Is Arles worth a visit? If you’re planning a trip to Provence and still haven’t decided on your itinerary, this thousand-year-old city on the banks of the Rhône is well worth a visit. We were won over by this concentration of Roman history, contemporary art and authentic Provencal culture.
In this article, we share 12 reasons to visit this fascinating city.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Arles worth a visit?
Arles is well worth a visit. We loved this city, which combines exceptional UNESCO-listed Roman remains, a remarkable artistic heritage and an international photography scene. Its authentic Provencal atmosphere won us over, far from the tourist hustle and bustle of other destinations in the region. You’ll also appreciate its proximity to the Camargue and its strategic position for exploring Provence.
We list the reasons in more detail below. You can also take a look at our selection of the city’s top attractions.
WHERE TO STAY IN Provence
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur
- Where to stay in Provence (coming soon)
Or, if you’ve chosen your destination, our selection of the best hotels in:
- Nice
- Aix-en-Provence
- Marseille (coming soon)
- Avignon (coming soon)
- Arles (coming soon)
- Cannes
- Saint-Tropez
- Antibes
- Menton
- Monaco
Reason 1 – For its UNESCO-listed Roman monuments
The Roman monuments of Arles constitute one of the best-preserved ancient complexes in France. We began our visit with the Arènes d’Arles, a 1st-century amphitheatre with a capacity for 20,000 spectators. This impressive monument still hosts shows and bullfights. The Théâtre Antique d’Arles, built under Augustus, features two monumental columns that we’ve just admired.
We recommend descending into the Cryptoportiques d’Arles, the horseshoe-shaped underground galleries that supported the Roman forum. The Baths of Constantine bear witness to the refinement of Roman life, with their ingenious heating systems. Last but not least, the Alyscamps necropolis offers a unique walk along its sarcophagus-lined alleys. This World Heritage site alone is worth the trip.
Reason 2 – To follow in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh
Arles remains inseparable from Vincent van Gogh, who stayed there from 1888 to 1889. During this prolific period, the Dutch painter produced over 300 works inspired by the light and landscapes of Arles. We visited the Van Gogh Foundation, which presents temporary exhibitions featuring a dialogue between the master’s work and contemporary artists.
The Espace Van Gogh, the former Hôtel-Dieu where Van Gogh was treated, recreates the garden he painted in several famous canvases. You can follow Van Gogh’s route through the city, punctuated by easels reproducing his paintings in the exact locations where he created them. This immersion in the painter’s world is a unique experience.
Reason 3 – For its Rencontres internationales de la photographie
Every summer since 1970, Arles has become the world capital of photography. We were lucky enough to attend Rencontres d’Arles, a festival that transforms the city into an open-air gallery all summer long. More than 40 exhibitions take place in exceptional heritage sites such as the Ateliers SNCF, former industrial buildings converted into exhibition spaces.
You’ll discover the work of established photographers and emerging talents in a stimulating atmosphere. If you’re shying away from the crowds, it’s best to avoid opening week, but keep in mind that it’s during this week that you’ll have the chance to meet all the professionals and attend exciting evening screenings and debates that create a unique cultural effervescence.
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).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Reason 4 – For its contemporary art scene
Beyond Van Gogh and photography, Arles cultivates a dynamic contemporary art scene. We were impressed by the Fondation Luma, an ambitious cultural project due to open in 2021. This 11-hectare creative campus includes a spectacular 56-meter tower designed by architect Frank Gehry, clad in 11,000 stainless steel panels that reflect the light of Provence.
The Foundation hosts exhibitions, artist residencies and research projects exploring the links between art, environment and society. You’ll also appreciate the many contemporary art galleries scattered around the historic center. We strolled through artists’ studios set up in old medieval houses. This creative effervescence makes Arles a unique artistic laboratory where ancestral heritage and contemporary creation interact harmoniously.
Reason 5 – For its authentic Provencal atmosphere
Arles has managed to preserve its Provencal soul, far from standardized tourist circuits. We loved strolling through the narrow streets lined with ochre facades and colorful shutters. On Saturday mornings, the boulevard des Lices market comes alive with stalls selling local produce, olives, tapenades and Provencal fabrics. You’ll come across Arlesians in traditional costume at certain festivals.
The Roquette district was a particular favorite, with its shady squares and Provençal conversations. The terraces of the cafés invite you to observe the peaceful rhythm of local life. We recommend getting lost in these alleyways, where every corner reveals an architectural detail, a carved antique door or a babbling fountain. This preserved authenticity is a rare treasure in the south of France.
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Reason 6 – For its churches and Romanesque heritage
Arles’ religious heritage bears witness to centuries of faith and remarkable architecture. We were struck by the beauty of Saint-Trophime church, a jewel of Provencal Romanesque art built in the 12th century. Its sculpted portal is a masterpiece, with its exceptionally fine depictions of the Last Judgement. The adjoining cloister, also a UNESCO site, enchanted us with its sculpted columns and historiated capitals depicting biblical scenes.
Discover the church of Sainte-Anne, converted into a cultural space for the Rencontres d’Arles. The former Notre-Dame-de-la-Major cathedral is also worth a visit for its refined Romanesque architecture. We enjoyed the Saint-Julien church and its emblematic bell tower, visible from afar. These religious buildings are havens of coolness and serenity, ideal for contemplation in the summer heat.
Reason 7 – For its varied, high-quality museums
Arles’ museums offer an exceptional wealth of culture. We were delighted by our visit to the Musée de la Mode et du Costume (Fragonard), a sublime venue featuring a remarkable collection of clothes and accessories tracing the evolution of fashion through the centuries. The Musée Réattu, housed in a former 15th-century priory, presents high-quality collections of paintings, drawings and photographs.
The Musée départemental Arles antique, which we were unfortunately unable to visit as it was closed at the time of our visit, is a veritable showcase for the city’s archaeological collections. The Museon Arlaten, a museum of Provencal ethnography founded by Frédéric Mistral, is also well worth a visit. The Fondation Van Gogh and the Fondation Luma round out this rich cultural offering. We appreciated the diversity of the topics covered. These institutions contribute to making Arles a major cultural destination in Provence.
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Reason 8 – For the nearby Camargue
Arles is the ideal gateway to the Camargue, a wild territory unique in Europe. Just a few kilometers from the city center, we discovered the Rhone delta, where white horses, black bulls and pink flamingos thrive in a landscape of salt marshes and ponds. You can explore the Camargue Regional Nature Park on horseback, by bike or by car.
You’ll observe exceptional biodiversity in the region’s bird sanctuaries. If you like meat, you can try a gardiane de taureau, a traditional Camargue dish. This proximity to a preserved natural area adds an exceptional dimension to your stay in Arles. We recommend a visit to Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, a fortified village on the Mediterranean coast 40 km away.
Reason 9 – For the local cuisine
Arles cuisine celebrates local produce from the Camargue and Provence. We sampled tasty specialties that reflect the region’s identity. The gardiane de taureau, a stew simmered in red wine, is an emblematic dish not to be missed. You’ll taste IGP Camargue rice, grown locally and available in a wide range of recipes.
We enjoyed telline, a small shellfish collected from the beaches of the Camargue, prepared with parsley. Markets abound with olives, tapenades, Collioure anchovies and local goat’s cheese. Arles sausage, a traditional charcuterie flavored with red wine, is the perfect accompaniment to an aperitif. We recommend finishing with a calisson d’Aix or a fougasse d’Aigues-Mortes. Arles’ restaurants showcase this generous gastronomy in authentic surroundings.
Reason 10 – For the Rhône and its river tours
The Rhône has shaped Arles’ identity since ancient times. We loved walking along the landscaped quays, which offer magnificent views of the river and the city. Enjoy walks along the water’s edge, particularly pleasant at sunset when the light gilds the façades. The banks welcome fishermen, joggers and families in a peaceful atmosphere.
Take a look at the moored barges and the old harbor master’s office, which bear witness to the town’s fluvial past. This intimate relationship with the Rhône is an undeniably charming asset. River cruises allow you to discover Arles from a different angle as you navigate this majestic river.
Reason 11 – For its ideal location in Provence
Arles occupies a strategic position in Provence. We appreciated its proximity to many remarkable sites. Avignon and its Palais des Papes are 35km away, or 40min by car. The spectacular hilltop village of Les Baux-de-Provence can be reached in 30 minutes. Nîmes and its Roman arena can also be reached in 30 minutes. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where Van Gogh stayed at the asylum, is just 20 km away.
We took a trip to the Carrières de Lumières in Les Baux for their immersive projections. The beaches of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer are just 40 km away. This central location means you can organize a holiday rich in discoveries without having to change accommodation several times. You’ll optimize your time while enjoying the charm of Arles as your base camp.
Reason 12 – For a more authentic alternative to the big tourist cities
Arles offers an authentic Provencal experience far removed from the overcrowding of other destinations. Unlike tourist-saturated Aix-en-Provence or Avignon, we found a more relaxed, local atmosphere in Arles. You’ll come across more locals than organized groups in the alleyways. Prices are reasonable compared with coastal resorts.
We enjoyed being able to visit the monuments without queuing for hours, even in high season. Daily life continues as normal despite the summer influx, preserving the town’s lively character. You’ll enjoy an exceptional heritage in a setting untouched by mass tourism. This authenticity is becoming rare in the south of France, and we believe it’s a decisive argument for choosing Arles as a destination.
Some disadvantages of a trip to Arles
High heat in summer
Arles’ Mediterranean climate brings scorching summers, with temperatures regularly exceeding 35°C between July and August. We felt the sweltering heat that makes visiting a challenge at the hottest times of the day. Choose May, June, September or October for milder temperatures between 20°C and 28°C.
Attendance at Rencontres d’Arles
The Rencontres de la Photographie are a major attraction, attracting large crowds in July and August. We have found that accommodation is fully booked several months in advance during this period. You’ll notice a significant rise in hotel and restaurant rates.
Mosquitoes
The proximity of the Rhône and the Camargue wetlands encourages the presence of mosquitoes, particularly between June and September. We recommend that you bring insect repellent and long clothing for outdoor evenings. These insects can hinder walks along the river and in the surrounding marshy areas.
Little night-time entertainment out of season
Outside the summer period and the Rencontres, we found Arles relatively quiet in the evenings. You’ll find that many shops close early, especially between November and March. This tranquility will appeal to those looking for a peaceful break, but will disappoint those looking for a vibrant nightlife.
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).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
How to get to Arles
Arles is easily accessible by various means of transport:
- The Arles SNCF train station offers regular rail connections from Marseille in 50 minutes, from Avignon in 20 minutes and from Nîmes in 30 minutes. TGV trains from Paris take around 4 hours to reach Arles, with one connection.
- The nearest airport is Marseille-Provence, 70 km away (1 hour’s drive). Shuttle buses and car rentals are available from the airport.
- We highly recommend renting a car to explore the Camargue and surrounding area in complete freedom.
- The best times to visit Arles are from April to June and from September to October. You’ll enjoy a mild climate between 18°C and 25°C, and fewer tourists than in high summer.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Provence
- Inspiration
The most beautiful landscapes in 30 photos (coming soon)
What to do in Provence
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A successful trip to Provence (coming soon)
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- The must-dos
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What to do in Arles (coming soon)
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