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    Arles

    France

    Arles

    CityCulture

    Arles is a city with a deep-rooted history, shaped by its Roman heritage and the artistic presence of Vincent van Gogh.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. France
    7. Provence
    9. Arles
    Arles is a city with a deep-rooted history, shaped by its Roman heritage and the artistic presence of Vincent van Gogh. Here, you can explore impressive Roman structures such as the well-preserved amphitheater Arènes d'Arles and the ancient theater, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Roman cryptoporticus and the Alyscamps burial ground also bear witness to the city's former importance. The city significantly inspired Vincent van Gogh, whose traces can be found at places like Café la Nuit or in the garden of the Hôtel-Dieu. The Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles presents his work in the context of contemporary art. For an authentic experience, a visit to the lively Saturday market is worthwhile. The best time to visit is spring or autumn, to enjoy the city with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

    Sights in Arles

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    1Jouer de l'orgue Arles

    Under the name Jouer de l'orgue, an offering centered around organ music is listed in Arles' Old Town. Organ concerts are regularly held in the city's historic churches, for instance, in Saint-Trophime. Our Tip: Inquire locally or at the tourist office about current concerts and dates.
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    Musée départemental Arles antique

    2Musée départemental Arles antique

    The Musée départemental Arles antique is the best place to understand Arles' Roman past. The collection includes mosaics, sarcophagi, sculptures, and everyday objects, most from Arles and its surroundings, showcasing the city's importance as a Roman colony.A highlight is the Roman barge Arles-Rhône 3, discovered in the Rhône in 2004 and fully recovered in 2011. It provides insight into ancient river navigation. The modern, blue-clad museum building by Henri Ciriani contrasts with the ancient exhibits. Our tip: Plan two to three hours. It's quieter right after opening or in the late afternoon.
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    St-Trophime

    3St-Trophime

    The former cathedral St-Trophime in Arles is an outstanding example of Romanesque architecture and part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. You will immediately be fascinated by the impressive main portal, which depicts scenes of the Last Judgment. Here you will see Christ in Majesty, surrounded by the symbols of the Evangelists, as well as the Apostles and the Damned – a masterpiece of 12th-century Provençal Romanesque art. Inside, a three-aisled nave awaits you, featuring a blend of Romanesque and later Gothic elements that reflect the church's architectural history.An absolute highlight is the adjoining cloister, considered one of France's most beautiful Romanesque cloisters. Its capitals and pillars are richly adorned with biblical scenes, mythical creatures, and figures of saints, forming a fascinating narrative. Here, you can trace the evolution from Romanesque to Gothic sculpture. Our tip: It's best to visit the cloister right at opening time in the morning to admire the intricate details in peace and optimal light before the crowds arrive. For the main portal, morning light offers the best illumination for photos.
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    4Manade Fernay - Mas des Jasses de la Ville - Arles Camargue

    The Manade Fernay at Mas des Jasses de la Ville, south of Arles, is a breeding farm for Camargue bulls and horses. The animals are raised for the bloodless Course camarguaise, with herds led by mounted Gardians. Some Manades offer visits with Gardian demonstrations, rides through the pastures, and meals. Practical tip: It's best to inquire about programs and dates directly with the Manade; visits are usually by prior arrangement only. Spring and autumn are more pleasant than the hot high summer.
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    5Manuel Rivera-Ortiz Foundation

    Die Manuel Rivera-Ortiz Foundation in Arles widmet sich der Förderung der Fotografie und der dokumentarischen Kunst. Gegründet vom amerikanischen Fotografen Manuel Rivera-Ortiz, etablierte sich die Stiftung als wichtiger Akteur in der kulturellen Landschaft der Stadt, die weltweit für ihre jährlichen Fotofestivals bekannt ist. Du findest hier wechselnde Ausstellungen von aufstrebenden und etablierten Fotografen, deren Arbeiten oft soziale Themen aufgreifen und einen tiefgründigen Einblick in verschiedene Kulturen und Lebensrealitäten bieten.Die Ausstellungsräume sind bewusst auf die Präsentation von Fotokunst ausgelegt und bieten eine ruhige Atmosphäre, um die Werke zu betrachten. Die Stiftung trägt maßgeblich dazu bei, Arles' Ruf als Zentrum für Fotografie zu festigen und bietet eine Plattform für kritische Auseinandersetzung mit dem Medium. Unser Tipp: Überprüfe vor deinem Besuch die aktuelle Ausstellung, da das Programm regelmäßig wechselt. Während der Rencontres d'Arles ist die Stiftung oft ein zentraler Ort für bedeutende Präsentationen; plane dann zusätzliche Zeit ein, um die Ausstellungen in Ruhe genießen zu können.
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    Amphitheater von Arles

    6Amphitheater von Arles

    The Arles Amphitheater, also known as Les Arènes d'Arles, is an impressive testament to Roman engineering and was built around 90 AD. Originally designed for gladiatorial combat and animal hunts, it accommodated over 20,000 spectators on two tiers with a total of 120 arches. You can explore the well-preserved structure, walk through its corridors, and climb to the upper tiers to imagine the ancient spectacles. From up there, you also enjoy a wide view over the rooftops of Arles. Today, the Amphitheater continues to serve as a venue for Camargue bullfights and other cultural events, thereby retaining its original function as a place of entertainment. It is a central component of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Arles' Roman and Romanesque monuments. Our Tip: Visit the Amphitheater early in the morning to avoid the largest crowds and peacefully enjoy the morning atmosphere. For an impressive perspective of the entire complex and the city, we recommend climbing to the uppermost seating rows.
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    City walks in Arles

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Arles: In the Footsteps of the Romans and Van Gogh

    Enjoy a picturesque walk through the historic town of Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover impressive Roman monuments and step into the world of Vincent van Gogh, who drew inspiration here from the unique atmosphere. A perfect mix of history, art and southern French flair.

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    Stops (7)

    Food and Drink

    L'Arlatan

    Elegante Zimmer mit kostenlosem WLAN in einem geschmackvollen Hotel mit Bar und Außenpool.
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    Restaurants du Cœur

    Restaurant in 1 Rue de l'Aqueduc Romain.
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    Du Bar à l'Huître

    Restaurant in 12 Pl. du Forum.
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    Café Restaurant Le WILSON

    Bar in 2 Bd Georges Clemenceau.
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    Food and Drink

    Arles lies between pastures and rice fields, and you can taste it: bull meat from the Camargue, red rice, salt from the salt pans, and plenty of vegetables.

    The Bull of Camargue

    The meat of the semi-wild bulls has a protected designation of origin and is dark and lean. Typical is the gardiane, a slow-braised red wine stew served with Camargue rice.

    Rice and salt from the Camargue

    In the Rhône Delta, rice has been cultivated for centuries, with red and black whole grain rice being the specialty. The fleur de sel comes from the salt pans near Aigues-Mortes.

    Market of Arles

    The market on Boulevard des Lices on Saturday morning is one of Provence's largest, spanning over two kilometers. Producers, cheese, olives, and spices dominate.

    Saucisson d'Arles

    This air-dried beef and pork sausage has been made in the city since the 17th century. Finely seasoned, it is served thinly sliced.

    Alpilles Olives and Olive Oil

    An oil of protected origin, often with noticeable pungency, hails from the northern hills. The mills near Maussane offer tastings.

    Arles: Cultural Heritage and History

    Arles boasts a history spanning over 2,500 years. Once a significant Roman colony, the city still bears witness to this past through numerous well-preserved monuments that belong to the UNESCO World Heritage.The Roman era profoundly shaped Arles, evident in the Arena, the ancient Theater, and the Cryptoporticus. These structures are outstanding examples of Roman architecture and engineering. In the Middle Ages, Arles evolved into an important religious center, its Romanesque architecture culminating in the Cathédrale Saint-Trophime with its famous portal.The 19th century brought Arles a new cultural flourishing when Vincent van Gogh experienced his most productive creative period here, producing over 300 works that capture the light and landscape of Provence. Local traditions such as those of the Gardians, the mounted herdsmen of the Camargue, and festivals like the Fête des Gardians or the Rencontres de la Photographie connect history, art, and regional life.

    Out & About Locally

    Most of Arles' historical attractions are located in the compact city center and are easily accessible on foot. Free minibuses and city bus lines run through the city, with regional buses traveling to the Camargue, for instance to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. You can easily explore the flat surroundings by bike. The train station is north of the old town; regional trains run to Avignon, Nîmes, and Marseille.

    Accommodations in Arles

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    Nearby

    Saint-Gilles

    Saint-Gilles

    Saint-Gilles is a small town on the edge of the Petite Camargue in the Gard département, about 20 kilometres south of Nîmes. It is known for its abbey church, whose Romanesque west facade from the 12th century counts among the most important sculptural works of Romanesque art in France and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela. There are also a small old town, a harbour on the Canal du Rhône à Sète and the bull and rice culture of the Camargue.
    Pont du Gard

    Pont du Gard

    The Pont du Gard is one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985. The approximately 49-meter-high bridge spans the Gardon and was part of a roughly 50-kilometer-long aqueduct system that brought spring water from Uzès to Nîmes in the 1st century AD. You can admire the three superimposed rows of arches up close and cross the river via the lower level. A museum and visitor center explain its construction and history. In the late afternoon, the light is warm and the crowds are smaller. In summer, you can swim in the Gardon below the bridge; a walk along the banks offers additional perspectives.
    Avignon

    Avignon

    Historical Avignon in Provence is inextricably linked to its time as a papal seat in the 14th century. Its imposing city walls enclose an Old Town that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will be particularly impressed by the Palais des Papes, Europe's largest Gothic palace, and the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge, known as the Pont d'Avignon. Stroll through the narrow streets and bustling squares to experience the city's authentic flair. From the Rocher des Doms rock, you can also enjoy a wide view over the city and the Rhône. For a more relaxed experience, a visit in spring or autumn is recommended to avoid the summer heat and peak tourist crowds.
    Provence

    Provence

    The Provence in southeastern France stretches from the Rhône Valley into the Pre-Alps and to the coast near Marseille. Here you'll find Roman structures, medieval hilltop villages, lavender fields on the plateaus, the Verdon Gorges, and lively cities like Marseille, Avignon, and Aix-en-Provence. Additionally, there are markets, wine, and a cuisine rich in vegetables, olive oil, and herbs.
    Gordes

    Gordes

    Gordes, a Luberon hill village, is among the "Plus Beaux Villages de France". Its stone houses rise on a rocky spur around the Renaissance castle. From the top, you overlook the valley to the Luberon mountains. Nearby are the Village des Bories and Sénanque Abbey with its lavender field.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Unsplash. Each photo carries its credit.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI