Arles is the 'third city' in the département of the Bouches-du-Rhône. Compared to its boisterous, historical rival Marseille and its worldly sister Aix-en-Provence, it can be quite sedate, though summer visitors might disagree.
Arles
Roman remains galore and plenty of festivals
True, modern Arles has its festivals, its markets, its bullfights, its International Photography Show, and a seasonal stream of tourists, but it always seems to be looking over its shoulder to the past. And a rich past it is.
In the 6th century BC, the Greeks colonized the region, but those remnants are only visible in the Musée de l'Arles antique. What is more than visible out in the open is the Arena, an imposing structure of the days when Arles was a Roman colony.
Under the Roman thumb, Arles thrived and surpassed its rival Marseille. Its glory started in the 1st century BC and lasted until the 5th. The town was a hub in the interconnecting land and water ways, a port of importance (then the sea came much closer than it does now) and a center of Provençal culture.
After the fall of the Roman empire, Arles languished and declined. The Roman structures fell into disarray, their stones used for Christian churches and monasteries. Today, the Arenes d'Arles stands up proudly, but the theatre is more of a ruin: only two columns remain erect and are known as the Widows. Both are still used today for festivals and concerts.
In the 12th century Arles had a strong revival, magnificently shown by the church of St Trophime. Its portal is rich in splendid carvings. Inside, the cloisters are of a quiet elegance. To our surprise, one of the chapels displayed an array of relics of minor saints.
When you visit Arles today, you will no doubt pass the Roman structures, admire St. Trophime's portal, perhaps amble along the Allée des Sarcophages in Les Alyscamps, the famous necropolis in Arles. But there's one element of Arles' history that will follow you everywhere on your visit. Present in every kiosk or gift shop, on postcards and t-shirts, on book covers and towels: Vincent van Gogh, the Dutch painter who spent just fifteen, dramatic, months in this town.
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Events in Arles
Numerous events, festival and exhibitions take place in Arles throughout the year. Take a look at our calendar for the latest dates and what's on.
Events in Arles
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Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
History & Culture in Arles
Arles was probably first settled by Ligurian tribes and the Celts before the Romans came and conquered all. Located as it is between Italy and Spain, Arles became an important strategic centre for the Romans. Many Roman monuments were built, Roman Emperors were stationed here during times of conflict and campaigns, and Roman officers were rewarded with estates here for their retirement.
After the Romans left in the 5th century, Arles became victim to skirmishes and Saracen invasions, plagues and disease. It wasn't until the 10th century that peaceful times returned and the town could expand. The Christians arived in the 12th century and began to build their monuments and cathedrals, and Arles thrived, drawing in educated and wealthy men of influence.
By the 16th century, the aristocracy were building grand mansions in the city centre, and traders and artisans were creating their own communities. More classical architecture was being created, in particular around the Place de la Republique. However, when the Industrial Revolution came along, Arles missed out on the creation of railroads and became less important than its surrounding rivals Marseille and Avignon.
At the end of the 19th century, Arles was drawing artists to itself who appreciated the old fashioned Provençal charm the town offered. During the 20th century some contemporary architecture has been added to Arles, such as the Joseph Imbert Hospital (designed by Paul Nelson).
Sights & Attractions in Arles
Arles is one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, let alone Provence. And with good reason, both the town and the surrounding area are packed with things to do.
Let's start in the town, which is best known for its impressive Roman ruins, and its association with the artist Vincent Van Gogh. The focus of the town is the Roman Arena (amphitheatre), a glorious reminder of the Roman Empire from ancient times. Next to it is the not-so-well preserved Roman Theatre, but is still rather marvellous. The main square, Place de la Republique is home to the ornate town hall (it's the one with the bell clock tower) and the Romanesque Cathedral St Trophime. The cathedral dates back to the 10th century and the interior is beautifully decorated. The cloisters feature galleries and a pretty courtyard. Also in the Place de la Republique is the eye-catching 4th century 10m obelisk and surrounding fountains.
If you're keen on sightseeing, you might be best buying a special pass which provides access to either a selection of sites (the Freedom Pass, valid for one month) or all of the sites and museums (Advantage Pass, valid for one year). Ask at the tourist office.
Vincent Van Gogh stayed in Arles for only 15 months, but still managed to paint over 300 works during this time. You can follow a Van Gogh trail around Arles (map available from the tourist office) which will take you past places where he used to paint, have a drink, observe life. Sadly there is no art gallery with Van Gogh paintings in Arles - all his paintings are distributed amongst the more famous galleries throughout the world. However, there is a Vincent Van Gogh Foundation which aims to share its passion for the artist and for contemporary art influenced by Van Gogh.
Arles is blessed with plenty of museums and galleries. The Musée departmental Arles Antiques is the place to view all of Arles ancient artefacts - statues and other Roman objects, mosaics and sarcophagi are just some of items to see. The Musée Reattu in housed in the old Grand Priory of the order of Malta and displays fine arts, sculpture and photography. They were also gifted drawings by Picasso himself who was an avid fan of the town. The ethnological museum, Museon Arlaten features exhibits of local culture with examples of clothing, tools, furniture and books.
Shopping is pretty much limited to souvenirs but there is a thriving art scene, with many private art galleries, some of whom feature contemporary art exhibitions throughout the year. The main market in Arles is held on Saturday mornings and is a big affair covering two kilometres. You'll find plenty of fresh local produce, clothing, shoes and arts and crafts. A smaller market is held on Wednesday mornings on Boulevard Emile Combes. On the first Wednesday of every month you'll find an antiques fair and flea market.
Dining in Arles
You get the whole ranges of eateries in Arles - from casual pavement cafés to elegant Michelin-starred restaurants.
Restaurants in Arles
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L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel Restaurant
One of the finest restaurants in Arles with two Michelin stars
This wonderful contemporary-styled restaurant features dishes that you may never have suspected to have existed.
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Chardon Restaurant
Bistro / bar serving small plates, a selection of wines & an original cocktail menu
The resident chefs here are occasionally joined by other 'pop-up' chefs which keeps the menu fresh and exciting.
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Cuisine De Comptoir
An original take on sandwiches nestled in the old town of Arles
This bakery and cafe offers great value delicious sandwiches, quiches, salads and more for lunch or dinner.
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L'Autruche Restaurant
Great value, good quality fresh food with plenty of variety from day to day
Small restaurant where you will never eat the same thing twice. Their menu is solely based on what good fresh ingredients the local market has to offer in the mornings.
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La Chassagnette Restaurant
The only organic Michelin Starred restaurant in Europe
This organic Michelin starred restaurant is situated just 12km outside Arles on the road to Sambuc and is run by the chef Armand Arnal.
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Benvengudo Restaurant, Les Baux
Creative fine dining based on fresh Provençal produce
Chef Mathieu Groshenry has worked in more than one Michelin-starred restaurant before returning to his birthplace, Provence, to create an ever-changing menu based on regional produce.
Nightlife in Arles
Bars & Clubs in Arles
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21 Chai d'Oeuvre Bar, Saint Remy de Provence
Wine and champagne bar with a terrace
This bar is located in the centre of Saint Remy de Provence. It has a good selection of wines by the glass, as well as bottles and champagne. They even serve charcuterie and cheese plates.
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La Cave des Pas Sages
Popular wine bar with live music, 15 mins form the Palais des Papes
Small wine bar situated in one of the cobbled streets of Avignon that hosts regular market stalls.
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Ajmi Jazz Club
One of France's top Jazz venues playing live music in the heart if the city
The Ajmi has played host to numerous talented international Jazz artists, and the Ajmi is classed as one of the top 3 jazz venues in France and is located in the heart of Avignon next to the beautiful Palais des Papes.
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Bokao's Nighclub
For dance, electro and retro sounds and a non-stop party atmosphere
With a varied musical line-up, Bokao's combines good fun and great music.
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Le Longchamp Bar & Brasserie, Isle sur la Sorgue
Popular riverside spot for a drink and a bite to eat
This place is a bar, restaurant and tabac all rolled into one, on the side of the river in the centre of Isle de la Sorgue.
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Le Cardeur Bacchus Bar
A bar & restaurant in the centre of Aix
This small bar has a nice seating area outside next to one of Aix's many fountains and it catches the sun late into the evening.
Things to do in Arles
The surrounding countryside of Arles includes the Carmargue and the Alpilles. The Carmargue is famed for its marshlands, black bulls, white horses and flamingos. It's a Regional Nature Park spread over 100,000 hectares and contains a bird sanctuary, hiking trails and cycle paths.
The Alpilles lie to the east of Arles and is home to limestone hills, olive groves and vineyards. You will find beautiful villages here - try Les Baux and St Remy de Provence. One of France's 'Grand Route de Randonnee' runs along the Alpilles - look out for GR6.
Things To Do in Arles
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Camargue-Decouverte Adventure Company
Nature safaris & trips to the Parc de la Camargue
This company offers a number of excursions to visit the wildlife of the Camargue, with a helpful guide who will pass on lots of information on your journey.
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Domaine de Manville Golf Course, Les Baux
Golf course of the 5 star hotel Domaine de Manville
The Domaine de Manville has a renowned architect and landscaper designed 18-hole golf course allying technicality and game attraction in an eco-responsible and respectful way to produce a truly very special course.
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Parc Naturel Regional des Alpilles
The Alpilles regional park - the largest in France
This large natural area envelops 16 small towns and villages between the Luberon and the Camargue, not far from Arles.
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Bergerie d’Alivon en Camargue Horse Riding
Guided riding around the Camargue
Join a small group with a guide to explore the Camargue on horseback.
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Le Petit Roman Horse Riding, Maussane les Alpilles
Horse riding in the heart of the Alpilles in the Provence.
Le Petit Roman is a family-run 165-acre ranch breeding horses and cattle and farming 3000 olive trees for oil. They offer discovery rides of the nearby Alpilles from 1.5 hours up to full weekends and 3-4 day outings with accommodation available in a typical Provencal estate dating back to the 18th century or for couples they can offer the gypsy caravan!
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Golf Course de Servanes
Beautiful 18-hole golf course surrounded by craggy mountains
Situated on a sunny plateau at the foot of the Alpilles mountains, this golf course offers stunning views in all directions.
Watersports in Arles
Watersports in Arles
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Caminaterra Activity Company, Vedene
Adventure tourism company with a wide range of activities
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
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Mistral Kite Passion Watersports, nr Salon de Provence
Kite surfing school in the Camargue
If you're looking to try out kitesurfing for the first time, this company can help you get to grips with the basics from professional instruction.
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Canoe Evasion, near Isle sur la Sorgue
Canoe trips between Fontaine de Vaucluse & Isle sur la Sorgue
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
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Le lac de Monteux, Monteux
Leisure centre with plenty of water based fun & activities
Located in the heart of the EcoQuartier Beaulieu, Lake Monteux is an open every day of the year. Ideal for the whole family, this area offers a multitude of activities.
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Kayak Vert, Fontaine de Vaucluse
Canoe along the green coloured rivers of the Sorgue
This company offers an 8 kilometre canoe trip along the river near Fontaine de Vaucluse.
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AFDA Canoe & Kayak, Lauris
Canoe or kayak trips along the river in the South Luberon
This company offers two different types of excursions by kayak or canoe for either an hour and 15 minutes or 3 hours.
Holiday Rentals in Arles
Holiday Rentals in Arles
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Provencal Villa, Fontvieille
3 bedroom Villa in Provence. Sleeps 6
On 4000 m2 of grounds, this villa accommodates up to 6 people. It has been recently renovated with antique furniture and quality materials.
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Paradou Villa, Paradou
4 bedroom Villa in Paradou. Sleeps 8
Beautiful 250m2 modern villa just a stone’s throw away from the center of Maussane-les-Alpilles.
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La Castillonette Villa, Paradou
4 bedroom Villa in Paradou. Sleeps 8
Provencal farmhouse with swimming pool to rent in Paradou, in the heart of the Alpilles, for a dream holiday.
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The Olive Mas Villa, Paradou, Saint Rémy De Provence
4 bedroom Villa in Paradou, Saint Rémy de Provence, Provence. Sleeps 8
A newly constructed stunning house in Provence with plenty of indoor and outdoor living areas, great for groups and families of all ages. Located within a few hundred metres of the village of Paradou with its charming bistro, cafe and boulangerie, The Olive Mas is an ideal villa for exploring this beautiful part of Provence with family and friends.
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Bastide Du Vallon Villa, Saint-Etienne-du-Gres
7 bedroom Villa in Saint-Etienne-du-Gres. Sleeps 14
Superb bastide in the heart of its private valley for your holidays in the Alpilles. Let yourself be seduced by the charm of this 19th century property!
Hotels in Arles
Despite Arles having the outward appearance of an Olde Worlde town, there are a couple of really nice, modern boutique hotels.
Hotels in Arles
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Hotel du Cloitre
Centrally located near the amphitheatre and the main square
This quirky hotel has something of a Gaudi-esque influence, with uniquely designed rooms and common areas.
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Jules Cesar Hotel
5* hotel with spa and swimming pool in a 17th century former convent
This luxurious property has been lavishly renovated to overcome its austere background, whilst still retaining its sense of history.
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Amphitheatre Hotel
Luxurious and welcoming boutique hotel in the heart of historic Arles
Housed inside a beautiful old stone building, this hotel is comfortably furnished and decorated in warm inviting colours.
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Nord-Pinus Grand Hotel
Luxurious historical hotel, famed for guests such as Picasso & Hemmingway
Set in the heart of Arles, the Nord-Pinus was once the place of choice for artists, writers and bullfighters.
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Hotel du Forum
Large hotel with a swimming pool
This hotel has 38 bedrooms, each with their own character and styling.
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Le Belvedere Hotel
Two star hotel in the centre of Arles
This small hotel has 17 cosy rooms not far from the centre of Arles.
How to get to Arles
Transfers for Provence
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Avignon Taxis
Taxis in Avignon and the entire region
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
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Marseille Taxis
Taxis in Marseille
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
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Private Airport Transfers
Reliable private airport transfer & taxi service
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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Helicopter Transfers & Scenic Flights
Helicopter charter company based in Monaco with over 25 years experience
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Monaco - Nice Helicopter Shuttles, plus French Riviera Scenic Flights
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
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Helicopter Transfers & Scenic Flights
Passenger transport, aerial photography, freight , etc...
Helitec caters for all your helicopter needs from passenger transport to aerial photography, filming, transport of heavy goods, leisure flights over Provence and the South of France. A great way to see the most beautiful spots from the air.
Property For Sale in Arles
Property for Sale in Arles
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Villa for Sale | STZ260356
4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 237m² Villa in Var
A peaceful villa with unobstructed views of the countryside
Villa for Sale | STZ260356
€1,650,000 -
Villa for Sale | STZ250285
7 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 233.84m² Villa in Var
A Provencal villa at the foot of the village of Grimaud.
Villa for Sale | STZ250285
€2,690,000 -
Land (Plot) for Sale | STZ250321
4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 250m² plot in Var
Contemporary villa with two building plots
Land (Plot) for Sale | STZ250321
€2,625,000 -
Villa for Sale | STZ250324
5 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 314.73m² Villa in Var
Exceptional provençal property in the heart of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
Villa for Sale | STZ250324
€3,450,000 -
Hotel for Sale | STZ250294
12 bedroom, 614.69m² hotel in Var
Located just 100 meters from the sea, this unique property, currently operated as a charming 4-star hotel, enjoys a spectacular view of the sea and Saint-Tropez.
Hotel for Sale | STZ250294
€6,600,000 -
Villa for Sale | stz260423
4 bedrooms, 255.05m², Villa in Gassin
Stunning renovated villa with sea views, located in a private domain.
Villa for Sale | stz260423
€5,775,000
