Arles

Arles is a remarkable example of how an ancient city adapted to the civilization of medieval Europe. Its cultural offerings range from Roman structures and a Christian necropolis to museums, a Van Gogh route, and paths connected with the Camargue. You can therefore shape your stay around different interests: architecture and history, art, or routes through the Camargue.

Roman structures and their history

The Roman amphitheatre was built in 90 AD and could accommodate up to 21,000 spectators. This capacity gives a sense of the scale of the structure. During school holidays, guided tours, gladiator fights, and Roman-themed activities take place there. Cultural, sporting, and bullfighting events are also held from Easter to the end of September. If your visit is planned around a particular event, check the dates in advance.

The ancient theatre is a different structure: it was built at the end of the 1st century BC, and parts of its seating and orchestra have survived. Together, the two different dates illustrate the long history of ancient architecture in Arles: the theatre was built before our era, while the amphitheatre was built in 90 AD.

Alyscamps and the pilgrimage route

Alyscamps is a Christian necropolis with a promenade lined with remarkable sarcophagi and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Chemin d’Arles to Santiago de Compostela begins at the Church of Saint-Honorat. Two aspects therefore come together here: the necropolis as a historic site and a named starting point on the pilgrimage route. For travellers interested in history and pilgrimage traditions, this place brings both themes together in a special way.

Museums: archaeology, river navigation, and the Camargue

The Musée départemental Arles antique displays archaeological artefacts dating from prehistory to late antiquity. Among almost 500 objects relating to trade and navigation is the 31-metre-long river barge Arles Rhône 3. The vessel brings one theme of the collection to life: alongside many individual objects, visitors can see a large-scale artefact from river navigation.

The Musée de la Camargue offers a different perspective with its permanent exhibition “Le fil de l'eau, le fil du temps,” which provides an insight into the Camargue of yesterday and today. The museum also has a five-kilometre purpose-built trail. It runs alongside the canal and rice fields to the marshland and the Gardian’s hut. The trail is free and open seven days a week; local conditions may change.

Van Gogh route and trails through the Camargue

The signposted Van Gogh route in Arles is accessible year-round. Signs mark the places where Vincent Van Gogh painted and show the corresponding painting at each location. This makes it possible to connect a marked place with the painting that depicts it. The signage may change over time.

The Parc naturel régional de Camargue offers 14 discovery routes on foot, by bicycle, or by car. The accompanying route guide is available from the tourist offices in Arles and Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône; the guide and printed materials may be revised. One of the listed routes is “D’Arles à l’étang du Vaccarès.” The ViaRhôna is also listed: it runs from Pont Van-Gogh, via the Marais du Vigueirat, from Arles to the Mediterranean. These two named routes provide different reference points for planning, while the route guide covers a range of ways to get around. Check route conditions before setting out.

The places and trails mentioned here offer concrete themes to help you decide what you would like your stay to focus on.

Discover more destinations: Fontvieille, Marignane, Les Milles, Port-De-Bouc, Raphèle-Les-Arles, Beaurecueil, Saint-Victoret, Gémenos.

For the broader travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.