Top things to do in Arles
Whether you love history, nature, art, or all three, Arles in the perfect place to discover a rich mix of Provençal culture and Roman heritage.
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Van Gogh Sites & Place du Forum
Arles is forever linked with Vincent van Gogh, who lived here between 1888 and 1889. During just fifteen months in the city, he created over 300 paintings and drawings, inspired by Arles’ golden light, colourful streets and Provençal landscapes.
One of the most famous locations is Place du Forum, where Van Gogh painted Café Terrace at Night. Today, visitors can stand in the very square that inspired the masterpiece, enjoying much the same atmosphere that captivated the artist over 130 years ago.
Across Arles, marked “Van Gogh Trail” panels compare his paintings with the modern-day views, allowing visitors to see exactly where he set up his easel. Other notable locations include the banks of the Rhône, the former hospital where he stayed after his breakdown, and several charming streets featured in his work. A guided tour provides fascinating insight into Van Gogh’s life, struggles and extraordinary artistic legacy.
Arles Amphitheatre & Roman History
The Arles Amphitheatre (Les Arènes d’Arles) is the city’s most iconic landmark and one of the best-preserved Roman arenas in the world. Built around 90 AD, it could seat more than 20,000 spectators who gathered to watch gladiator contests, chariot races, animal hunts and public spectacles. Inspired by Rome’s Colosseum, the arena demonstrates the wealth and importance of ancient Arles, then known as Arelate, one of the Roman Empire’s most prosperous cities in Gaul.
Today, visitors can explore the arena’s impressive seating tiers, underground passages and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the rooftops of Arles. Unlike many Roman monuments, the amphitheatre remains a living venue, hosting concerts, festivals and traditional Provençal events throughout the year.
The amphitheatre is only part of Arles’ remarkable Roman heritage. The city is home to a Roman Theatre, the Cryptoporticus (underground galleries), Roman Baths and the Alyscamps necropolis, all contributing to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through Arles feels like stepping back nearly 2,000 years, making it one of the finest places in France to experience Roman history. A knowledgeable guide brings these ancient stones to life by sharing stories of gladiators, emperors and everyday Roman life.
Camargue National Park
Just south of Arles lies the spectacular Camargue Regional Nature Park, one of Europe’s largest wetlands and a paradise for wildlife lovers. Formed where the Rhône River meets the Mediterranean Sea, this unique landscape is famous for its salt marshes, lagoons, reed beds and vast open plains.
The Camargue is home to the iconic white Camargue horses, semi-wild black bulls and thousands of pink flamingos, making it one of the best birdwatching destinations in Europe. More than 400 bird species have been recorded here throughout the year.
Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, cycling routes, horseback riding or guided safari tours through this extraordinary landscape. Traditional ranches, known as manades, preserve local customs and showcase the region’s famous horse and cattle breeding. Whether exploring peaceful wetlands, photographing wildlife or visiting charming villages such as Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, the Camargue offers a completely different side of Provence and is one of the highlights of any visit to Arles.
Alyscamps
The Alyscamps is one of the most famous Roman necropolises in Europe and has served as a burial ground for nearly two thousand years. During Roman times, it was located just outside the city walls, as Roman law required burials to take place beyond the city limits. Wealthy citizens were laid to rest in beautifully carved stone sarcophagi that still line the tree-lined avenue today.
During the Middle Ages, the Alyscamps became one of Christendom’s most important pilgrimage burial sites, attracting people from across Europe who wished to be buried in this sacred place.
The peaceful avenue of towering plane trees and ancient stone tombs also inspired artists, including Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin, who painted the site during their time in Arles. Today, the Alyscamps offers visitors a tranquil escape from the city centre while providing a fascinating glimpse into Roman, medieval and artistic history. A guided visit reveals the remarkable stories hidden behind one of France’s most atmospheric archaeological sites.
