Why visit Arles, what to do in Arles and where to stay in this ancient Provençal city where Roman history, artistic soul and Mediterranean charm collide. If Arles isn’t on your radar yet, it absolutely should be.
a bit of history..
Arles is one of the oldest cities in France, a sun-drenched Provençal jewel whose narrow streets hold over 2,000 years of history. Its Roman amphitheatre, forum remnants, early Christian sites, and Baroque plazas are all concentrated in a small, walkable historic center, making it a dream for slow travelers who love to wander, observe, and soak in a bouillabaisse of history..
But Arles is not just its stones. It’s a city of artists, storytellers, and dreamers. Inspired by Arles’ magical light and golden palettes, Vincent van Gogh created more than 300 works here, including Starry Night. You can still trace his footsteps through the places that inspired his greatest masterpieces.
Brief Timeline of Arles
1st–2nd century (Roman Era) Arles rises in full imperial glory. The Amphitheatre, Théâtre Antique, Thermes, and Forum transform the town into a shining provincial capital of Rome.
425–435 The Siege of Arles rattles the fading Roman world, yet the city endures, as she always does.
4th century The city becomes an early Christian stronghold, hosting influential councils that shape the future of the faith.
Middle Ages Pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela weave through Arles, turning its streets into a crossroads of cultures and devotion.
1888 Van Gogh arrives, intoxicated by Arles’ golden light. In one feverishly brilliant year, he paints more than 300 works and immortalizes the city forever.
1980s–today Arles’ Roman monuments earn UNESCO World Heritage status.
And beyond the old city, Arles is the perfect base for exploring the Alpilles, a region of lavender hillsides, olive groves, medieval villages and sprawling wine estates. Stay a few days, or stay a few weeks… Arles rewards slowness.
WHEN TO GO TO ARLES
The best time to visit Arles is spring (April, May, early June) and early fall (September, early October) warm, dry, and perfect for wandering the old streets and Roman sites. Late June, July, and August bring peak tourism and heat. If you come in summer, plan early mornings, long lunches in the shade, and a hotel with a pool.
Arles is also famous for its artistic and cultural festivals:
Rencontres d’Arles (July–September) One of Europe’s major photography festivals.
Feria d’Arles (April & September) Celebrations, music, dancing, parades and Provençal culture.
Les Suds à Arles (July) A festival of world music set inside Roman monuments.
While three days is enough to cover the main sights, you could stay two to three weeks and use Arles as a base for exploring Les Alpilles, Camargue, Avignon, St-Rémy, Les Baux, Nîmes, and Provence’s coastline. Our custom travel planning comes with a personalized location report curated to your tastes, so you explore the Provence that speaks to you, not the one found in generic guides.
What to Do, See & Eat in ARLES
Get lost in the historic center
Arles is best explored slowly. Walk the winding medieval streets, admire the citrus coloured façades, browse darling local boutiques, and pause in elegant squares like Place de la République or Place du Forum for an ice-cream.
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Follow the footsteps of Van Gogh
Many of the places Van Gogh painted still exist, from the riverside that inspired Starry Night Over the Rhône to the yellow café made famous in his nocturnal scene. Our exclusive Van Gogh itinerary includes all the main stops and a few not everyone knows about, plus the best creperie along the way and we can arrange everything according to your dates and pace because that’s how we roll.
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Visit the Roman Monuments
The Amphitheatre, the Théâtre Antique, the Roman Baths, and the cryptoporticos, this is ancient Rome without the crowds.
Taste Provençal cuisine
Expect sunny Mediterranean flavors: bull stew from the Camargue, olives and tapenades, seafood, fresh goat cheese, lavender honey, rosé wines from the Alpilles, and flaky pastries perfumed with orange blossom.
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Shop local
Browse artisanal ceramics, linen clothing, Provençal tablecloths, hand-printed textiles, photography books, and local gourmet foods.
Need a little more help with your trip?
Where to STAY IN ARLES
Summertime stays require a pool because the heat is real. If you're there just a few days and won’t have a car, stay in the historic center. Most streets are pedestrian and parking is tricky. Be warned that rooms in the old town can be small and dark due the tiny street and ground floor rooms can have a weird smell due to ancient buildings. We know a few which B&Bs where it’s all good.
If you're staying longer or planning to explore Provence by car, stay just outside Arles in a peaceful countryside estate, farmhouse, or village. We love the Mas Calao, an under-the-radar, design-rich gem where Travellur clients enjoy a 15% discount for stays over 3 nights. Let us know if you want to stay there.
WE GOT THIS:
There is so much to discover in Arles and the Alpilles, and it happens to be our favorite corner of the South of France. Travellur knows the best places to stay, the hidden gems, the magical viewpoints, the markets, and the local experiences that turn a trip into a memory you’ll carry forever.
A custom trip saves you hours (sometimes weeks) of research and helps you avoid expensive mistakes, whether that’s the wrong hotel, a stressful driving route, or missing something special because the timing wasn’t right.
Prefer planning things yourself? Book a travel consultation, a simple way to head in the right direction with clarity and confidence. Because your life is precious. Let’s make it as beautiful as we can.
“Coco has a gift which is difficult to describe, but luxurious to experience. She tailors travel experiences with the unique ability of unobtrusively sensing what each client wants and needs. ”
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