Arles, France: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Imagine walking through ancient Roman ruins and soaking up the lively Provençal culture. Picture yourself in the footsteps of a legendary artist. That dream could come true in Arles, France. This charming city in Provence invites you to dive into its rich history. At the same time, enjoy the famous food and beautiful Provençal vibe.

Arles is a top spot for those wanting to see the beauty of southern France. From the mighty Roman Amphitheater to sites that inspired Van Gogh, it's magical. But what truly makes Arles special? What hidden gems and unique experiences await those who venture to Arles?

Key Takeaways

• Arles is a captivating city in Provence, France, known for its rich history, stunning Roman ruins, and deep connections to the iconic artist Vincent Van Gogh.
• The city offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a well-preserved glimpse into the past while also enjoying the vibrant Provençal culture and cuisine.
• From the iconic Roman Amphitheater to the Van Gogh-inspired sites, Arles is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the timeless beauty and allure of southern France.
• Arles boasts a remarkable legacy dating back over 2,500 years, with a wealth of well-preserved Roman monuments that have earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• The city is also renowned for its deep connection to Van Gogh, who spent a prolific 14 months in Arles, creating over 300 paintings that immortalized the Provençal landscapes and scenes of daily life.

Introduction

In the Camargue region, Arles sits between Nîmes and Avignon. This city combines ancient history and modern Provençal charm. It has over 2,500 years of history and many well-preserved Roman monuments. Because of this, Arles is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Captivating Charm of Arles

Arles is famous for its link to Vincent Van Gogh. He lived here for 14 months and created over 300 paintings. These paintings show the beautiful landscapes and daily life in this region. The city's charm and Provençal culture have inspired many artists and travelers.

Exploring Van Gogh's Footsteps and Roman Ruins

Visiting Arles lets you follow Van Gogh's path. You can also see the amazing Roman ruins here. These ruins make your trip unforgettable. Arles is home to the Roman Amphitheater and the landscapes loved by Van Gogh. It’s a journey through both time and culture.

Arles, France: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

In Arles, there's so much to see and do. You'll find Roman monuments, Van Gogh-inspired sites, and lively local markets. Whether you're here for one day or more, you can dive into the city's charm and history. This guide will show you the best of Arles.

Begin by exploring Arles' Roman ruins. Visit the Roman Amphitheater and the Roman Theater, both well-preserved. Then, follow in Vincent Van Gogh's footsteps. See sites like L'Espace Van Gogh, a former hospital he painted. Also, visit Le Cafe Van Gogh featured in his artwork "Café Terrace at Night".

A trip to Arles must include the lively Arles Market and trying Provençal cuisine. This market is best on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Stroll the stalls for fresh produce and local items. Enjoy your finds at a local eatery for the true taste of the region.

There's more to Arles than its famous spots. Take a walk by the Rhône River to enjoy the city's views. Or, explore the Old Town's medieval streets. Here, you'll find art galleries and quaint cafes.

Looking to venture further? Arles is a perfect starting point for trips. Head to the Camargue Nature Reserve for unique nature. Or, take a Rhône River cruise for a picturesque view of Arles and its history from the water.

Maybe you're interested in Arles' Roman past, Van Gogh, or the Provençal way of life. This city is certain to enchant you. It might even make you want to come back and explore its secrets more.

Roman Ruins of Arles

Arles shows us its Roman history through well-preserved monuments. They give us a look at its past as a Roman colony. These buildings are close together and show Arles' rich history.

Roman Amphitheater

The Roman Amphitheater in Arles is a big part of its ruins. It could hold 20,000 people. Gladiators fought here and chariots raced during the Roman times.

Roman Theater

The Roman Theater from the 1st century BC is also in Arles. It could seat 10,000. It was used for shows and events thousands of years ago.

Saint-Trophime Cloister

The Saint-Trophime Cloister stands out in Arles. It's a great example of Romanesque style. The detailed sculptures take you back in time.

Baths of Constantine

The Baths of Constantine let us see into Roman life. This 4th-century bathing place was important for the community. It shows the value of public places then.

Cryptoporticus

The Cryptoporticus is an ancient underground passageway. It was used to move goods during Roman times. It's a well-kept example of Arles' engineering skills.

Van Gogh's Arles

Arles is a city famous in the art world. It is where Vincent Van Gogh spent 14 important months from 1888 to 1889. During this time, he created over 300 paintings showing Provençal life. To understand Van Gogh's time here, visitors should check out L'Espace Van Gogh. This used to be a hospital where he stayed and painted two famous works.

L'Espace Van Gogh

At L'Espace Van Gogh, you can step into the life of the artist. This former hospital is now a cultural center. It showcases his work and the influence of Arles on his art.

Le Cafe Van Gogh

Le Cafe Van Gogh is also very special. This cafe was where he painted "Café Terrace at Night." Visiting the place lets you feel the unique Provençal vibe that inspired Van Gogh's amazing art.

Fondation Vincent Van Gogh

The Fondation Vincent Van Gogh is a museum that honors the artist's life in Arles. It displays his work and new art inspired by him. This gives visitors a chance to really understand Van Gogh's unique vision.

Walking in Van Gogh's footsteps is a unique experience. It helps visitors see the beauty that drew him to capturing Provençal landscapes in his art.

Arles' Vibrant Markets and Provencal Delights

Visiting Arles means diving into its lively market scene and delicious local cuisine. Make sure to stop by the Arles Market, which is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays. You'll find fresh fruits and veggies, artisan cheeses, cured meats, olives, and more.

The Arles Market

Walking around the market, you'll feel the energy and joy of the Provence region. It's a central place for both locals and tourists. People come here to buy, talk, and enjoy the true tastes of Arles.

Provencal Cuisine

Arles is famous for its Provençal food, made with fresh, local ingredients. Don't miss trying dishes like ratatouille, bouillabaisse, and aioli. A visit to the local cafes and restaurants is a must. This is how you get a real taste of what Arles and Provence have to offer.

Scenic Strolls and Hidden Gems

Arles is known for its historical spots and excitement. But, taking a walk around the city lets you really feel its charm. Just walk by the Rhône River for beautiful scenery and a break from the city’s rush.

Walk Along the Rhone River

Walking by the river, you’ll see Arles' old buildings and lovely nature. The Rhône River is very important to Arles. A peaceful walk by it shows you a different side of the city.

Wander the Medieval Old Town

The Old Town of Arles has twisting medieval streets. You'll find hidden spots like art galleries and cafes. Exploring these places slowly lets you see what makes Arles special.

Day Trips from Arles

Arles is a great spot to start from when exploring Provence. It's close to amazing day trip spots. One standout is the Camargue Nature Reserve, just to the south. Here, you can see special plants and animals like the famous white horses, flamingos, and birds that fly here for the season. You can enjoy the area on guided tours or by hiking and biking on your own.

Camargue Nature Reserve

At the Camargue Nature Reserve, get ready to see stunning natural views. You can see the famous white horses, flamingos, and more as you walk or bike the calm paths. There are both guided tours and self-guided options. This is a chance to fully enjoy a special place that's kept safe.

Rhone River Cruises

Many people love taking a Rhône River cruise from Arles. It's a peaceful way to see the city's beauty and history from the water. You'll see lovely views of Arles and the lands of Provence. These boat trips help you see more and get closer to the area's amazing natural and historic parts.

Festivals and Events

Arles is a city proud of its deep history and rich culture. It hosts many festivals and events all year long. The most famous one is Les Rencontres d'Arles. This international photography festival attracts people from all over the globe.

Les Rencontres d'Arles

Since 1970, Les Rencontres d'Arles has shined in the photography world. This summer event is now a leading photography event. The festival offers exhibitions, workshops, and talks by well-known and new photographers. It all happens in Arles' Roman Amphitheater and the Église Saint-Trophime.

Bullfighting Traditions

Arles takes pride in its bullfighting tradition, which began in Roman times. The Feria d'Arles festival is a yearly event that celebrates this. It features corridas (bullfights) and other traditional events. Enthusiasts flock to enjoy the festivity, traditional clothing, and the thrilling bullfights.

These events offer a chance to get to know Arles' ancient customs and lively culture. They make visiting Arles a rich and unforgettable experience.

Practical Information

When you're planning your Arles visit, think about practical details. These will ensure your trip is smooth and fun. Things like moving around the city and picking the right place to stay are key to enjoy Arles.

Getting Around Arles

Arles is small and great for walking. You can see many sights just by walking. Its historic center is easy to explore. You can visit the Roman ruins, Van Gogh sites, and lovely neighborhoods without rush.

For places further away, Arles has good connections. You can use buses or trains to see more. This includes areas like the Camargue Nature Reserve and the Rhône River.

Best Time to Visit

The best times to visit Arles are in spring and fall. These seasons have mild weather and less people. But you can have a great time in Arles any time of the year.

Spring shows beautiful Provençal flowers. The fall offers a calm vibe and tasty local foods.

Where to Stay

Arles has many places to stay, fitting different budgets and tastes. You can choose from boutique hotels in the historic center to vacation rentals for a unique stay.

No matter if you want a cozy place or something more luxurious, Arles has it. This ensures you can fully enjoy Arles' incredible vibe.

Conclusion

As you say goodbye to Arles, France, you feel amazed. This captivating city blends its Roman past with a lively culture and artwork of Vincent Van Gogh. The Rhône River flows by Arles, adding to its charm.

Arles showcases its history, beautiful buildings, and welcoming people. Even if you visited for a short time, it's hard not to be drawn back. Your visit filled you with lasting memories and gratitude for southern France's beauty.

Leaving Arles, remember its enchanting spirit. Let it push you to discover more hidden treasures around the globe. In these places, the mix of history, culture, and charm will continue to amaze you.