Things To Do
in Arles
Arles is a compact Provençal town on the Rhône with an extraordinary concentration of Roman and medieval monuments, including a remarkably well-preserved amphitheatre. It sits on the edge of the Camargue, where salt flats, marshes and wild white horses create otherworldly landscapes that inspired Van Gogh. The town has a strong artistic and photographic scene — highlighted each summer by the Rencontres d'Arles photography festival — and a lively market culture.
Narrow cobbled streets, riverside quays and pastel facades combine with a relaxed Mediterranean pace of life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the impressive Roman Amphitheatre, known as the Arènes d'Arles. Wander through the ancient streets and admire the stunning architecture, including the beautifully preserved Roman theater. Grab a fresh croissant and coffee from a local boulangerie to fuel your exploration.
In the afternoon, visit the Fondation Vincent van Gogh, where you can appreciate the temporary exhibitions celebrating the artist's connection to Arles. Stroll through the charming streets of the historic center, stopping at local shops and cafés to soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Don’t miss the chance to see the beautiful Place du Forum, once frequented by van Gogh himself.
As the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a traditional Provençal restaurant, savoring local specialties such as ratatouille and bouillabaisse. Afterward, take a relaxing walk along the Rhône River, where the reflections of the city lights create a magical ambiance. End your night with a glass of local wine at a cozy bar, immersing yourself in the local culture.
Begin your day by embarking on the Van Gogh Trail, visiting locations that inspired some of his most famous works. Use a map highlighting the spots seen in his paintings, such as the Café Terrace at Night and the iconic Yellow House. Capture photographs at each location to create your own visual tribute to the artist.
After lunch at a café, continue your exploration by visiting the Musée de l'Arles et de la Provence Antique, where you can see ancient artifacts and more about the region's rich history. The museum's stunning collection includes Roman mosaics and the famous sarcophagi. Spend some time in the adjoining gardens, enjoying the tranquility and beauty.
For dinner, indulge in a meal at a riverside restaurant, enjoying the picturesque view of the Rhône. As the evening progresses, consider attending a local theater performance or concert, where you can experience the artistic spirit of Arles. Enjoy a nightcap at a nearby bar, reflecting on the day’s artistic journey.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (espresso) | $2.50-4.50 |
| 🍷Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $50-90 |
| 🏨Hotel (mid-range, per night) | $80-160 |
| 🚕Local taxi or short ride | $6-18 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich Roman and medieval heritage concentrated in a small, walkable town.
- Easy access to unique Camargue landscapes and wildlife.
- Strong cultural scene (museums, galleries, Rencontres d'Arles festival).
- Excellent Provençal food markets and regional wines.
- Can be crowded and pricier during summer festivals and peak season.
- Limited late-night entertainment compared with larger cities.
- Some services and shops close mid-afternoon (siesta-style hours) out of season.
- Mistral wind can disrupt outdoor plans unexpectedly.
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est la gare ?" - Where is the train station?
Places to Visit in Arles
Visit one of these nice places.
A dramatic Roman amphitheatre with strong architectural lines and atmospheric light, especially striking at sunrise or sunset and during evening events.
Ancient Roman necropolis with cypress-lined avenues and sarcophagi — evocative and moody, a classic Van Gogh subject.
Detailed Romanesque carvings and shaded arcades provide rich textures and close-up architectural compositions.
Riverside views at golden hour with reflections, local life, and the distant silhouette of the city — good for street and landscape photography.
Wide horizons, pink-hued salt pans, roaming white horses and flocks of flamingos are ideal for dramatic landscape and wildlife shots.
A reconstructed drawbridge associated with Van Gogh; a photogenic rural subject and gateway to surrounding wetlands.
Food in Arles
Arles Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-cooked Camargue bull stew in red wine, often served with rice. Find it in traditional restaurants and bistros around Arles and nearby villages.
Must-Try!
Rice from the Camargue appears in risottos, paellas and side dishes — try rice with seafood or in a saffron-flavored pilaf at local eateries.
Provençal onion-topped tart (pissaladière) and olive spread (tapenade) are common starters or snacks at bakeries and markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling covered market and outdoor stalls selling fresh produce, cheeses, charcuterie and baked goods — ideal for assembling a picnic or tasting local specialties.
Weekly markets on different days fill the squares with stalls for vegetables, flowers and Provençal goods; sample socca or take-away tartes from nearby vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Begin with a polite 'Bonjour' (or 'Bonsoir' after dark) and use formal 'Monsieur/Madame' until invited to use first names; close acquaintances use light cheek-kisses (la bise).
Show respect at religious sites and for Camargue cultural events (like bull-related traditions); ask before photographing people, especially at smaller local events.
Keep hands visible, wait to be invited to sit, and don't expect split bills in smaller restaurants — be polite and patient with slower, relaxed Provençal service.
Safety
Tipping in Arles
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is legally included (service compris) in restaurant bills, but leaving small change or rounding up for good service is appreciated; tip taxi drivers or guides a few euros for good service.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted; contactless payments are common. Carry some euros in cash for small markets, bakeries and rural vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming countryside and migrating birds in the Camargue make spring one of the best times to visit; expect occasional rain and the northwesterly mistral wind.
Hot, dry and sunny with long days and many cultural events (including the Rencontres d'Arles). Expect crowds, higher prices and the strongest mistral gusts at times.
Warm early autumn with fewer tourists, harvest activity in vineyards and pleasant hiking weather; rain becomes more likely later in the season.
Mild but cool winters with occasional cold snaps from the mistral; some attractions have reduced hours but the town is peaceful and cheaper off-season.
Arles at Night
Hiking in Arles
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Flat nature trails and birdwatching paths through marshes, dunes and saline plains — ideal for wildlife observation and easy walks.
Network of trails with limestone ridges, olive groves and panoramic views; include routes near Les Baux-de-Provence and Eygalières.
Dramatic short hikes among sculpted limestone formations and historic quarry landscapes near Les Baux-de-Provence.
Longer coastal walks offering wild beaches, dune systems and seaside birdlife; watch for exposed sun and limited shade.
Airports
How to reach Arles by plane.
Small regional airport with seasonal and limited domestic/international flights; about a 40–60 minute drive from Arles depending on traffic.
Regional airport serving some European routes; approximately 30–50 minutes by car to Arles.
Largest nearby international airport with many connections; roughly 50–90 minutes by car or shuttle to Arles, with train/bus connections via Marseille or Aix.
Another option for international flights, about 1–1.5 hours drive from Arles; convenient if combining a trip to Languedoc or western Provence.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Longstanding residents who maintain traditional trades, markets and local community life.
A significant creative community and seasonal influx of photographers and artists attracted by the landscape and cultural programs.
Domestic and international visitors who peak in summer for the Rencontres d'Arles and warm-season travel.
People working in rice production, salt harvest, viticulture and manades (Camargue cattle and horse farms).
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local non-lethal bull events and traditional bull-related culture unique to the Camargue region, often held in local arenas, including Arles.
Football is widely followed and played across Provence; local amateur clubs are active and matches are community events.
Road cycling and recreational biking are popular, with many scenic routes through plains, vineyards and coastal areas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Arles.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Provence is abundant in vegetables, legumes and cheeses; many restaurants will adapt mains or offer vegetarian salads, ratatouille and vegetable tarts — but always ask as menus can be meat- or fish-focused.
Options exist but are more limited in traditional establishments; larger cafés and newer restaurants in town increasingly offer vegan or gluten-free choices — carry a translation card for dietary needs in French to avoid confusion.