Église Sainte-Anne d'Arles

Church in Arles

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Guiguilacagouille

Tucked away in the northwest corner of Arles' Place de la République, the Sainte-Anne Church — once known as Notre-Dame-la-Principale — bridges centuries of spiritual devotion and cultural transformation. Once the city's principal Roman Catholic parish, it has evolved from a sacred space into a contemporary venue for art and exhibitions, all while preserving its historic elegance. Its weathered stone façade and quiet grace provide a moment of stillness amid the lively square, making it one of the top attractions in Arles for those drawn to places where art and history converge.

The church's simplicity and enduring charm make it a highlight of any walking tour of Arles, especially for visitors exploring the cluster of remarkable sites surrounding the square — from the Arles Obelisk to the Church of Saint-Trophime. Step inside today, and you'll find not pews but a space that continues to serve the city's creative spirit, just as it once nourished its faith.

History and Significance of Sainte-Anne Church
Things to See and Do in Sainte-Anne Church
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Sainte-Anne Church
Is Sainte-Anne Church Worth Visiting?
Nearby Attractions to Sainte-Anne Church

History and Significance of Sainte-Anne Church

Sainte-Anne Church traces its roots back to 1175, when it was first constructed as Notre-Dame-la-Principale — the earliest parish church in Arles' city center. It was a place of worship for the city's wealthiest families, alongside Saint-Julien Church. By the early 17th century, however, the structure had fallen into ruin, prompting Archbishop Gaspard du Laurens to order its reconstruction in 1613. Completed around 1630 and consecrated on Saint Anne's Day in 1628, the church was rededicated in her honor.

Sainte-Anne became known for housing relics of Saint Anne, displayed in a silver-gilt bust, and was managed by the Oratorians until the Revolution. Following the upheavals of 1789, the church was deconsecrated and later repurposed by Napoleon’s decree in 1805 as a lapidary museum devoted to pagan art — a role it fulfilled until 1996. The transformation reflected both Arles’ reverence for antiquity and its evolving identity as a city where history continually reinvents itself.

Designated a historic monument in 1875, Sainte-Anne today serves as an exhibition space managed by the city, blending Gothic architecture with modern cultural expression. Its ability to adapt and endure across eras mirrors the resilience of Arles itself.

Things to See and Do in Sainte-Anne Church

Visitors to Sainte-Anne Church are greeted by a striking Gothic structure defined by its single nave flanked by tall side chapels and a five-bay interior illuminated by soft natural light. The nave leads to a narrower choir ending in a pentagonal apse adorned with the coat of arms of Archbishop du Laurens. Though the church lacks a transept or original furnishings, its architectural proportions and serene atmosphere remain impressive.

The eastern façade facing Saint-Trophime features understated elegance, with a triangular pediment and remnants of two coats of arms — once bearing royal and civic emblems defaced during the Revolution. When it served as a museum, a bust of Minerva replaced a Virgin statue above the portal, symbolizing its shift from sacred to civic use. Inside, visitors can now explore rotating art exhibitions and cultural events that celebrate both Arles' heritage and contemporary creativity. This spot is one of the best places to see in Arles for those who appreciate architecture repurposed with new life and meaning.

How to Get There

Sainte-Anne Church is centrally located in Place de la République, just steps from the Town Hall and Saint-Trophime Church. It's an easy walk from Arles railway station — about 10 minutes along Rue de la République. For those arriving by car, convenient parking can be found at Parking du Centre or Parking des Lices, both within a short stroll of the square. The church’s entrance is clearly marked and accessible from the plaza.

Practical Tips on Visiting Sainte-Anne Church

Best time to visit Sainte-Anne Church: Morning or early evening for a peaceful visit and soft light filtering through the windows.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free, though exhibitions may occasionally charge a small fee.
Opening hours: Typically aligned with exhibition schedules; check locally before visiting.
Official website: www.arlestourisme.com
How long to spend: 20–40 minutes, depending on current exhibitions.
Accessibility: Flat, step-free entry from the square; suitable for all visitors.
Facilities: Nearby cafés, restrooms available within the square area.
Photography tip: Capture the interplay of light and shadow on the nave and the contrast between Gothic stone and modern art displays.
Guided tours: Often included in cultural or walking-tours of Arles' Place de la République.
Nearby food options: Cafés and restaurants surrounding the square offer ideal spots for a relaxed meal or coffee.

Is Sainte-Anne Church Worth Visiting?

Yes. Sainte-Anne Church is one of the things to do in Arles that captures the city's unique ability to merge its sacred past with its creative present. Its transformation from a 17th-century parish into a dynamic cultural space is a testament to Arles' spirit of renewal. Whether you're exploring the square's Roman and medieval landmarks or enjoying a local exhibition inside, Sainte-Anne offers a quiet yet powerful experience of Arles' living history.

Nearby Attractions to Sainte-Anne Church

Arles Obelisk – A 4th-century Roman monument at the center of Place de la République.
Saint-Trophime Church and Cloister – A Romanesque masterpiece famed for its sculptural detail.
Réattu Museum – Showcasing art from Jacques Réattu to Picasso along the Rhône.
Arles Amphitheatre – A magnificent Roman arena still hosting events today.
Musée Départemental Arles Antique – A modern museum preserving Arles' ancient treasures.

The Église Sainte-Anne d'Arles appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Arles!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!