We invite you to join us for a day of sightseeing in Arles, exploring its history, its impressive Roman remains, its culture, its art of living... In short, enough to amaze you in no time. Let's go for a Provençal getaway!
Discovering the monuments of Arles
As an introduction to this visit, a short walk will allow you to understand the glorious past of the city, whose Roman and Romanesque heritage is included on the UNESCO “World Heritage” list.
Discovery tour
Departing from the Arles Tourist Office, this 1-hour walking tour connects the following places of interest:
▲ Saint Trophime Church and Cloister
Jewels of Provençal Romanesque art, these two monuments named after the saint who was the first bishop of Arles were part of the ancient episcopal city.
▲ L’Hôtel de Ville
Built in the 17th century to plans by Jules Hardouin Mansart and Jacques Peytret, it was inspired by Versailles architecture.
▲ The obelisk
It has adorned the Place de la République since 1676. It comes from the Roman circus.
▲ The Ancient Theatre
Built at the end of the 10st century BC, the Roman theatre could hold 000 spectators.
▲ The Roman Amphitheater (90 AD)
Gladiatorial combats took place in this great monument of spectacle
▲ The remains of a temple (1st-4th century AD)
On the north side of the ancient Roman forum, they adorn the facade of the Hotel Nord-Pinus.
▲ The Cryptoportics (1st century BC)
Vast underground galleries, they served as the base of the monumental center of Roman Arles.
Museums worth a visit
Visiting Arles also means visiting its museums, which retrace its history, between ancient and modern, around the culture of Provence.
01
Departmental Museum of Ancient Arles
In a resolutely contemporary building, this museum presents the most important ancient archaeological collection in all of Provence.
02
The Arlaten Museum: the great museum of Provençal culture
The poet and Nobel Prize winner Frédéric Mistral founded the Museon Arlaten. A defender of the Occitan language and culture, Mistral continued his literary work by founding a "poet's museum." This place collects traces and testimonies of the traditions of a Provence in the process of transitioning into modernity. Please note: the museum is closed on Mondays.
03
The Luma Foundation
This remarkable iron tower houses immersive modern art installations in a former 1800s rail yard.
A fabulous creative space that offers artists the opportunity to experiment with creating and presenting new works. A visit is a must!
And that marks the end of this day exploring Arles. Don't hesitate to return to enjoy the excitement of the two annual ferias, or the profusion of exhibitions at the "Rencontres de la photographie" for almost 3 months in summer, or the exuberance of the SUDS festival, with 7 days and 6 nights of concerts in July. For more information, you can contact Arles Tourist Office.
Which transport to choose?
Go Further
Other circuits
If you want to visit other parts of Provence from Avignon without a car, here are some getaway ideas.
After a fascinating day exploring the ancient arenas and theater of Arles, the Antique Museum and the historic Constantin Baths, and immersing yourself in the world of Van Gogh and his works, be sure to visit other must-sees in Provence. For example, you can continue your journey to the Camargue Natural Park, or pay a short visit to nearby Marseille, or even Les Baux de Provence. Arles, a historic city on the banks of the Rhône River, and an emblematic symbol of Provence, remains an essential place for anyone wishing to discover the cultural and natural treasures of France. Don't hesitate to pay several visits!