🇫🇷 France · Places to discover

What to see in Arles?

18 places curated by Hozy - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities. Click to discover each address in detail.

Arles - Église Saint-Trophime d'Arles
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Arles holds a rare position: an intact Roman city at the heart of the Camargue, it has retained a human scale that many ancient cities have lost. The Arènes and the Ancient Theatre are not frozen museums-they still host shows, bullfights, concerts. Van Gogh painted over 300 canvases here in fifteen months, and that particular harsh, frank light of the Midi has not changed.

The best period lies between April and June, before the dry heat of July empties the streets at midday. Two days suffice for the historical centre; three if you plan to explore the Camargue marshes by bike. Don't hire a car in town-parking is a nightmare and everything is walkable. Avoid eating on the Place du Forum: the terraces there are packed and prices have doubled for no good reason.

Landmarks & heritage (10)

Saint-Trophime Church, ArlesWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Landmark

Saint-Trophime Church, Arles

Masterpiece of Provençal Romanesque art, UNESCO-listed, its 12th-century sculptured portal is among France's finest. The adjoining cloister, part Romanesque, part Gothic, exudes absolute serenity.

Musée RéattuWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Landmark

Musée Réattu

Housed in a 15th-century priory, this fine arts museum holds a major donation from Picasso—57 drawings gifted by the artist himself after the bullfights. A hidden gem on the banks of the Rhône.

Arles Roman AmphitheatreWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Landmark

Arles Roman Amphitheatre

One of the world's best-preserved Roman amphitheatres, UNESCO-listed. Still used for bullfights and performances, it offers stunning views of the entire city from its upper tiers.

AlyscampsWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Landmark

Alyscamps

A UNESCO-listed Early Christian necropolis, this avenue of Roman and medieval sarcophagi inspired Van Gogh and Gauguin. Outside peak hours, the place possesses a rare poetic melancholy.

Montmajour AbbeyWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Landmark

Montmajour Abbey

10th-century Benedictine abbey perched on a rocky outcrop amid the La Crau plain, 5 km from Arles. Van Gogh came here to draw. The Pons de l'Orme tower offers a unique panoramic view over the Alpilles and Camargue.

Cryptoportiques du ForumWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Landmark

Cryptoportiques du Forum

Roman underground galleries from the 2nd century BC dug beneath the ancient forum, accessible from the Réattu museum. A unique and cool atmosphere, away from the crowds above.

Arles Ancient TheatreWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Landmark

Arles Ancient Theatre

Built in the 1st century BC, this open-air Roman theatre still hosts summer performances. The two surviving columns nicknamed 'the Widows' are a symbol of the city.

Van Gogh SpaceWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Landmark

Van Gogh Space

Former Hôtel-Dieu where Van Gogh was admitted in 1888 after mutilating his ear, restored to match his paintings exactly. The central garden, recreated from his canvases, holds particular emotion for those familiar with his work.

Constantine BathsWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Landmark

Constantine Baths

Remains of the largest Roman baths preserved in Provence, dating from the 4th century. The vaulted halls still standing give a striking impression of imperial thermal architecture.

Arles Antiquities Departmental MuseumWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Landmark

Arles Antiquities Departmental Museum

The foremost museum for Antiquity in Provence, housing Caesar's sarcophagus and a remarkable mosaic collection. The electric-blue building designed by Henri Ciriani is itself a work of art.

Viewpoints (3)

Activities (3)

More to discover (2)

What to see in Arles - France? 18 places · Hozy