Are you planning a trip to Provence and can’t decide between two cities steeped in history: Arles or Avignon?
We love both destinations. It’s not an easy choice, so we’re here to help you decide with our reviews based on specific criteria.
Here’s our comparison of Arles and Avignon, complete with tips and photos:
- Roman and Medieval Heritage
- Contemporary Art and Museums
- Atmosphere and Historic District
- Location and Excursions
- …
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Arles or Avignon: A Comparison at a Glance
Short answer
Arles and Avignon are both located in the same region but tell two different stories.
- Arles draws on its Roman heritage: the Arena and the Ancient Theater are the best examples of this, complemented by a contemporary art scene that has become a leading force thanks to the Luma Foundation.
- Avignon, for its part, owes its fame to its history as a papal city: the Palais des Papes and the Pont Saint-Bénézet overlook a sprawling city, where one of the world’s most important theater festivals is held every summer.
- Both are on our list of the most beautiful cities in Provence.
We found Arles to be more intimate and more rooted in antiquity, while Avignon struck us as livelier and more focused on the Middle Ages and the performing arts.
Depending on what you’re looking for…
- For Roman heritage: Arles
- For medieval and papal heritage: Avignon
- for contemporary art: equality (Luma Foundation in Arles, Lambert Collection in Avignon)
- For a city center that’s easy to explore on foot: Arles
- For the atmosphere and entertainment: Avignon
- For a peaceful stay outside the summer season: a tie
- for an international festival: equality (Rencontres d’Arles photography festival, Avignon Theater Festival)
- …
- See the top-rated accommodations in Arles.
- See the top-rated accommodations in Avignon.
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Roman and Medieval Heritage: The Focus of the Comparison
The Ancient Heritage of Arles
Arles is home to one of the best-preserved Roman archaeological sites in southern France. The Amphitheaters, built around 90 AD, could seat up to 21,000 spectators and still hosts performances today.
The Ancient Theater, built during the reign of Emperor Augustus at the end of the 1st century BCE, still has two columns from the stage wall that give a sense of its former splendor.
The Cryptoporticoes—underground galleries dating from the 1st century BCE—and the Alyscamps, a necropolis that inspired Van Gogh and Gauguin, round out this site, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We were surprised by the variety of sites that were just a few minutes’ walk away.
The Basilica and Cloister of Saint-Trophime, a masterpiece of 12th-century Romanesque art, add a medieval dimension to this predominantly ancient heritage.
See the best attractions in Arles.
The Papal Heritage of Avignon
Avignon owes its prominence to the presence of the popes in the 14th century. The Palais des Papes, which served as the papal residence for nearly 70 years, remains one of the largest Gothic palaces in the world: it consists of the austere Old Palace, built under Benedict XII, and the more refined New Palace, constructed under Clement VI.
The Saint-Bénézet Bridge, better known as the Avignon Bridge, dates from the 12th century; today, only four of its original twenty-two arches remain.
Notre-Dame des Doms Cathedral, also founded in the 12th century, stands next to the palace and houses the tomb of Pope John XXII. We appreciated the cohesiveness of this monumental complex, all gathered in a single square. Reservations are recommended during peak season to avoid waiting in line at the palace entrance.
See the best attractions in Avignon.
Our review
Both cities boast an exceptional cultural heritage, though of a different nature: Arles stands out for the density of its ancient ruins, while Avignon is distinguished by the grandeur of its unique papal monument. Our winner for this criterion: Arles, for the diversity of its sites.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Remember to take outcomprehensive insurance (some roads are winding and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Contemporary Art and Museums
Museums in Arles
Arles has established itself as a hub for contemporary art thanks to the Luma Foundation, whose tower—designed by Frank Gehry—has been a landmark in the city’s skyline since 2021. The Van Gogh Foundation presents a dialogue between the painter’s work and that of contemporary artists, while the Réattu Museum houses 57 drawings by Picasso as well as a fine collection of photographs.
Every summer, the Rencontres d’Arles transforms the city into a global hub for photography, with some 50 exhibitions spread across restored historic and industrial sites. What stands out most to us is the diversity of the offerings, which appeal to both architecture enthusiasts and photography enthusiasts alike.
Museums in Avignon
In Avignon, the Lambert Collection brings together works collected by gallery owner Yvon Lambert since the 1960s, housed in two 18th-century mansions. The Angladon Museum houses the only work by Van Gogh on display in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, surrounded by paintings by Picasso, Modigliani, Degas, and Cézanne.
The Petit Palais Museum, which is free to visit, features works by Italian Primitives, including pieces by Botticelli, while the Calvet Museum, one of the oldest museums in France, is housed in a Baroque townhouse. We found the museum’s collection to be rich and varied, with a distinct appeal for lovers of old master paintings.
Our review
Equality. Arles captivates visitors with its strong ties to contemporary art and photography, while Avignon captivates them with the richness of its collections of ancient and modern paintings.
It’s time to book!
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Atmosphere and Historic District
The atmosphere in Arles
The historic center of Arles is easy to explore on foot. The Roquette neighborhood, with its medieval alleyways lined with ochre-colored facades, contrasts with the bustling Place du Forum, which follows the layout of the ancient Roman forum. The Quais du Rhône offer a pleasant stroll at the end of the day, when the light casts a warm glow on the building facades. We appreciated the city’s compact layout, which makes it possible to reach everything on foot in just a few minutes.
The atmosphere in Avignon
Avignon features a more expansive city center, centered around Rue des Teinturiers—lined with plane trees and bordered by a branch of the Sorgue River—and Place de l’Horloge, surrounded by 19th-century facades that give the whole area the look of a theater set. Les Halles d’Avignon, recognizable by their green facade, bring Place Pie to life every morning. We felt the atmosphere was more urban than in Arles, a feeling reinforced by the many outdoor dining areas. This energy reaches its peak in July, when the Avignon Festival takes over every corner of the city.
Our review
Depending on what you’re looking for: Arles for an intimate atmosphere that’s easy to explore, or Avignon for a livelier city with a more vibrant downtown.
Directions and Location for Exploring the Region
Both cities are located in the southern parts of the Vaucluse and Bouches-du-Rhône departments, less than an hour apart. Here are some travel times to help you get your bearings:
- Arles to Avignon = 40-minute drive
- Arles to Marseille = 1-hour drive
- Avignon to Marseille = 1-hour drive (35 minutes by TGV)
- Avignon to Lyon = 2-hour drive (1 hour and 5 minutes by TGV)
Avignon has two train stations, including a TGV station with direct service to Paris (2 hours and 40 minutes), while Arles is served by direct TGV trains from Paris (3 hours and 40 minutes), Lyon, and Marseille. Both cities are accessible by highway—via the A54 to Arles and the A7 to Avignon, respectively.
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Hotel Options: Arles vs. Avignon
Avignon offers a wider range of hotel accommodations, driven by increased tourist traffic and the Avignon Festival, which draws large crowds every summer. Arles has a more limited but high-quality selection of accommodations, often located in former mansions in the historic center. We recommend booking early in both cities during the summer, especially in Avignon during the July festival.
Hotels in Arles
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
- Downtown Arles, close to all the attractions
Hôtel du Forum – check photos and availability
Le Cloître Hotel – check photos and availability - Trinquenaille, on the other side of the bridge
Mireille Hotel – check photos and availability - See our selection of the best hotels in Arles
Hotels in Avignon
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
- Downtown Avignon, close to all the attractions
La Divine Comédie Hotel – check photos and availability
Cambis Hotel – Check photos and availability - Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, on the other side of the bridge
Le Prieuré Hotel – check photos and availability - See our selection of the best hotels in Avignon
Best gastronomic offer
Restaurants in Arles
In Arles, Provençal cuisine can be enjoyed at both fine-dining restaurants and more casual spots. Among our favorites:
- Chardon Restaurant: creative gourmet cuisine made with local ingredients; reservations required
- L’Épicerie Restaurant: friendly atmosphere, no reservations—it’s best to arrive early
- L’Arlatan Restaurant: featuring stunning decor
Restaurants in Avignon
Avignon showcases vegetables from the Vaucluse, goat cheeses, and wines from the Côtes du Rhône. Among our favorites:
- La Mirande Restaurant (Michelin-starred): refined cuisine that showcases local ingredients
- Acte 2 Restaurant: Creative, modern cuisine in a pleasant setting
- Coin Caché Restaurant: Hearty, Homestyle Cuisine
Our review
Equality. Both cities are known for their high-quality Provençal cuisine, with Avignon holding a slight edge in terms of the number of Michelin-starred restaurants.
Tours around the two cities
From Arles
From Arles, you can easily reach:
- The Camargue and its 4WD safaris to see white horses, black bulls, and pink flamingos. Book your safari
- The beaches of Piémanson and Beauduc, between the Camargue and the Mediterranean Sea
- The Alpilles Regional Park, with its rock formations, the charming village of Baux-de-Provence, and the Provençal charm of Saint-Rémy. Book your excursion to the Alpilles
From Avignon
From Avignon, you can easily reach:
- The Pont du Gard, 25 km away, is one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts in the world. Book your skip-the-line ticket
- The Luberon: a region full of charming villages and incredible colors, especially Gordes and Roussillon, both less than an hour away. Discover the available excursions
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 20 km away, one of France’s most renowned wine regions
- Orange and its ancient theater (30 km), Vaison-la-Romaine (50 km), and Aix-en-Provence
Our review
Avignon has a slightly wider catchment area thanks to its central location, but Arles remains the best gateway to the Camargue. Our top choice based on this criterion: Avignon.
Easy to get around these cities
Getting around Arles
The historic center is easily accessible on foot. The city also offers the Envia bus network and bike rentals for exploring the surrounding area, as well as a small tourist train during the season.
Getting around Avignon
Downtown Avignon isn’t very large and is easy to explore on foot. The ORIZO bus network serves the city and its outskirts, and a hop-on-hop-off bus offers a fun way to visit the main attractions.
Our review
Equality: Both historic centers are easy to explore on foot.
Is it possible to visit Arles and Avignon on the same trip?
The two cities are very close to each other: they’re only a 40-minute drive apart. We recommend combining them rather than choosing between them—for example, by spending one day on each. This proximity makes it an ideal base for exploring all of Provence.
And why not other cities/regions?
In Provence, there are other interesting cities to explore. You can read our comparison:
- Marseille
- Aix-en-Provence
- Nice
- …
- Or check out our list of the most beautiful towns in Provence.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE Côte d’Azur
- Inspiration
The most beautiful landscapes in 30 photos
Best things to do on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful villages
Best beaches on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful gardens
Most beautiful islands
Secret places
- Practical advice
How to Make the Most of Your Trip to the French Riviera
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
Itineraries: 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
Weekend ideas: best-of – romantic – luxury – unusual
- Where to stay
Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur
Best luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur
Hotels by the sea
Best boutique-hotels
