Essential Arles Travel Guide: What to See & Do

Arles is one of Provence’s most distinctive cities, combining ancient history, artistic heritage, and the everyday character of southern France. Located beside the Rhône River near the Camargue wetlands, the city has a relaxed atmosphere shaped by sunlit squares, market stalls, weathered stone buildings, and cafés throughout its compact historic centre.

For visitors deciding what to see in Arles, the city offers a remarkable mix of Roman monuments, medieval landmarks, Van Gogh locations, museums, markets, and Rhône-side scenery. Its historic streets are easy to explore on foot, revealing layers of history and culture at every turn.

Explore Arles’ Roman Heritage

Arles’ history stretches back more than two millennia. Known as Arelate in Roman times, it developed into a major colony, trading centre, and regional capital. Ancient remains continue to define the city’s urban landscape.

Roman Amphitheatre

The vast Roman Amphitheatre is one of Arles’ most impressive reminders of its ancient past. Its scale reflects the importance of Arelate and remains central to the city’s identity.

Antique Theatre and Cryptoportiques

The Antique Theatre offers another glimpse into Roman Arles, while the Cryptoportiques reveal the foundations and underground structures that supported the ancient city.

Baths of Constantine

The Baths of Constantine add to Arles’ collection of Roman landmarks, illustrating the role of public buildings in everyday life during the Roman period.

Alyscamps

The Alyscamps necropolis provides a different perspective on ancient Arles. This historic burial site forms an important part of the city’s Roman heritage.

Discover Medieval Arles

Arles’ history extends well beyond the Roman era. Medieval landmarks add depth to the city’s cultural landscape, particularly the Church and Cloister of Saint-Trophime. Together, these buildings represent another important chapter in Arles’ long history.

The city’s historic centre brings these different periods together. Ancient remains, medieval architecture, Provençal homes, cafés, and lively public spaces all exist within the same compact urban setting.

Visit the Musée départemental de l’Arles antique

The Musée départemental de l’Arles antique expands the story of the city through its collections of sculptures, everyday objects, and archaeological discoveries. It offers further insight into ancient Arelate and the people who lived there.

Follow in Van Gogh’s Footsteps

Arles is also closely associated with Vincent van Gogh, who lived in the city for about 15 months from 1888. The strong southern light and vivid surroundings inspired hundreds of paintings and drawings during this period.

Among the works connected with his time in Arles are:

• The Bedroom
• The Yellow House
• Café Terrace at Night

Van Gogh-related locations across the city connect these familiar works with real streets, buildings, and landscapes. Exploring them adds an artistic dimension to a visit and shows how Arles influenced the painter’s work.

Experience the Atmosphere of Provence

The best things to do in Arles are not limited to its major monuments. Wandering through the city reveals a blend of Roman grandeur, medieval heritage, artistic history, and contemporary local life.

Market stalls, sunlit squares, weathered stone, Provençal homes, and cafés create the everyday atmosphere of the historic centre. Along the Rhône, the scenery offers another way to experience the city and its connection to the surrounding landscape.

Why Visit Arles?

Arles stands out for the way its different identities exist side by side. Roman monuments stand beside Provençal architecture, medieval landmarks, contemporary cultural spaces, lively markets, and Van Gogh-related sites.

This unusual combination makes Arles a compelling destination for travelers interested in history, art, architecture, and the distinctive atmosphere of Provence. Its compact historic centre invites visitors to explore at an unhurried pace, allowing the ancient, artistic, and local character of the city to emerge together.