Arles, France: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2026

the amphitheatre of arles
the amphitheatre of arles

Positioned along the River Rhône in the heart of Provence, Southern France, Arles captivates with its blend of elegant 18th and 19th-century mansions and ancient Roman architecture. Arles is one of the most underrated cities in France. Its fame was significantly heightened by Vincent van Gogh, whose time in Arles left behind an array of scenes that continue to draw visitors. The city, divided by the expansive River Rhone and connected by the Pont de Triquetaille, comes alive in the summer months, bustling with tourists who fill its outdoor cafes and restaurants, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere.

Arles boasts a rich history that dates back to Roman times, including Hannibal's famed crossing of the Rhône. The city's contribution to the arts is notable, with celebrated personalities like Frédéric Mistral and Christian Lacroix calling it home, alongside its connection to the Gypsy Kings, whose ancestors sought refuge here from Spain's Civil War.

Today, with its 50,000 residents, Arles serves as an entry point to the Camargue region, known for its distinct wildlife such as pink flamingos, white horses, and black bulls. Beyond its historical and artistic legacy, Arles remains a dynamic city that melds historical depth with cultural richness and scenic beauty, offering a compelling reason for it to be on every traveller's itinerary.

Visiting the Sites of Arles

A day is sufficient to wander around Arles, but if you're planning to explore some of the museums and ancient Roman sites, you'll want to allocate at least a couple of days. Arles serves as an excellent hub for venturing into the nearby areas. For those preferring a structured exploration, we have written a Historic Self Guided Walking Tour of Arles, and a Arles Van Gogh Self Guided Walking Tour. If you would like a guided walking tour option then I recommend this 2-Hour Private Walking Tour.

Traveling Further Afield

For those willing to extend their walk, the Nécropole des Alyscamps and Musée Départemental Arles Antique and are notable sights a bit further from the city centre. Additionally, the Montmajour Abbey, just a 10-minute bus ride from Arles, offers a rich experience with plenty to see and do. For a more adventurous outing, the Camargue Museum is a 25-minute bus journey from Arles, or you can embark on a Half-Day 4×4 Camargue Safari. This experience, departing from Arles, takes you in an open-air vehicle through the Camargue to observe flamingos, wild horses, bulls, and diverse birdlife!

History of Arles

Arles in Antiquity and Roman Times

Arles was originally a Ligurian settlement before being colonised by the Greeks and later becoming a thriving Roman city known as Arelate. In 46 BCE, Julius Caesar rewarded Arles for supporting him in his civil war against Pompey by developing it into a colony for veterans. The city flourished under Roman rule and became a major port and administrative centre. Monumental architecture from this era—including the amphitheatre, theatre, baths, and aqueducts—established Arles as a key urban hub in the western Roman Empire.

Arles in the Early Middle Ages

With the decline of Roman authority, Arles transitioned into a powerful Christian centre. It became the seat of an archbishopric and hosted several important church councils. During the Merovingian and Carolingian periods, Arles was repeatedly contested but maintained its regional importance due to its strategic location and religious prestige. It became part of the Kingdom of Burgundy and later the Holy Roman Empire. Despite invasions and turmoil, the city preserved many of its Roman and early Christian structures.

Arles in the High Middle Ages

In the 11th and 12th centuries, Arles regained political and commercial significance. It was governed by powerful local counts and later became a free commune with a degree of self-rule. Trade flourished due to its position on the Rhône River, and the city saw a revival of religious construction, including Romanesque churches like Saint-Trophime, whose cloister and sculpture work are renowned. Arles was also a key stop on pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela.

Arles in the Renaissance and Early Modern Period

As power consolidated under the French crown, Arles experienced periods of decline and stagnation. The Rhône’s changing course and the silting of its port reduced the city’s commercial clout. Nonetheless, the religious and civic architecture remained central to local life. Though it did not undergo the same scale of Renaissance transformation as some other cities, Arles preserved its historical core, which retained a medieval character.

Arles in the 19th and 20th Centuries

The 19th century brought a cultural revival, most famously through the presence of Vincent van Gogh, who painted some of his most iconic works in and around Arles between 1888 and 1889. The arrival of the railway and a renewed interest in the city’s Roman heritage spurred preservation efforts. Arles remained a modest but culturally rich city, gradually attracting visitors drawn by its architecture, art, and Provençal setting. In the 20th century, archaeological excavations uncovered more Roman remains, and major conservation projects helped protect the city’s historical legacy.

Arles in the Contemporary Era

Today, Arles is known for its blend of ancient heritage and contemporary creativity. Its Roman monuments are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the city has embraced its artistic identity through festivals such as Les Rencontres d’Arles photography festival. With ongoing development of cultural venues like the LUMA Arles campus, the city continues to balance its historic character with a dynamic role in modern art and regional tourism.

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

Visiting Arles for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Arles on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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16 Best places to See in Arles

This complete guide to Arles not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Arles and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

1. Town Hall and Cryptoportics of Arles

Arles Cryptoportiques
Arles Cryptoportiques
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Bjs
On Place de la République in Arles, the Town Hall and the Roman Cryptoportics stack two eras in one stop: a 1676 Baroque civic building above and a subterranean Roman complex below. Inside the Town Hall, visitors notice the precise stone vaulting built without timber and the grand staircase flanked by sculpted lions, plus a replica of the Venus of Arles that nods to the city’s classical roots. Beneath the square, the Cryptoportics—U-shaped galleries begun around 46 BC—feel cool, dim, and echoing, with long corridors of Roman masonry that once supported the forum. Travelers often describe the descent as slightly eerie and a welcome break from the heat.
Visiting Town Hall and Cryptoportics of Arles

We recommend to rent a car in France through Discover Cars, they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies. Book your rental car here.

2. Église Saint Trophime d'Arles

1280px Arles Eglise Saint Trophime
1280px Arles Eglise Saint Trophime
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wolfgang Staudt
Église Saint-Trophime d’Arles is a former cathedral in Arles, France, built from the 12th to 15th centuries and now part of the city’s UNESCO-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments. Visitors linger at the monumental west façade, where a dense Romanesque Last Judgement portal shows Christ in Majesty ringed by apostles, angels, and the saved and damned in sharply cut stone. Inside, the sturdy Romanesque nave gives way to a later Gothic choir, a clear shift in height and light. The adjoining cloister is often the most memorable stop: 12th-century carved capitals meet 14th-century Gothic vaulting, turning biblical scenes and local saints into a quiet, walkable gallery.
Location: Eglise Saint-Trophime, Place de la République, Arles, France | Hours: Typically open daily; hours vary seasonally. | Price: Free entry to the church; a small fee for the cloister (usually around €3–€5). | Distance: 0km
Visiting Église Saint Trophime d'Arles

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Arles. Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

3. Église Sainte-Anne d'Arles

1024px Eglise Sainte Anne dArles
1024px Eglise Sainte Anne dArles
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Guiguilacagouille
Set on Place de la République, Église Sainte-Anne is a former parish church whose spare Gothic shell now functions as a city-run exhibition space. First built in 1175 as Notre-Dame-la-Principale and rebuilt from 1613 to about 1630 under Archbishop Gaspard du Laurens, it was later deconsecrated after the Revolution and even served as a lapidary museum from 1805 to 1996. Inside, visitors notice a single, lofty nave with tall side chapels and soft daylight leading to a pentagonal apse marked with du Laurens’ coat of arms. The restrained façade and calm interior make contemporary shows feel especially atmospheric—many travelers mention the excellent exhibitions.
Location: Église Sainte-Anne d'Arles, Place de la République, Arles, France | Distance: 0km
Visiting Église Sainte-Anne d'Arles

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4. Arles Obelisk

Obelisque dArles
Obelisque dArles
Rising from the center of Place de la République, the Arles Obelisk is a 20‑meter granite Roman monument originally erected in the 4th century on the spina of the city’s circus under Constantine II. Unusually, it bears no inscription—just a clean, commanding shaft that reads differently as the light warms its polished stone. After centuries toppled and forgotten, it was rediscovered and re-erected in 1676 on a base designed by architect Jacques Peytret. A 19th‑century fountain by Antoine Laurent Dantan adds bronze figures and moving water at its foot, while the square’s civic buildings frame the scene. Visitors remember the open public plaza atmosphere—sometimes even weddings unfolding nearby.
Location: Obélisque d'Arles, Place de la République, Arles, France | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0km
Visiting Arles Obelisk

Explore Arles at your own pace with our self-guided walking tour! Follow our curated route to discover must-see sights and local secrets that makes Arles one of the best places to visit in France.

5. Place de la République

Arles Place de la Republique
Arles Place de la Republique
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wolfgang Staudt
Place de la République is the old-town civic square, anchored by a slender 4th-century Roman obelisk that once stood in the ancient circus and was set here again in 1676. The stone needle rises from a 19th-century fountain with bronze figures, a detail many visitors remember when the water catches the light. Around the edges, the orderly 17th-century Town Hall and the Romanesque bulk of Saint-Trophime frame the space with a mix of classical and medieval textures. It feels like the city’s living center—people linger on benches, drift between café terraces and boutiques, and pause for photos of the obelisk against warm sandstone facades.
Location: Place de la République, Arles, France | Hours: 24 hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0km
Visiting Place de la République

Explore Arles at your own pace with our self-guided walking tour! Follow our curated route to discover must-see sights and local secrets that makes Arles one of the best places to visit in France.

6. Place du Forum

Arles PlaceDuForum
Arles PlaceDuForum
Public Domain / AlanFord
Place du Forum is a small, café-lined square in the old town of Arles, set over the footprint of the ancient Roman forum where civic life once played out. Today it’s remembered as much for atmosphere as archaeology: cobblestones, tight surrounding streets, and terraces that stay lively into the evening. The best-known corner is Café Van Gogh, repainted in warm yellows to echo the scene Vincent van Gogh captured in 1888 in “Café Terrace at Night,” with a plaque marking the painting spot. Come at twilight when lamplight pools across the square and the painting’s mood feels close at hand. Travelers rate it well (4/5 from a small sample), largely for the setting.
Location: Place du Forum, Arles, France | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.1km
Visiting Place du Forum

7. Saint-Trophime Cloister

Cloister view Saint Trophime cathedralArles
Cloister view Saint Trophime cathedralArles
CC BY-SA 4.0 / John Samuel
Tucked behind Saint-Trophime Church in Arles, the Saint-Trophime Cloister is a medieval monastic courtyard built in stages from the 12th to 14th centuries, where Romanesque solidity meets later Gothic lightness. It’s unusually reached by a staircase and connects to the cathedral choir rather than the nave, which heightens the sense of seclusion once central to monastic life. In the north and east galleries, look for deeply carved saints and apostles and capitals that read like stone storyboards, with small, striking figures tucked beneath architectural details. The south and west galleries shift to rib vaults and more open arcades, changing how sunlight and shadow move across the carvings. Visitors often remark on the quiet, contemplative atmosphere and the remarkably well-preserved sculpture.
Location: Cloître Saint-Trophime, Rue du Cloître, Arles, France | Hours: From 01/03 to 30/04, daily between 9 am and 6 pm. From 01/05 to 30/09, daily between 9 am and 7 pm. From 01/10 to 31/10, daily between 9 am and 6 pm. From 02/11 to 01/03, daily between 10.30 am and 4.30 pm. Closed exceptionally on May 1st., January 1st and December 25th. Last entry 16h. | Price: Full price: 6 € Reduced price: 5 €. | Distance: 0.1km
Visiting Saint-Trophime Cloister

8. Fondation Vincent Van Gogh

Arles Fond Van Gogh
Arles Fond Van Gogh
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Rolf Süssbrich
Fondation Vincent Van Gogh is a contemporary art foundation that keeps Van Gogh’s legacy in active conversation with living artists. The galleries rotate through temporary exhibitions, and each year at least one authentic Van Gogh painting is shown alongside international modern and contemporary works that respond to his intensity of color and emotion. Visitors tend to remember the calm, thoughtfully designed layout and the way the building frames light and shadow across the rooms. Reviews often note that only one or two Van Goghs may be on view at a time, but that the surrounding shows—such as past presentations of Sigmar Polke—carry the experience. Expect a focused visit that feels more like a cultural laboratory than a shrine.
Location: Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles, Rue du Docteur Fanton, Arles, France | Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 | Price: €10 (€12 with Musée Réattu) | Website | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Fondation Vincent Van Gogh

9. Jardin d'Ete

Buste Van Gogh Arles
Buste Van Gogh Arles
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Chabe01
Jardin d’Été is a compact public park tucked beside the remnants of the medieval fortifications, a quiet counterpoint to the surrounding stone streets. Leafy paths, shady benches, and rippling fountains make it an easy place to cool off, read, or spread out a picnic on the grass. One edge opens directly onto the ancient Roman Theatre, so you can look from cypress and pine toward weathered stage walls and seating. Families gravitate to the central playground, while others pause at the Van Gogh easel marker and memorial noted by visitors. Laid out in 1840, it still feels like a lived-in neighborhood garden rather than a formal monument.
Location: Jardin d'été, Boulevard des Lices, Arles, France | Hours: April 1st to September 30th, 07:00 - 20:30 October 1st to March 31st, 07:00 - 18:30. | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Jardin d'Ete

10. Roman Theatre in Arles

Roman theater in Arles
Roman theater in Arles
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Bokeby
The Roman Theatre in Arles, France is a 1st-century BC performance venue built under Augustus, one of the earliest stone theatres in Roman Gaul and a marker of Arelate’s status as a Roman colony. Today you move through a partial ruin—curving seating tiers, the orchestra area, and fragments of the stage—where the scale still reads clearly. Two surviving Corinthian columns, nicknamed “the twins,” stand above the site and are the image most visitors remember. The theatre’s later life is written into its gaps: it was quarried in the Middle Ages, and excavations later uncovered the Venus of Arles, now in the Louvre. Many travelers linger after an introductory video, then wander the stones at their own pace.
Location: Roman Theatre of Arles, Rue du Cloître, Arles, France | Hours: 01/03 to 30/04: daily between 9 am and 6 pm. 01/05 to 30/09: daily between 9 am and 7 pm. 01/10 to 31/10: daily between 9 am and 6 pm. 02/11 to 01/03: daily between 10.30 am and 4.30 pm. Closed January 1st, May 1st & December 25th. | Price: Full price: 9 € Reduced price: 7 €. | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Roman Theatre in Arles

11. Musée Réattu (Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Arles)

Arles Musee Reattu
Arles Musee Reattu
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Mbzt
Housed in a 15th-century priory of the Order of Malta on the Rhône’s edge, the Musée Réattu pairs medieval stonework and quiet courtyards with sharply modern exhibitions. The collection centers on Arles painter Jacques Réattu, whose neoclassical canvases anchor the museum’s identity, then jumps forward to a compact but memorable group of late Picasso works and drawings. Visitors often notice how the building’s vaulted rooms amplify the museum’s experimental side, including sound-art installations placed among paintings. It’s an intimate, 18-room visit, with a mix of family legacy, contemporary pieces from the 20th and 21st centuries, and the atmosphere of a former religious complex repurposed for art.
Location: Musée Réattu, Rue du Grand Prieuré, Arles, France | Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 02 November - 28 Februar : 10am to 5pm 1st March - 31 October: 10am to 6pm Closed on Monday. Closed on 1st January, 1st May, 1st November and 25 December | Price: Full: 6€ - Reduced*: 4€ (Combined ticket Réattu museum + Vincent van Gogh Foundation: 12 €) | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Musée Réattu (Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Arles)

12. Thermes de Constantin

Thermes de Constantin
Thermes de Constantin
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Sailko
Thermes de Constantin are the remains of a 4th-century Roman public bath complex built when Emperor Constantine made Arelate a seat of power. The most memorable space is the partially standing caldarium, where lofty vaults frame an apse with three tall arched windows and traces of multiple bathing pools, including a semi-circular basin under a cul-de-four dome. Look for the exposed hypocaust: small brick pillars that once held up raised floors while hot air circulated beneath. The site is compact and mostly ruin, but the scale of the ceilings and the river-edge setting make it easy to imagine steam, light, and conversation in an imperial-era bathhouse.
Location: Thermes de Constantin, Rue du Grand Prieuré, Arles, France | Hours: 01/03 to 30/04: daily between 9 am and 6 pm. 01/05 to 30/09, daily between 9 am and 7 pm. 01/10 to 31/10, daily between 9 am and 6 pm. Closed exceptionally on May 1st, January 1st and December 25th. | Price: Adults €5 Children €2.5 | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Thermes de Constantin

13. Arles Arena

Arles Amphitheatre
Arles Amphitheatre
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wolfgang Staudt
Arles Arena (Amphithéâtre d’Arles) is a vast Roman amphitheater in the center of Arles, built around 80–90 AD under Emperor Domitian and modeled on Rome’s Colosseum. Its two-tier ring of arches and maze of tunnels once managed crowds of roughly 20,000–25,000 spectators for gladiatorial contests and animal hunts. Climb through the passages to the upper tiers for sweeping views over Arles’ rooftops, then look down into the elliptical arena where modern events still take place. In the Middle Ages it was repurposed into a fortified village with hundreds of homes and chapels inside, a detour that helped the structure survive. Visitors often remember its sheer scale and the surprising ease of reaching the top.
Location: Arles Amphitheatre 1 Rdpt des Arènes 13200 Arles France | Hours: From 02-11 to 28-02 : 10am - 5pm // From 01-03 to 30-04 : 9am - 6pm.// from 02-05 to 30-09 : 9am - 7pm // From 01-10 to 31-10 : 9am - 6pm. | Price: Adult: €9/€11 | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Arles Arena

14. Alyscamps

Necropole des Alyscamps
Necropole des Alyscamps
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Hawobo
Just beyond the old walls, the Alyscamps is a Roman necropolis begun in the 1st century AD, laid out like a processional avenue of cypress shade and weathered sarcophagi. The long, straight path follows the line of the Via Aurelia, where burials once had to sit outside the city limits, and the stone coffins still read like a corridor of names and symbols meant to be seen by passersby. Later, Christian devotion turned it into prized ground linked to saints such as Trophimus and Genesius, and the pilgrimage traffic left a lingering sense of ritual. At the far end stands the 12th-century Church of Saint Honoratus, small and hushed. Many visitors come for Van Gogh and Gauguin’s 1888 paintings, but remember the quiet more than the art lore.
Location: Alyscamps, Avenue des Alyscamps, Arles, France | Hours: 01/03 to 30/04: daily between 9 am and 6 pm. 01/05 to 30/09: daily between 9 am and 7 pm. 01/10 to 31/10: daily between 9 am and 6 pm. 02/11 to 01/03: daily between 10.30 am and 4.30 pm. Closed January 1st, May 1st & December 25th. | Price: €5 | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Alyscamps

15. Musée Départemental Arles Antique

Musee Departemental Arles Antique
Musee Departemental Arles Antique
CC BY-SA 4.0 / L.Brighton
Musée Départemental Arles Antique in Arles, nicknamed the “Blue Museum,” is a modern archaeology museum built on the site of the city’s Roman circus, designed in 1995 by Henri Ciriani as a sharp triangular building around a bright central patio. It matters because it gathers the material life of ancient Arelate—statues, mosaics, altars, and early Christian sarcophagi—into a clear narrative across seven sections. Visitors linger over the marble Augustus, the Venus of Arles from the Roman theatre, and a bust often linked to Julius Caesar. In the 2012 extension, the Arles-Rhône 3 cargo barge is displayed as if still afloat, with tools and goods that make the Rhône trade route feel tangible.
Location: Museum of ancient Arles and Provence Presqu'île du Cirque Romain 13200 Arles France | Hours: Daily from 10 :00 to 18 :00 except Tuesday Closed : 1 January, 1 May, 1 November and 25 December | Price: Regular : 8 € Reduced : 5 € | Distance: 1km
Visiting Musée Départemental Arles Antique

16. Montmajour Abbey

Abbaye de Montmajour Arles
Abbaye de Montmajour Arles
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Airair
Montmajour Abbey is a vast Benedictine monastic complex on a rocky rise about 5 km north of Arles, once surrounded by marshes like an island. Founded in 948, it layers rock-cut beginnings—an early hermitage and the Chapel of St. Peter—with later Romanesque refinement, including the 12th-century Chapel of the Holy Cross built on a precise cross plan. The medieval cloister centers on a cistern and is carved with foliage and animal motifs that reward slow looking. Climb the fortified Tower of Abbot Pons de l’Orme, with its battlements, for wide views over the Camargue plains and Arles. Visitors often remember the hush of stone corridors, the echoing church spaces, and the calm, wind-swept atmosphere.
Location: Abbaye de Montmajour, Route de Fontvieille, Arles, France | Hours: April 1 to May 31: 10h - 17h June 1 to September 30: 10h - 18h15 October 1 to March 31: 10am - 5pm Closed Mondays, January 1, May 1, November 11 and December 25. | Price: €7 | Website | Distance: 4.4km
Visiting Montmajour Abbey

Best Day Trips from Arles

A day trip from Arles offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Arles provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

1. Barbegal Aqueduct and Mills

Barbegal aqueduct
Barbegal aqueduct
CC BY-SA 2.0 / maarjaara
Hidden among the rolling limestone hills near Fontvieille, just outside Arles, lies one of the most extraordinary feats of Roman ingenuity — the Barbegal Aqueduct and Mills. Often described as “the greatest known concentration of mechanical power in the ancient world,” this complex of 16 cascading water wheels once produced enough flour to feed an entire Roman city. Visiting the…
Location: Barbegal aqueduct and mill, Fontvieille, France | Price: Free | Distance: 8.1km
Visiting Barbegal Aqueduct and Mills

2. Baux-de-Provence

Les Baux de Provence
Les Baux de Provence
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Kent Wang
Perched high on a rocky outcrop in the Alpilles, Les Baux-de-Provence is a compact, pedestrianised village of pale stone streets, viewpoints, and medieval character that feels made for wandering. The approach road alone is part of the experience, with the landscape opening into wide Provençal views before you park below and walk up through the Porte Mage gate. Once you’re…
| Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Entrance fee: Free to explore the village; tickets required for attractions such as the Château des Baux-de-Provence and Carrières de Lumières. | Website | Distance: 15.4km
Visiting Baux-de-Provence

3. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

france St Remy de Provence
france St Remy de Provence
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is a picturesque town in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southern France, beloved for its sun-drenched charm, winding stone streets, and atmospheric markets. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards at the foot of the Alpilles mountains, it's an ideal destination for those looking to experience the slower rhythms and sensory pleasures of Provençal life. Weekly markets fill the town…
Visiting Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
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4. Nimes

Nimes France
Nimes France
Nîmes, in the Occitanie region, is a city where Roman grandeur meets southern French charm. Its sun-drenched streets, leafy boulevards, and relaxed pace make it a pleasant place to explore on foot. The architecture is striking, blending ancient stone with classical French facades, and there's a strong local culture centered around food, markets, and outdoor living. The city is also…
Visiting Nimes
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5. Avignon

avignon
avignon
Avignon is one of those places that instantly makes you slow down and look around. The stone streets, shaded squares, and dramatic medieval architecture feel like something out of a film set. Walking through the old town is a joy in itself—cafés spill into plazas, musicians play under centuries-old archways, and the golden light bouncing off the Rhône makes everything…
Visiting Avignon
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6. Cavaillon

Cavaillon
Cavaillon
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Julien Pelissier
Visiting Cavaillon offers a delightful mix of small-town charm and access to the beautiful landscapes of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The town is known for its stunning surroundings, including the nearby Luberon mountains and vast fields of fruit orchards, particularly its famous melons. With its warm Mediterranean climate, Cavaillon is an excellent spot for those who enjoy outdoor activities like…
Visiting Cavaillon
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7. Uzes

Uzes France
Uzes France
Uzès is a charming town in the Occitanie region, known for its beautiful medieval architecture, lively markets, and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can explore the picturesque streets, lined with boutiques, cafés, and art galleries, all while soaking in the town’s relaxed, small-town feel. The town's central square, Place aux Herbes, hosts a popular market where you can sample local produce and…
Visiting Uzes
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8. Montpellier

Montpellier France
Montpellier France
Montpellier, located in the Occitanie region of southern France, is a vibrant and youthful city with a unique blend of old-world charm and modern energy. Its sunny Mediterranean climate, bustling town squares, and lively street culture make it a perfect destination for both relaxation and exploration. The city feels alive with students, art, and music, giving it an effortlessly cool…
Visiting Montpellier
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9. Aix en Provence

Aix en Provence
Aix en Provence
Aix-en-Provence, commonly pronounced as "X," is a stunning town in the far south of France, easily accessible by TGV high-speed train. It takes about three hours from downtown Paris and three and a half hours from Charles de Gaulle Airport. Located just 30km north of Marseille, Aix could well have been the central hub of Provence if not overshadowed by…
Visiting Aix en Provence
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10. Marseille

visit marseille
visit marseille
Marseille, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southern France—not in Germany—is a dynamic port city known for its mix of cultures, sea views, and Mediterranean energy. It offers a completely different vibe from inland Provençal towns, with its bustling harbor, urban sprawl, and access to the sea. The Vieux-Port (Old Port) is the heart of the city, lined with…
Visiting Marseille
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11. Sete

Sete France
Sete France
Sète is a charming coastal town in southern France, known for its picturesque canals, bustling fishing port, and vibrant markets. Visitors often enjoy wandering through its lively streets, sampling fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, and exploring the local art scene in small galleries and boutiques. The town offers a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for leisurely strolls along the marina or relaxing…
Visiting Sete
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12. Béziers

beziers france
beziers france
Béziers is a charming and authentic city located in the Occitanie region of southern France, offering travelers a delightful blend of cultural heritage, bustling markets, and Mediterranean warmth. Visiting Béziers provides the perfect opportunity to stroll leisurely through its picturesque old town, exploring narrow streets filled with local boutiques, cafés, and restaurants serving traditional Languedoc cuisine. The vibrant atmosphere around…
Visiting Béziers
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Where to Stay in Arles

For a luxurious stay, consider Hôtel & Spa Jules César Arles – MGallery, a former 17th-century Carmelite convent transformed by designer Christian Lacroix into a five-star hotel featuring a spa, gourmet restaurant, and elegant rooms. Another opulent choice is L’Hôtel Particulier, set in a grand mansion with a secluded garden, pool, and refined interiors, ideal for couples seeking a romantic retreat.

Boutique hotel enthusiasts might appreciate Hôtel du Cloître, known for its vibrant design and rooftop terrace, or L'Arlatan, which boasts colorful interiors and contemporary art installations. For a unique experience, Grand Hôtel Nord-Pinus, once frequented by artists like Picasso and Hemingway, offers rooms with a blend of historical and artistic flair.

Travelers seeking comfort without extravagance can opt for Hôtel Spa Le Calendal, situated between the Roman theater and amphitheater, offering a spa and garden café. Hôtel de l'Amphithéâtre provides charming rooms in a historic building, just steps from major attractions. For those preferring modern amenities, Hotel Atrium Arles Centre offers contemporary accommodations with easy access to the city’s sites.

Budget-conscious visitors might consider Hôtel Voltaire, offering simple yet comfortable rooms in a central location. Ibis Budget Arles Palais des Congrès provides affordable accommodations with modern facilities, suitable for short stays.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Arles. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Arles Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Arles

The best time to visit Arles largely depends on your interests, particularly if you want to avoid the crowds or enjoy specific festivals.

  1. Spring (April to June): This is an ideal time to visit Arles. The weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and less rainfall, making it perfect for exploring outdoor attractions like the Roman ruins and taking part in walking tours. The countryside around Arles is also beautiful in spring, especially when the wildflowers are in bloom.
  2. Summer (July and August): While this period offers the warmest weather, it’s also the busiest and hottest time of the year. If you don’t mind the crowds, summer in Arles is vibrant with events. Notably, the Rencontres d’Arles (a renowned photography festival) takes place from July to September, attracting artists and visitors from around the world. However, be prepared for high temperatures which can sometimes reach above 30°C (86°F).
  3. Autumn (September to November): Early autumn is another excellent time to visit. The weather remains warm in September but starts to cool down towards November. The city is less crowded after the summer tourists have left, and the autumn light is particularly appealing for photographers. The Feria du Riz, a significant bullfighting festival, occurs in September, offering a unique cultural experience.
  4. Winter (December to February): Winters are generally mild but can be chilly and rainy, which might not be ideal for those wanting to spend a lot of time outdoors. However, it’s a great time to enjoy Arles without the crowds, visit museums, and explore indoor attractions at a leisurely pace. Plus, hotel prices are usually lower during this season.

Each season in Arles has its charm and advantages, so the best time to visit would depend on what you’re looking to get out of your trip—whether it’s enjoying the lively festival atmosphere, exploring historical sites in comfortable weather, or avoiding the tourist crowds.

Annual Weather Overview

  • January 11°C
  • February 13°C
  • March 16°C
  • April 19°C
  • May 25°C
  • June 31°C
  • July 32°C
  • August 29°C
  • September 27°C
  • October 23°C
  • November 15°C
  • December 12°C

How to get to Arles

Getting to Arles by Air

Arles is accessible via several nearby airports:

  • Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes Airport (FNI): Approximately 20 minutes by car.
  • Marseille Provence Airport (MRS): About 50 minutes by car.
  • Avignon-Provence Airport (AVN): Approximately 50 minutes by car.
  • Montpellier Méditerranée Airport (MPL): Roughly 50 minutes by car.

From Marseille Airport, travelers can take a shuttle to Vitrolles Aéroport Marseille Provence station, then a direct TER train to Arles.

Getting to Arles by Train

Arles is well-connected by rail, with services including TGV, Intercités, and TER trains. The Gare d’Arles is situated near the city center, making it convenient for travelers.

For train schedules and bookings, visit SNCF Connect or Trainline.

Getting to Arles by Car

Arles is accessible via the A54 motorway, connecting it to cities like Nîmes and Salon-de-Provence. The drive offers scenic views of the Provence region.

If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Travelling around Arles

Arles boasts a comprehensive public transportation network:

  • Envia Bus Network: Serving Arles and surrounding areas with multiple lines.
  • Hopla! Shuttle: A free bike shuttle operating in the old center from Tuesday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The city’s compact layout also makes it ideal for exploring on foot or by bicycle.

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