites have limited shade, and the stone retains heat, making midday visits uncomfortable in July and August. Early hours also mean fewer tour groups, better photo opportunities, and a more peaceful atmosphere.
Fifth, do not skip the smaller museums and foundations simply because they are less famous. The Musée Réattu and the Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles often host rotating exhibitions that provide depth and context you will not find at the larger monuments. Check their schedules before your visit, as some close between exhibitions or observe seasonal hours.
Finally, embrace the local rhythm of the day. Many shops and smaller restaurants close for a few hours in the afternoon, reopening around 7:00 PM for dinner service. Rather than fighting this schedule, adopt it. Use the midday pause to rest, explore shaded squares, or enjoy a long lunch. Traveling in step with local customs makes the experience far more relaxing.
Arles has a way of staying with you long after you leave. It is not a city of grand boulevards or polished perfection, but one of texture, contrast, and lived history. A morning spent inside the Roman arena, an afternoon tracing Van Gogh’s viewpoints, and an evening meal of local rice and olives create a rhythm that feels distinctly Provençal.
Whether you come for the monuments, the art, or simply the pleasure of sitting in a quiet square, Arles rewards those who slow down and pay attention. Take the time to look up at carved stone facades, to pause in shaded cloisters, and to let the light guide your wanderings. That is when the city truly opens itself to you.
