Summary
Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located along the Rhone river, where the Petite Rhone breaks off to the west on its way to the sea. Arles dates back to the 7th century BC when it was the Phoenician town of Theline, and its Gallo-Roman heritage is seen in the ruins which are incorporated into the houses and buildings of the city.
Vincent Van Gogh’s arrival at the Arles railroad station on the 21st of February 1888 signaled the beginning of Arles and Provence as an artist’s retreat. Many of the things and places he painted can still be seen, especially in Arles and the area surrounding St. Rémy de Provence.
Getting to Arles
The Arles train station is on Avenue Paulin Talabot, about a ten-minute walk from the center of town (see a map of Arles). There is a small tourist bureau and car rental available.
Trains connect Arles and Avignon (20 minutes), Marseille (50 minutes), and Nîmes (20 minutes). The TGV from Paris connects to Avignon, providing travelers with convenient access to this historic city.
The main bus station is located on Boulevard de Lices in the center of Arles. Moreover, a bus station is situated opposite the train station. Discounts are available on bus tickets for seniors; inquire for details.
Office of Tourism Arles
Office de tourisme d’Arles is found on Boulevard de Lices – BP21. For inquiries, telephone: 00 33 (0)4 90 18 41 20.
Where to Stay
Hotel Spa Le Calendal is steps away from the Amphitheatre and features a lovely garden, making it a perfect choice for travelers.
Since Arles is set in a spectacular location with a train station to explore Provence, consider settling in for some time in a vacation rental. Numerous options are available through HomeAway, both inside Arles and in the surrounding countryside.
Arles Weather and Climate
Arles experiences hot and dry summers, with the least rain typically falling in July. May and June offer ideal temperatures for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The Mistral winds blow strongest in spring and winter. There’s a good chance of rain in September; however, the temperatures during September and October are generally favorable.
Coin Laundry
Laverie Automatique Lincoln is located on rue de la Cavalerie, near the Portes de la Cavalerie in the northern part of the city, providing convenient laundry services for visitors.
Festivals in Arles
Arles is renowned not only for impressionistic painting but also for photography. It is home to L’Ecole Nationale Supérieure de la Photographie (ENSP), the only national photography university in France.
- International Photography Festival: July – September
- Nude Photography Festival
- Harp Festival: End of October
- Epic Film Festival: The Roman Theater stages a series of outdoor screenings of Hollywood epics in August, known locally as Le Festival Peplum.
- Camargue Gourmande: A gourmet festival held in September, showcasing local products from the Camargue region.
What to See in Arles | Top Tourism Sites
Arguably the top attraction in Arles is the Arles Amphitheatre (Arènes d’Arles). This ancient structure, built in the first century, seats about 25,000 people and serves as a venue for bullfights and various festivals. Each visitor can decide their stance on the ethics of bullfighting as a tourist attraction.
Only two columns remain of the original Roman theater on the Rue de la Calade; this theater now serves as a concert stage for events like the Recontres Internationales de la Photographie (Photography Festival).
Eglise St-Trophime: The Romanesque portal is a high point, showcasing numerous medieval carvings in the cloister, which incurs a charge for access (the church itself is free).
Museon Arlaten: Located at 29 rue de la Republique Arles, this history museum explores life in Provence at the turn of the century.
Musee de l’Arles et de la Provence antique: Situated at Presqu’ile du Cirque Romain Arles 13635, it offers insights into the ancient origins of Provence, spanning from 2500 BC to the end of Antiquity in the 6th century.
Near the Rhone, the Baths of Constantine, constructed in the fourth century, allow visitors to navigate through the hot rooms and pools while observing the hot air ventilation circulating through tubuli (hollow tiles) and underfloor stacks of bricks (hypocausts).
Arles also boasts the largest market in Provence every Saturday morning, offering a taste of local culture and products.
