Attractions and Places To See around Arles - Top 20

Arles is renowned for its well-preserved Roman heritage. Key sites include the impressive Arles Amphitheatre, which once hosted gladiator fights and is still used for cultural events. You can also explore the remains of the Roman Theatre, the ancient burial ground of Alyscamps, and the Baths of Constantine, offering a glimpse into daily Roman life. The Cryptoporticus and Roman Forum are also notable subterranean galleries.

The Camargue Regional Nature Park, located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Rhône River delta, is a vast wetland known for its unique wildlife, including white horses, black bulls, and pink flamingos. You can find excellent birdwatching opportunities around Etang de Vaccares and Bataiyolles Pond. The Alpilles mountain range north of Arles also offers scenic landscapes.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Arles Amphitheatre is a fascinating historical site for all ages. The Saint-Rémy-de-Provence Old Town offers a charming city center with shops and restaurants, and the nearby Camargue Regional Nature Park provides opportunities for wildlife spotting and outdoor activities that children often enjoy. The Gacholle Lighthouse also has an information center about the Camargue's nature.

Arles has strong ties to art, particularly Vincent Van Gogh. The Fondation Vincent Van Gogh Arles pays tribute to his work. You can also visit the Musée Réattu, dedicated to Arles-born painter Jacques Réattu and featuring some Picasso drawings. Luma Arles is a contemporary art and innovation center with a striking Frank Gehry-designed tower.

The region around Arles offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as those in the Camargue Regional Natural Park or the Alpilles, with options like the Running Trails around Arles guide. For cycling, explore MTB trails in the Camargue, including routes like 'Camargue Horses – Pink Flamingos' detailed in the MTB Trails around Arles guide. There are also mountain hikes available, with routes around Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, as seen in the Mountain Hikes around Arles guide.

For stunning vistas, visit View of Les Baux-de-Provence, a settlement and natural monument offering panoramic views of the surrounding area and its embedded rock formations. The fortified keep of Montmajour Abbey, a few kilometers from Arles, also provides captivating views of the countryside.

The Camargue is best experienced by exploring its vast wetlands. Cycling along the dyke bike path around Etang de Vaccares is a popular option, offering views of the landscape and wildlife. You can also visit the Gacholle Lighthouse, which has an information center about the nature reserve. Many visitors enjoy birdwatching and even safaris to spot the famous white horses and flamingos.

Yes, Arles was a significant inspiration for Van Gogh. You can visit the Fondation Vincent Van Gogh Arles, dedicated to his work. The Café Van Gogh (Le Cafe la Nuit) is a recreation of the spot that inspired his famous painting. The Espace Van Gogh, formerly the hospital where he was treated, now serves as a cultural space. A stroll along the Rhône River also offers a chance to see where he found inspiration for 'Starry Night Over The Rhone'.

Visitors frequently praise the well-preserved historical sites, particularly the Roman amphitheater, for its grandeur and ongoing cultural events. The charming atmosphere of places like Saint-Rémy-de-Provence Old Town, with its shops and shaded squares, is also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the pleasant routes and scenic views offered by natural monuments like View of Les Baux-de-Provence, and the unique wildlife experiences in the Camargue.

Montmajour Abbey, located a few kilometers from Arles, is a Benedictine abbey dating back to the 10th century. It offers a captivating immersion into the region's medieval past. Its fortified keep provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it a significant historical and scenic attraction.

Also known as the Blue Museum, this archaeological museum highlights Arles' former status as a major town of Roman Gaul. It houses a significant collection of Roman artifacts, including a well-preserved 31-meter Roman barge and the only known portrait of Julius Caesar, offering deep insights into the region's ancient history.

Beyond the famous amphitheater, Arles boasts other significant ancient structures. The Roman Theatre, though largely dismantled, still features two magnificent Roman columns. The Cryptoporticus, subterranean galleries likely built by the Greeks in the 1st century BCE, were part of the Roman forum and are located beneath the City Hall. Additionally, the Baths of Constantine provide a detailed look into Roman public life.