A narrow alley way with potted plants on either side
City view with an ancient amphitheater.
The roman amphitheater of nîmes is shown here.
People walk through a grand hall with arched windows.
Bronze lion statue on a pedestal with building background

Holiday in Arles

City in France — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇫🇷

Country

France

Type

City

Best time to travel

April to October

Budget/day

120-200€: Boutique hotel in the old town, Provençal lunch menu, visit to LUMA.

Getting there from Germany

Flight to Marseille (MRS) approx. 1.5h, then 50 min. by TGV or car. Direct TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon in 2.5h.

What makes Arles special as a destination?

Arles is a city where 2,000 years of history meet vibrant creativity – the impressive Roman buildings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage and the city is inextricably linked to Vincent van Gogh, who created over 300 works here. The majestic amphitheater, where bullfights and concerts still take place today, and the ancient theater testify to the city's former significance as the capital of Gaul. German cultural travelers are thrilled by the mix of antiquity, Van Gogh traces, and the new LUMA Foundation by Frank Gehry, which makes Arles a hotspot for contemporary art. As a gateway to the wild Camargue, the city is also ideally located for excursions to see flamingos and white horses.

Culture
95
Safety
82
Food
80
Romance
80
Urban
75

What are the top highlights in Arles?

The top highlights in Arles include Amphithéâtre (Arènes), LUMA Arles & Frank-Gehry-Turm, Van-Gogh-Rundgang, Thermes de Constantin.

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Amphithéâtre (Arènes)

The impressive Roman amphitheater from the 1st century accommodates 20,000 spectators and offers a grand 360° view over Arles.

2

LUMA Arles & Frank-Gehry-Turm

The futuristic tower clad in aluminum by star architect Frank Gehry is the new landmark – a cultural center for contemporary art.

3

Van-Gogh-Rundgang

10 easels in the cityscape mark the places where Van Gogh painted his famous works – from Café de Nuit to the Langlois Bridge.

4

Thermes de Constantin

The best-preserved Roman baths in Gaul directly on the Rhône showcase the engineering skills of antiquity with underfloor heating and vaults.

Hotels in Arles

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Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

When is the best time to visit Arles?

The best time to visit Arles is April to October. Hot and dry, 28-34°C, intense light that fascinated Van Gogh. In winter: Mild, 5-12°C, the cold Mistral wind can blow, but it brings a bright blue sky.

Recommended travel time

April to October

Summer

Hot and dry, 28-34°C, intense light that fascinated Van Gogh.

Winter

Mild, 5-12°C, the cold Mistral wind can blow, but it brings a bright blue sky.

How much does a holiday in Arles cost?

Budget travellers: 60-90€: Hotel on the outskirts, street cafés, UNESCO monuments with combo ticket./day, mid-range: 120-200€: Boutique hotel in the old town, Provençal lunch menu, visit to LUMA./day, luxury: 300€+: Design hotel in the center, star restaurant, private Camargue tour./day.

Average costs per person per day

Budget

60-90€: Hotel on the outskirts, street cafés, UNESCO monuments with combo ticket.

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

Mid-range

120-200€: Boutique hotel in the old town, Provençal lunch menu, visit to LUMA.

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

Luxury

300€+: Design hotel in the center, star restaurant, private Camargue tour.

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

How do I get from Germany to Arles?

Flight to Marseille (MRS) approx. 1.5h, then 50 min. by TGV or car. Direct TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon in 2.5h.

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What travel tips are there for Arles?

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

The combo ticket 'Monuments Pass' for all Roman sites is significantly cheaper than individual tickets and is valid for several days.

On Saturdays, one of the best and largest markets in Provence takes place along the Boulevard des Lices.

In July, 'Les Rencontres de la Photographie' takes place – one of the most important photography festivals in the world with exhibitions throughout the city.

Arles is the perfect starting point for the Camargue – bike tours through the rice fields and salt lagoons start right outside the city.

What should you eat in Arles?

Typical specialities in Arles: Taureau de Camargue – tender meat from the wild Camargue bulls, often served as Gardianne (stew), Riz de Camargue – red and white rice from the rice fields south of Arles, Saucisson d'Arles – the famous dry sausage from Arles made with donkey or bull meat, Navettes – boat-shaped pastries with orange blossom water, a Provençal specialty.

These specialties you must try!

Taureau de Camargue – tender meat from the wild Camargue bulls, often served as Gardianne (stew)
Riz de Camargue – red and white rice from the rice fields south of Arles
Saucisson d'Arles – the famous dry sausage from Arles made with donkey or bull meat
Navettes – boat-shaped pastries with orange blossom water, a Provençal specialty
Suitable for:unescoromansvan-goghamphitheatercultural cityprovencecamarguelumaphotographyhistory

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