What to See in Arles, France

Complete with Roman ruins, Rhone River views, and vine-covered facades, Arles is bursting with European charm. Here's our easy-to-use guide for what to see in Arles, France to help you plan your next visit.

The picturesque city of Arles is located along the banks of the Rhone River in southern France, about 50 miles northwest of Marseilles.

We visited this beautiful city recently as part of a week-long AmaWaterways cruise. Along the way, we made several stops including Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, Vienne, and Lyon. But Arles served as the departure point.

Steeped in history, the first Roman settlement in Arles dates back nearly two thousand years. And you can see grand examples all over the city, including an extremely well-preserved amphitheater.

But Arles also offers so much more, including its connection with artist Vincent Van Gogh, quaint, picturesque squares, and its place as an important gateway to the Rhone valley.

Arles Amphitheatre

It's easy to spend hours walking along Arles' winding streets and alleys—as we did—replete with charming boutiques and cafes. But then you turn a corner and it rises up in front of you: the grand Arles Amphitheater.

Built in the late 1st century, this enormous Roman structure is the jewel in Arles' crown of attractions. The site once hosted gladiator battles for up to 20,000 spectators. Then in the Middle Ages, it was converted into a fortress with up to 200 homes and other buildings erected inside its walls.

In the early 19th century, the buildings were removed and the arena was restored to resemble its original footprint.

We were amazed by how it's still in remarkably good condition today.

And it's now one of many UNESCO World Heritage sites throughout Arles. These days it hosts an array of cultural events such as concerts and theater performances, as well as several daily tour groups.

The amphitheater is surrounded by little shops and restaurants, so you could grab a drink and a bite to eat while you admire the wonder of this ancient marvel.

If you'd like to get a closer look from inside, you can buy ampitheater admission tickets online. Admission starts at €7 (about $7.50).

Roman Theater

After the amphitheater, we walked just a few steps to the Roman Theater, also known as the Théâtre Antique. Built about 100 years earlier than the amphitheater, this once impressive structure was among the first Roman stone theaters, able to entertain up to 10,000 people at a time.

A pair of the original columns still stand today, as do some of the arches of the original facade, giving an impression of what it looked like during Roman times.

It still hosts concerts, photo exhibitions, and other events, mainly during the summer months.

Place du Forum

Looking for even more ancient history? Another site that dates back two thousand years is the remains of the Roman Forum.

Known locally as Place du Forum, now the area is home to a charming square with restaurants and shops. We decided to stop here for lunch since it was such a sunny day and the area featured several eateries with outdoor seating.

This square is also where you'll find the cafe that served as the inspiration for Vincent Van Gogh's famous painting Café Terrace at Night.

Glimpses of the ancient forum can still be seen around the square, including a partial Roman facade. Back then, this area served as the vibrant center of the city. Now it's a bit more tranquil.

And it's one of the city's most beautiful spots to enjoy the allure of modern Arles while having a bite to eat or simply whiling away an afternoon.

Saint-Trophime Cathedral

Arles is a very walkable city, which means many of the main attractions are fairly close to each other. Just a few minutes walk from the Espace Van Gogh, we found the Saint-Trophime Cathedral, which sits in the wide open Place de la Republique.

Construction on the church, named for the first bishop of Arles, Thophimus, started in the 12th century and took about 300 years to complete. The site was originally one of the first stops on the Via Tolosana (also known as the Way of Arles), a well-known pilgrimage route in France.

One of the most prominent features of the cathedral, also a UNESCO site, is the intricate Romanesque bas-relief sculptures on its facade. They depict various biblical figures and we were amazed at the expert craftsmanship.

The square where the church sits also is home to the Arles town hall and a 4th-century Roman obelisk.

Picturesque squares in Arles

While you could spend days marveling at the Roman-era architecture and following the steps of Vincent Van Gogh through Arles, sometimes you just want to relax and watch the world go by. And Arles is an ideal, and idyllic, place to do just that.

The city has numerous, lovely squares with cafes and restaurants, perfect for grabbing a drink, reading a book, and simply enjoying the peaceful, beautiful surroundings and quintessential French charm.

And since Arles is such a walkable city, it's easy to explore a few squares in a day, as we did. Or do it over the course of a few days and really soak up all that Arles has to offer.

Rhone Riverfront

The Rhone River is a key geographical feature of Arles. And any given evening, you can see locals relaxing along its expansive banks just outside the city center.

We took a leisurely stroll along the riverwalk to watch the sunset. But you could also grab a sandwich and enjoy some peace and quiet while perched on the embankment overlooking the river.

It's a great way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing, and you can catch a nice breeze off the river in the warmer summer months.

Gateway to the Rhone Valley

Along with its charm and history, Arles is also a popular destination for Rhone river cruises.

Our cruise departed from Arles for our trip up the Rhone. It's an easy way to experience both the natural beauty of the shifting landscapes, as well as the cultural differences and traditions from region to region.

And one of the best parts: you don't need to unpack and check into a hotel at every stop. You simply hop back on board the ship and await your next destination!

How to get to Arles

The closest large airport to Arles is located in Marseilles, which is where we flew into. Arles is about an hour's drive to the southeast. But it's easy to get to by public transportation. Here's how:

• After arriving at the Marseilles airport, walk to the nearby bus depot (about 5 minutes away).
• Look for the bus going in the direction of Vitrolles-Aéroport Marseille Provence. You can buy a ticket at the bus counter or on the bus for about $1.
• It usually leaves from Dock 5.
• Get off at the Vitrolles Provence train station stop, which will be the first one.
• At the train station, use the machine to buy a ticket to Arles (the machine works by turning the knob in the center).
• Climb the stairs to the platform to grab your train.

Trains leave about every half hour. A one-way ticket from Vitrolles-Aéroport Marseille Provence to Arles costs about $15. And the ride takes roughly 40 minutes.