What are the top things to see in Arles in one day?
This week, I’m taking you on a day trip to Arles! Arles is often considered the gateway to the Camargue, but it’s worth a visit in its own right… I must admit that I knew nothing about Arles before, and the city turned out to be a very pleasant surprise. I was unaware of the richness of its historical remains, and once there, I was also charmed by the city’s narrow streets, which I found particularly charming.
Like Rome and its neighbor Nîmes, Arles has a dual character that fascinates me: ancient ruins surrounded by a modern, colorful city, with the two blending together perfectly. Bathed in sunshine, Arles is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Roman and Romanesque buildings. There’s so much to discover!
Come explore the many facets of this ancient city with me! In this article, I’ll show you all the things to see in Arles in one day. Let’s go!
VISIT ARLES IN ONE DAY – PRACTICAL TIPS
How to get to Arles ?
Arles is located 1 hour and 10 minutes northwest of Marseille and 45 minutes south of Avignon by car.
The Arles SNCF train station is conveniently located 10 minutes from the city center. By train, it takes 45 minutes from Marseille, 20 minutes from Avignon, and 1 hour from Montpellier.
The nearest airport is Nîmes-Camargue (20 minutes away), and Marseille, which has more connections, is 55 minutes away.
If you also want to visit the area around Arles, you will need to rent a car.
Compare car rentals to find the best price!
Where to stay to explore the top things to qee in Arles?
Here are several suggestions for accommodation in Arles.
3 recommended places to stay to visit the top things to see in Arles
MAISON DOUCE ARLES
- In the city center
- Charming guesthouse
- From 160€
LE MAS D’ISNARD
- Green and peaceful setting
- 7km from Arles
- From 80€
HÔTEL ARLES PLAZA
- In the city center
- Swimming pool
- From 120€
How much time to allow for the things to see in Arles ?
Visiting Arles in one day allows you to discover the city in depth, visiting all the Roman sites, which are truly unmissable. Take the time to stroll around the city, sit on a terrace in the sun, and let yourself be carried away by the mild climate…
If you have less time, half a day is enough to stroll around the city center, which is not very big, and visit one or two ancient sites. Allow a good hour for the amphitheater, 30 minutes for the theater and baths, and another 30 minutes for the cloister.
Practical tips for the top things to see in Arles
The various ancient monuments have different opening hours depending on the season. Some passes allow you to combine admissions to pay less. Don’t hesitate to consult the city’s brochure for all the information you need about opening hours and prices for each site.
What to bring back from Arles ?
Arles’ specialties are both Provençal and Camargue… Olive-based products such as olivade and tapenade make lovely souvenirs. Another local specialty is the saucisson d’Arles from Genin. And in the Camargue region, you can also find fleur de sel, Camargue rice, and bull meat.
THE AMPHITHEATER : A MUST OF THE THINGS TO SEE IN ARLES
Here is one of the top things to see in Arles : the Roman amphitheater ! No visit to Arles would be complete without it… The nerve center of Arles, this superb amphitheater dates back to the 1st century AD. Why such a strong Roman presence in Arles? Because the city became a Roman colony in 46 BC, which shaped its unique history.
The 20,000 spectators that the arenas could accommodate came to watch gladiator fights. The arenas then had a variety of uses: they were successively a quarry, a place of residence and a refuge for the population, and even housed a church! Today, the arenas are still in use, particularly for bullfights.
For me, the arena is the monument you absolutely must visit in Arles, because it’s difficult to appreciate the interior maze and the majesty of the place without going inside. With a height of 21 meters and a length of 136 meters in the arena, the place lives up to its Roman legend. Each gallery on each floor is worth a visit, as the place is a maze! Sometimes bathed in light in the center, sometimes in darkness in certain narrow passages, the Arles arena can be explored in depth…
Don’t forget to climb to the top of the medieval tower, built at the time to watch over the surrounding area. From up there, you’ll enjoy a superb view of the amphitheater and the entire city of Arles surrounded by the Grand Rhône.
THE ROMAN MONUMENTS : HIGHLIGHTS AMONG THE THINGS TO SEE IN ARLES
But the arenas aren’t the only Roman ruins to visit in Arles! Here are other things to see in Arles : the ancient theater, the Baths of Constantine, the cryptoporticoes, the ramparts, and the Alyscamps, an ancient Roman necropolis.
The ancient theater of Arles
A stone’s throw from the Arles arena is the ancient theater. Although less well preserved, this site also features a building that has stood the test of time. I really enjoyed wandering among the ruins, which are overgrown in places by nature that has reclaimed its rights. The semicircular arcade of the stands is still magnificent.
The Baths of Constantine
Let’s now take a walk to the banks of the Rhône, where the Roman baths are located. Built in the 4th century, the Baths of Constantine were once a hub of social life. The people of Arles came here to wash, but also to relax in the evening, meet people, and see their friends. Even back then, the baths were mixed and open to all social classes!
Only the walls of the baths are still visible today, but you can still make out some elements of the “backstage,” such as the heating system.
The obelisk
On Place de la République are the cryptoporticos and the obelisk. This huge ancient stone needle was once located in the Roman circus. Today, it blends in perfectly with the buildings on the square, which are all from different periods, yet so harmonious!
THE OLD TOWN : ESSENTIAL THING TO SEE IN ARLES
The Saint-Trophime cloister
Let’s stay on the Place de la République. Adjacent to the Saint-Trophime church, the cloister is an architectural gem bathed in sunlight. It’s one of my favorite places in Arles because, although touristy, it has a hidden side sheltered from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The cloister consists of two Romanesque galleries and two Gothic galleries of great beauty. And, as a unique feature, you can climb up to the roof terrace for a breathtaking view of the bell tower!
The Van Gogh trail
Van Gogh arrived in Arles in 1888 and began one of the most prolific periods of his painting career. The city pays tribute to him with various reproductions of his paintings in the very places where they were painted, and through the Van Gogh Foundation located in the city center. It was in Arles that he painted L’Arlésienne and the famous Langlois Bridge, which can be seen on the Arles Canal in Bouc.
The arenas district
Let’s now return to the arena via the pretty street of the same name. Behind the amphitheater is a typical neighborhood surrounded by the remains of the city walls. The few streets in the neighborhood are typical of old Arles: colorful, narrow, and sunny, like real Provençal alleyways. The yellow tones and pastel-colored shutters give Arles a very special character. It’s a great place to stroll around!
LA ROQUETTE DISTRICT : #4 THING TO SEE IN ARLES
Now head to another district to visit in Arles, which is next to the city center: the Roquette district. It is one of my favorite things to see in Arles ! I fell in love with this lively and charming district. To get there, head west and cross the main road, Rue de la République.
Like a village, the neighborhood has many small squares where neighbors gather to chat.
The streets of La Roquette are not always very well maintained, but their charm lies elsewhere. The streets are full of flowers and vegetation envelops the houses, when it’s not posters taking over the walls. Numerous photos and advertisements are plastered on the facades, giving the streets an artistic and lively feel. They reminded me of the unique spirit of Avignon during its famous festival.
Don’t miss Rue de la Roquette, Rue de Genive and its square, or Rue du Roure and Rue Fleury Prudhon. You have to lose yourself in these narrow streets to appreciate them best!
WHAT TO DO AROUND ARLES ?
If you’re visiting Arles, you can’t miss a trip to the Camargue and the surrounding area!
– The Camargue Regional Nature Park (20 minutes away): this incredible park covers a huge area straddling Provence and Occitanie. You can discover the beautiful Aigues-Mortes and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, go horse riding, watch flamingos and bulls, or marvel at the pink salt marshes… Check out my blog for my must-see attractions for a weekend in the Camargue.
– Les Baux de Provence (20 minutes away): the picturesque location of this fortified village in the heart of the Alpilles and the charm of its old stone buildings make it one of the prettiest villages in the Arles region. Don’t miss it if you’re visiting the Bouches-du-Rhône.
– Le Pont du Gard (40 minutes away): a Roman masterpiece, this is the oldest ancient bridge in the world! The three levels of the aqueduct tower 50 meters above the Gardon River!
– Avignon (45 minutes away): it’s sometimes hard to choose between visiting Arles or Avignon, but it’s impossible to pick between the two, as they are so different! Check out my article Visit Avignon : a Local’s Itinerary to discover the world capital of theater!
– Nîmes (45 minutes away): the Roman capital has many other attractions up its sleeve! Street art, nature, hidden mansions… a city not to be missed! Read my guide Visit Nîmes : a Local’s Itinerary
– Marseille (1 hour away): the capital of the Mediterranean, Marseille is a melting pot of history, cultures, and marine paradise. From the Old Port to Notre Dame de la Garde, from the Frioul Islands to the Panier district, there are a thousand things to discover in Marseille! Read my full article What to See in Marseille in One Day !
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