The Romans came to Arles in 123 BC and this Provencal town has never looked back. The evidence of Julius Caesar and the Roman Emperors is easy to spot – the magnificent amphitheatre dominates the town centre and there are many other Roman remains to discover. There is much more to Arles than antiquity though – the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh was inspired to produce 300 paintings while staying in Arles, including some of his most famous creations. With a magnificent cathedral, the sparkling waters of the Rhône river and one of the best Saturday markets in France, Arles is the complete package for visitors.
Areas & Neighbourhoods in Arles
City Centre — You’ll find many of the choicest Roman monuments in the centre of town on the southern side of the Rhône, among the terracotta roofs. In fact most of Arles’ major sights are within walking distance, including two cathedrals, the van Gogh museum and some charming town squares.
Pont Van Gogh — Formerly known as the Langlois Bridge, this wooden drawbridge reminiscent of similar Dutch bridges was painted four times by the famous artist. The original bridge was demolished in the 1930s, but the reconstruction still attracts visitors all year round.
The Camargue — The wetlands of the Camargue start on the edge of Arles and expand south until the swamp is indistinguishable from the Mediterranean. The 100,000 hectares of wildlife reserve was formed between the two branches of the Rhône, and it’s a great place to spot the 400 bird species that live here.
Things to See in Arles
Roman Gaul is hard to escape – and why would you? The Arenes, or amphitheatre, dominates views of Arles, and is close to the Gallo-Roman theatre, the hot spa Thermae of Constantine and the cryptoporticus tunnels. A short walk to the city walls takes you to the Alyscamps, the necropolis where people were buried for 1,500 years. With the Arles obelisk and the Barbegal aqueduct and mill to take in, you can follow in Caesar’s footsteps for hours on end. But don’t miss the churches of St Trophime and Notre Dame de la Major, or van Gogh’s places of inspiration.
Things to Do in Arles
After touring ancient Roman buildings, see them come to life by watching a bullfight at the amphitheatre. This Provencal tradition involves watching a team of men trying to remove a tassel from the bull’s horn, leaving it unharmed. Make sure you visit the Fondation Vincent Van Gogh gallery and the Espace Van Gogh – the hospital where the artist’s ear was repaired – as well as touring the places he painted from the Pont Van Gogh to the viewpoint for Starry Night Over The Rhône. Then take a day trip into the Camargue – perhaps hire a bicycle – or try to catch one of the many festivals that call Arles home.
