Top Tourist Attractions in Arles

Best Things To Do in Arles, France

Are you looking for what to do in Arles?

PLACES TO SEE

  • Musee de l’Arles et de la Provence Antique: An interesting local museum housing unique Roman artefacts that clearly showcases the history and antiquity of the city.
  • Amphitheatre (les Arenes): A beautiful amphitheatre in Arles dating back to the Roman era and preserved wonderfully. You will enjoy recreating Roman gladiator scenes in this piece of history.
  • Camargue Nature Park: Nature lovers will love this park. You will be able to see a wide variety of birds and animals including flamingos, horses and bulls. A Nice place for a pleasant evening out.
  • Eglise St-Trophime: A gorgeous, impressive 12th century church built in gothic style. There are many relics and tapestries that history buffs will find interesting.
  • Les Alyscamps: A Christian burial ground that was in use from the 4th to 12th century and ruins of a church. Walk through this ancient necropolis and witness several tombs and gravestones. Les Alyscamps is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing of the city. 

THINGS TO DO

  • Van Gogh Walk: If you love the art of Van Gogh, this is a must do when you’re in Arles. During this walk, you can witness the main sights of the city that Van Gogh has forever etched in history through his paintings. You will even see the hospital where he was treated after he cut off his ear. An interesting way to see the city! This is organised by the tourist office.
  • Boating: There are boat excursions on the river just outside of the old city walls.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Trail: A 90 minute walk again brought to you by the tourist office that will take you through all major Roman ruins of the city. On your visit to Arles, you have to do this walk. 

Below we have a list of things to do in Arles and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Arles getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Arles with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Arles

Here is the list of things to do in Arles and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Amphitheatre D'arles

    4.3 (377 Votes)
    Amphitheatre D'arles

    Entertainment, Performance, Amphitheater

    When it was built in 90AD, while Arles was a thriving Roman city, the awe-inspiring Amphitheatre d'Arles also known as the Arènes d’Arles was a place for entertainment which included chariot races, bloody hand-to-hand battles, gladiator fights and animal hunts which took place here until the end of 5th century. Today, it remains one of the earliest Roman Monuments and spreads acros...Read more

  2. Musee De L'arles Et De La Provence Antique

    4.5 (301 Votes)
    Musee De L'arles Et De La Provence Antique

    Museum

    The rich history of the small city of Arles has been remarkably recorded with great care in this famous museum. Built in 1995, the modern and lovely cobalt-blue building of the museum is a beauty in itself. It stands proudly at the edge of what used to be the Roman Chariot Racing Track. The Musee de l'Arles et de la Provence Antique is home to a number of striking Roman sculptures and a large ...Read more

  3. Theatre Antique D'arles

    4.3 (376 Votes)
    Theatre Antique D'arles

    Entertainment, Performance, Theatre

    Once, a great fortress, the Theatre Antique d’Arles or the Ancient Theatre of Arles is now a gorgeous historical site. The grand structure possesses immense power to mesmerise human minds. Built in 12 AD by Emperor Augustus, the Theatre shares a rich history and is a world heritage site. Even though the Theatre was initially many storeys high, today it is still a grand site exuding with R...Read more

  4. Camargue Nature Park

    4.5 (99 Votes)
    Camargue Nature Park

    National Park

    Situated along the shorelines of Camargue, the Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue is one of the most protected areas covering 820 sq.kms. Designated in 1970, it is located on the Mediterranean, in the Rhone delta, mainly between the two branches of the river and stretches over Arles, Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône and the town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Green, beautiful and a home to o...Read more

  5. Espace Van Gogh

    Espace Van Gogh

    Art And Culture

    With beautiful courtyards and lovely gardens blooming with flowers and bursting with colours, the Espace Van Gogh, is a gorgeous place. Formerly a hospital, it is very famous for this was where the legendary artist, Vincent Van Gogh was taken after he cut off his own ear. The building has an aura of peace and calm. The Espace Van Gogh also happens to be an inspiration for two of the artist&rsqu...Read more

  6. Cryptoportiques

    Cryptoportiques

    Museum, Architecture

    Senses get heightened and imaginations run wild while strolling down the dim, dark passages of the cryptoportiques. Even then, the wonders of ancient roman architecture do not forget to amaze and intrigue you with its brilliance and sophistication. It is still unknown to serve what purpose the cryptoportiques or the cryptoporticus of Arles were really constructed. But the sheltered, underground...Read more

  7. Les Alyscamps

    Les Alyscamps

    Cemetery

    A short distance from Arles, lies the Alyscamps and its ancient cemetery. Quiet and lovely, the Alyscamps projects the intricacies of Roman architecture in its tombs. The Alyscamps remained the main burial ground for the people of Arles for about 1500 years and continued to be even after the city was Christianised in the 4th century.  St. Trophimus, possibly the first bishop of Arles, was ...Read more

  8. Eglise And Cloitre St-trophime

    4.5 (222 Votes)
    Eglise And Cloitre St-trophime

    Religious Site, Outdoors, Architecture , Cathedral

    A cathedral dating back to 11th century, Eglise St-Trophime is a masterpiece by the Romans at the great exhibition called the world. The St. Trophime , in all its wonderful details and elegance, was built on the site of an 8th century church dedicated to St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Magnificent, astonishing, brilliant are just a few words that will cross your mind on seeing the Egli...Read more

  9. Abbey Of Montmajour

    4.5 (364 Votes)
    Abbey Of Montmajour

    Historical Site, Architecture

    Built between the 10th and the 18th centuries, the Abbey of St. Peter in Montmajour is a Benedictine Monastery, originally constructed on an island 5 kilometres to the north of Arles. The well preserved architecture exudes of ancient charm and allure. The abbey also happens to be an inspiration for the many artworks of the great artist Vincent Van Gogh.  The Abbey of Montmajour consists of...Read more

  10. Musee Reattu

    4.1 (216 Votes)
    Musee Reattu

    Art Museum

    Housed in the former Grand Priory of the Order of Malta, the Musée Réattu is a fascinating art museum of Arles. The splendid museum has a large collection of striking sculptures, breathtakingly beautiful photographs and captivating painting by the famous French painter, Jacques Réattu and Picasso. The location of the museum itself is a fascination. The old 15th century buil...Read more

  11. Moulin De Daudet

    Moulin De Daudet

    Museum, Historical Site

    Standing idle in a barren land, the sight of Moulin de Daudet sets free the poet within. The windmill has a history dating back to the 1814. It was functional for about a century before it lost its purpose by 1915. 20 years post that, the association named ‘Alphonse Daudet’s Friends’ decided to restore it and establish a museum dedicated to the famous writer. Not much remains ...Read more

  12. Place Du Forum

    Place Du Forum

    Food And Drinks, Cafe

    Originally, the Place du Forum was the site of a Roman forum and the centre of the social and political life in Arles. With a part of the original building still standing, intelligently preserved with the help of a new building, the Forum Square is now a popular tourist attraction and a place amalgamated with ancient and modern charm.  The sophistication of Roman architecture can be observ...Read more

  13. Place De La Republique

    4.2 (243 Votes)
    Place De La Republique

    Outdoors, Landmark, Food And Drinks, Cafe

    An open square which basks daily in the sun’s lasting glow, the Place de la Republique is literally the heart of Arles. With its Romanesque architecture, it still stands with a youthful grace and appeal. The Place de la Republique also known as the Republic Square, lies amidst various other historical charms of Arles. A bright, sunny afternoon is the best time to enjoy this place. With a ...Read more

  14. Pont De Van Gogh

    4.3 (215 Votes)
    Pont De Van Gogh

    Outdoors, Bridge

    The Pont de Langlois or the Langlois Bridge was constructed in the first half of the 19th century as one of the crossings over the Arles to Bouc Canal. In 1930, the original drawbridge was reinforced by concrete. But sadly, just 14 years later, it was blown up by the Germans along with all other bridges at the canal. The Pont de Langlois is also famous as the Pont de Van Gogh. The city of Arles...Read more

  15. Baths Of Constantin

    3.9 (144 Votes)
    Baths Of Constantin

    Monument, Architecture

    Not much remains to be seen at this monument which is said to have existed since the 4th century. Then, the Baths of Constantin was a private place for the royalty to visit. Now, it is long abandoned from serving its original purpose. Even then, the great Roman structure is worth a visit. The bath was formerly constructed for Emperor Constantin’s private use. The bath proves to the modern...Read more