- Arles contains a massive network of Roman underground tunnels known as the cryptoporticus, which served as the structural foundation for the city's ancient forum.
- The city is a gateway to the Camargue, a unique marshy delta region famous for its wild white horses, black bulls, and pink flamingos.
- During the Roman era, Arles was known as 'Little Rome' and functioned as a strategic administrative center for the Western Mediterranean.
- Arles hosts one of the world's most prestigious annual photography festivals, attracting artists and visitors from across the globe since 1970.
- The city’s traditional folk costumes and language have been preserved through local associations, a tradition significantly championed by poet Frédéric Mistral.
About Arles
Arles is a UNESCO World Heritage site situated in the Provence region, renowned for its exceptional density of Roman architecture including the iconic Arles Amphitheatre. The city’s profound influence on art history is cemented by the Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles, which honors the painter’s prolific period here. Visitors can explore the deep cultural roots of the region through the extensive collections at the Museon Arlaten or walk through the underground galleries of the Cryptoportiques d'Arles. This city serves as a living museum where ancient Roman history and Provencal artistic heritage intersect.
Highlights of Arles
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
View one of the best-preserved Roman arenas in the world, still used for seasonal events.
Museums
View rare Roman artifacts, including a full-scale replica of a flat-bottomed river barge discovered in the Rhone.
Historical places
Admire the remaining Corinthian columns of this ancient site which continues to host open-air performances.
Museums
Examine contemporary art and rotating exhibitions that explore the legacy of Vincent van Gogh.
Temples
Study the intricate Romanesque stone carvings decorating the facade of this medieval church.
Places of interest
Visit the site that inspired van Gogh’s famous depiction of a drawbridge in the Provencal countryside.
Museums
Explore an eclectic collection of fine arts housed in a 17th-century grand residence along the riverbank.
Historical places
Descend beneath the town square to explore the vast subterranean galleries of the ancient Roman market.
Top things to do in Arles
The 95 highest-rated places in Arles, ranked by travellers.
1
Historical places
The Arles Amphitheatre is a Roman-built structure dating back to 90 AD, designed to hold up to 20,000 spectators for cha...
2
Zoos
The Camargue Regional Nature Park is a vast protected wetland delta located at the mouth of the Rhône River between the...
3
Parks
The Ornithological Park of Pont de Gau is a 60-hectare nature reserve located in the heart of the Camargue Regional Natu...
4
Temples
5
Museums
6
Historical places
7
Historical places
8
Amusement parks
9
Amusement parks
10
Museums
11
Historical places
12
Temples
13
Venues
14
Places of interest
15
Parks
16
Zoos
17
Historical places
18
Museums
19
Museums
20
Museums
21
Historical places
22
Venues
23
Places of interest
24
Historical places
25
Temples
26
Historical places
27
Zoos
28
Temples
29
Temples
30
Zoos
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
Arles on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Arles
May to June or September to October, when temperatures are moderate for walking and the peak summer crowds have not yet arrived.
2-3 days, providing enough time to visit the major Roman sites and explore the surrounding Camargue countryside.
The historic center is highly walkable, while local buses serve the outskirts and neighboring natural parks.
The historic center (within the Roman ramparts) is best for proximity to sites, while the area near the Rhone river offers scenic views.
Mid-range; while dining and entry fees are standard for France, accommodation costs can rise during summer festivals.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 95 curated attractions in and around Arles, ranked by traveller ratings.
Arles Amphitheatre is the highest-rated place to visit in Arles right now.
The largest category is museums, with 21 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Paris, Lyon, Lormont.
Explore more of France
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
