Thermes de Constantin, Arles

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Sailko

Set against the tranquil backdrop of the Rhône, the Thermes de Constantin - or Constantine's Baths - stand as one of the must-see places in Arles for history lovers. Built in the 4th century, when Emperor Constantine established his residence in Arelate (modern-day Arles), these baths remain among the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture in France. The site reflects the grandeur of Roman daily life, where bathing was both a ritual of cleanliness and a cornerstone of social and civic culture.

Wandering through the ruins today offers a vivid sense of the ingenuity and lifestyle of the Roman elite. The soaring arches, vaulted chambers, and remnants of the heating system still exude the elegance of an empire that valued architecture as an art form. It's a highlight of any walking tour of Arles, offering an intimate connection to the ancient city's rhythm of life along the river.

History and Significance of the Thermes de Constantin

The Thermes de Constantin date from the early 4th century, a period when Arles flourished under Emperor Constantine's rule as one of the major centers of Roman Gaul. Built during a time of prosperity, the baths served as a symbol of imperial luxury and civic pride. For centuries, however, their true purpose was misunderstood - in the Middle Ages, locals believed the ruins were part of Constantine's palace, earning them the name “Palais de Trouille.”

By the 19th century, archaeological studies confirmed their identity as public baths, and they were listed as historic monuments in 1840, with adjoining Roman walls gaining protection in 1922. The restoration efforts between 1980 and 1995, led by the city of Arles, carefully stabilized and showcased the surviving structures, allowing visitors to appreciate the scale and ingenuity of Roman thermal architecture.

Today, the Thermes de Constantin stand alongside Paris' Thermes de Cluny and Charente's Thermes de Chassenon as one of France's most important remnants of Roman bathing culture - a tangible reminder of Arles' golden age as “Little Rome of the Gauls.”

Things to See and Do in the Thermes de Constantin

Exploring the site reveals the core elements of Roman bath architecture - from the caldarium (hot room) to the tepidarium (warm bath) and the laconicum (dry sauna). The highlight is the caldarium, still partially intact, featuring three bathing pools, including one semi-circular basin crowned by a domed cul-de-four vault. The apse’s three large arched windows once filtered light into the warm air, creating an atmosphere of calm and luxury.

The hypocaust heating system, visible beneath the floors, is a masterpiece of ancient engineering. Warm air circulated through raised floors supported by small brick pillars, keeping the baths at ideal temperatures. As you move through the rooms, it's easy to picture Roman citizens lounging in the steam, discussing politics, philosophy, or local gossip. This spot is one of the best places to see in Arles for those fascinated by the blend of technology and elegance that defined Roman life.

How to Get There

The Thermes de Constantin are located on Rue du Grand Prieuré, close to the banks of the Rhône and within Arles' historic center. They are an easy 10-minute walk from Arles railway station, following signs toward the river and the old town. For those driving, nearby parking options include Parking du Centre and Parking des Lices, both conveniently situated within walking distance of the site.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Thermes de Constantin

• Best time to visit the Thermes de Constantin: Late morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and quieter conditions.
• Entrance fee in Euros: Around 4.50 EUR; discounts available for combined monument passes.
• Opening hours: Typically 9:00-18:00; reduced hours in winter.
• Official website: www.arlestourisme.com
• How long to spend: 30-45 minutes to explore the ruins and interpretive displays.
• Accessibility: Ground level accessible, though some uneven terrain.
• Facilities: Restrooms and information panels on-site.
• Photography tip: Capture the apse windows in the late afternoon light to highlight their symmetry.
• Guided tours: Available through the Arles Tourist Office; included in city monument passes.
• Nearby food options: Several bistros and cafés along the Rhône and in nearby Place du Forum.

Is the Thermes de Constantin Worth Visiting?

Definitely. The Thermes de Constantin are one of the things to do in Arles that bring the city's Roman legacy vividly to life. Though smaller than the amphitheatre or theatre, these baths offer a more personal and architectural perspective on everyday Roman civilization. Standing within their vaulted chambers, you can almost feel the warmth of the ancient fires that once heated the baths.

Nearby Attractions to the Thermes de Constantin

• Arles Amphitheatre - The grand Roman arena, still used for concerts and festivals.
• Roman Theatre of Arles - Site of ancient performances and the discovery of the Venus of Arles.
• Saint-Trophime Cloister - A masterpiece of medieval stone carving and monastic serenity.
• Alyscamps - The haunting Roman necropolis lined with sarcophagi, immortalized by Van Gogh.
• Musée Départemental Arles Antique - A striking modern museum housing Arles' most important archaeological treasures.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

3.8 (1,301)

Thermae of Constantine on Rue du Grand Prieuré in Arles are substantial Roman bath ruins offering river views if you step across the road; what remains includes impressive vaulted ceilings and stone pillars that once supported the caldarium floor, and you can see alternating brick and cement construction in the walls. The site is mostly ruins and benefits from placards (though some are faded or only in French and can be hard to read in bright sun), and many visitors access it as part of a multi-site tourist pass rather than paying standalone entry.

Eileen Weed

4 weeks ago

"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 withgreat 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!..."

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Seimen Burum

a month ago

"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 inArelate (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...."

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Dominic Carpin

6 months ago

"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...."

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The Thermes de Constantin appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Arles!

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!

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