
Home » Our Provence Journal » Arles in Provence: Roman Ruins, Van Gogh’s Legacy, and Provençal Life
Arles in Provence is a city in southern France where Roman monuments, Van Gogh's most famous paintings and everyday Provençal life share the same streets. This guide covers what to see and do in Arles, how to spend one day there, the best day trips from Arles into Provence, when to visit, how to get there and where to stay nearby.
Planning a villa holiday in the region? Contact a Villa Rental Specialist and we will help you build Arles into your Provence itinerary.
World Heritage, 1981
300+ works in 15 months
Saturday morning
45 min by train
Arles sits on the Rhône in the heart of Provence, about 45 minutes from Avignon by train and an hour from Marseille. Few cities outside Italy preserve the Roman world as vividly. The amphitheatre still fills with crowds, the ancient theatre still echoes with music, and UNESCO recognised Arles as a World Heritage Site in 1981.
Arles is also the city where Vincent van Gogh produced more than 300 works in just 15 months, and every summer it becomes the world capital of photography during the Rencontres d'Arles. Add one of the largest markets in Provence, a cuisine shaped by the neighbouring Camargue, and easy access to Avignon, Nîmes, Les Baux-de-Provence and the Alpilles, and Arles becomes one of the most rewarding destinations in southern France.
Whether you are here for a day or using a nearby villa as a base for a week, Arles offers a complete taste of Provence: history, art, food and the warm light that artists have chased for centuries.
Once a key outpost of the Roman Empire, Arles still carries the weight of its ancient grandeur in its streets and skyline. Rather than feeling frozen in time, these monuments remain part of daily life. Here are the Roman ruins and historic sites in Arles you should not miss.
Built in the 1st century AD, the Arles Amphitheatre once held 20,000 spectators cheering on gladiators and chariot races. Today it hosts concerts, plays and bullfighting events, making it one of the rare ancient sites still woven into modern life.
Just a short walk from the amphitheatre, the 1st-century Roman Theatre once staged comedies and tragedies for 10,000 people. Only fragments remain, including two elegant columns, but its atmosphere is still strong during summer performances.
The Alyscamps is a Roman necropolis that became one of the most famous burial sites of antiquity, lined with stone sarcophagi and cypress trees. Van Gogh and Gauguin both painted here during their time in the city.
The Baths of Constantine offer a rare glimpse into Roman daily life. These thermal baths once provided hot and cold rooms for relaxation and conversation.
Beneath the old Forum lies the Cryptoporticus, a network of vaulted underground tunnels that remain remarkably well preserved and are open for visitors to explore. For Roman mosaics and artifacts recovered from the city, add the Musée de l’Arles Antique to your list.

In 1888, Vincent van Gogh arrived in Arles searching for sunlight and new inspiration. In just 15 months he created more than 300 works, including some of his most famous paintings: The Yellow House, Café Terrace at Night and Starry Night Over the Rhône.
The Van Gogh walking trail maps out the key sites that inspired him, from the café on Place du Forum to the banks of the Rhône and the Alyscamps. While the original Yellow House was destroyed in the Second World War, the spirit of Van Gogh's time here lingers everywhere.
The Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles, opened in 2014, bridges his legacy with contemporary art through regularly rotating exhibitions that explore his influence on modern creativity. For art lovers, it is an essential stop.

If you are wondering what to do in Arles, these are the experiences that define a visit. Most sit within the compact historic center, so you can walk between them easily.
Stay close to the sights in a private Provence villa.
Find a VillaArles may be steeped in history, but it is also very much alive. The best way to feel its pulse is through its markets and festivals.
Held twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the Arles market is one of the largest in Provence. Saturday is the big one, stretching for nearly two kilometers along the boulevards. You will find seasonal produce, olives, lavender honey, Provençal fabrics, cured meats, and goat cheeses alongside stalls selling antiques, clothing, and household items. It is a reminder that Arles is not just for tourists; it is a real working city where locals come to shop and socialize.
Plan around more markets and events with our Provence market days guide and festivals of Provence.

To understand Arles, you have to taste it. Here, Provençal traditions meet the rustic flavors of the Camargue, creating a cuisine that is hearty, vibrant, and deeply connected to the land.
Try gardianne de taureau, a slow-cooked bull stew that nods to the Camargue’s cattle culture, or brandade de morue, a creamy salt cod dish. Ratatouille and aioli platters showcase Provence’s love of fresh vegetables and garlic.
Arles’s position beside the Camargue wetlands brings local rice, fresh seafood, and salt harvested from the nearby marshes.
Arles sits near the Rhône Valley, so expect excellent wines, from the bold reds of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to crisp rosés from Costières de Nîmes.
For dining, the old town is full of charming bistros and terraces. A few standouts:
Food in Arles is less about luxury and more about authenticity: simple dishes made with the freshest ingredients from the market. Want a chef in your villa kitchen? Ask about private chefs.
Can you see Arles in one day? Yes. The historic centre is compact and walkable, and the main sights sit close together. Here is how to spend one day in Arles.
Arles is a destination in its own right, but its location also makes it a perfect springboard for exploring Provence. Within an hour, you can trade Roman stones for lavender fields, step into medieval palaces, or find yourself among flamingos in the Camargue.
Have two or three days? Add the Camargue and Les Baux-de-Provence as day trips, described below.
A wild landscape of wetlands, pink flamingos, white horses, and black bulls. Do not miss Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, known for its gypsy pilgrimage and beaches.
Home to the Palais des Papes and the famous Pont d’Avignon.
Another Roman gem, with its own amphitheatre and the Maison Carrée temple.
A stunning village with panoramic views and the immersive Carrières de Lumières art show.
The hills around Les Baux are olive-grove and vineyard country, ideal for scenic drives, cycling, and long lunches in small villages.
A little further afield, the hilltop villages of the Luberon and the lavender fields of Provence make a full and memorable day.
For more ideas across the region, explore our guide to the villages in Provence.
Arles is a year-round destination, but each season offers something different.
The Saturday market runs year-round, so whichever season you choose, try to be in Arles on a Saturday morning.
Exploring Arles and the surrounding region is even more rewarding when you have a Provençal home base to return to at the end of the day. A private villa offers the best of both worlds: proximity to historic towns and markets, plus the privacy, space, and comfort that make your trip unforgettable. Imagine mornings with fresh croissants by the pool, afternoons wandering Roman streets or lavender fields, and evenings gathered around a long table with local wine and friends.
The countryside around the Alpilles and Les Baux-de-Provence, and the villages between Arles and Avignon, all make ideal bases for exploring Arles and the Camargue.
Only Provence offers the largest curated collection of luxury villas in the region, from historic stone farmhouses to contemporary estates with sweeping views. Each property is hand-selected for character, comfort, and authenticity, with concierge services available to arrange everything from private chefs to guided tours.
Olive groves and vineyards, minutes from Les Baux.
Hilltop views and a short drive to Arles.
Village bases between both cities.
Tell us your dates and group size. We will match you with villas near Arles and arrange chefs, tours and more.
Yes. Arles is in Provence, in southern France, on the Rhône between Avignon and the Camargue. It is one of the region's most important historic cities.
Yes. The historic centre is compact and the main monuments sit close together. Follow the one-day itinerary above to cover the Roman sites in the morning, Van Gogh and the market in the afternoon, and Place du Forum and the Rhône in the evening.
The Camargue, Avignon, Nîmes, Les Baux-de-Provence and the Alpilles are all within about an hour of Arles. The Luberon villages and lavender fields make a longer but rewarding day.
Absolutely. Arles combines Roman history, Van Gogh's legacy, Provençal markets and access to the Camargue in a single walkable city. Few destinations in Provence pack in as much variety, and it sits within easy reach of most villa locations in the region.

Arles is one of those rare places where time seems to fold in on itself. Roman stones sit beside medieval churches, cafés line the same boulevards that Vincent van Gogh once sketched, and the Provençal sun continues to cast that warm glow artists have been chasing for centuries.
For travelers exploring Provence, Arles is more than a stopover. It’s a city that rewards curiosity — whether you’re wandering cobbled streets, exploring ruins, tasting local wines, or simply sitting along the Rhône watching the light shift. This guide dives into the history, culture, and experiences that make Arles one of southern France’s most unforgettable destinations.
Few cities outside Italy preserve the Roman world as vividly as Arles. Once a key outpost of the Roman Empire, the city still carries the weight of its ancient grandeur in its streets and skyline. The scale of its amphitheater, the solemn beauty of its necropolis, and the quiet presence of its underground passages make it clear why UNESCO recognized Arles as a World Heritage site in 1981. Rather than feeling frozen in time, these monuments remain an integral part of daily life — arenas still fill with crowds, ancient theaters echo with music, and centuries-old stones continue to shape the rhythm of the city.
Walking through Arles is like stepping into a living museum — except this one still hosts concerts, markets, and festivals that you can visit.










In 1888, Vincent van Gogh arrived in Arles, searching for sunlight and new inspiration. In just 15 months, he created over 300 works, including some of his most famous paintings: The Yellow House, Café Terrace at Night, and Starry Night Over the Rhône.
The Van Gogh walking trail maps out key sites that inspired him, from the Place du Forum café to the banks of the Rhône. While the original Yellow House was destroyed in WWII, the spirit of Van Gogh’s time here lingers everywhere.
The Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles, opened in 2014, bridges his legacy with contemporary art, regularly rotating exhibitions that explore his influence on modern creativity. For art lovers, it’s an essential stop.
Van Gogh’s time in Arles wasn’t easy — his friendship with Gauguin ended in turmoil, and his mental health struggles worsened. But it’s impossible to deny that Arles gave him something vital: light, color, and a burst of creativity that changed art forever.





Arles may be steeped in history, but it’s also very much alive. The best way to feel its pulse is through its markets and festivals.
The Arles Market: Held twice weekly (Wednesdays and Saturdays), the Arles market is one of the largest in Provence. Saturday is the big one, stretching for nearly two kilometers along the boulevards. You’ll find seasonal produce, olives, lavender honey, Provençal fabrics, cured meats, and goat cheeses — alongside stalls selling antiques, clothing, and household items.
It’s a sensory overload in the best way, and a reminder that Arles isn’t just for tourists; it’s a real working city where locals come to shop and socialize.
Rencontres d’Arles Photography Festival: Every summer since 1970, Arles transforms into the world capital of photography. Exhibits pop up in historic chapels, warehouses, and Roman ruins, attracting artists and visitors from around the globe.
Feria d’Arles: This twice-yearly bullfighting festival fills the streets with parades, music, and dancing. Even if you skip the corrida, the atmosphere in town is electric.
Traditional fêtes: Throughout the year, you’ll find smaller events celebrating Provençal costumes, folk music, and heritage.
These gatherings give Arles a unique energy, blending its historic roots with a lively modern identity.

To understand Arles, you have to taste it. The city’s identity is tied as much to its kitchens and markets as to its amphitheatre and galleries. Here, Provençal traditions meet the rustic flavors of the Camargue, creating a cuisine that is hearty, vibrant, and deeply connected to the land. From stews simmered with local bull meat to the crisp rosés poured from nearby vineyards, eating in Arles is less about ceremony and more about savoring authenticity at every table.
For dining, the old town is full of charming bistros and terraces. A few standouts include:
Food in Arles is less about luxury and more about authenticity — simple dishes made with the freshest ingredients from the market.

Arles is a destination in its own right, but its location also makes it a perfect springboard for exploring some of Provence’s most iconic landscapes and towns. Within an hour, you can trade Roman stones for lavender fields, step into medieval palaces, or find yourself among flamingos in the Camargue.
Whether you’re chasing history, nature, or small-village charm, the region around Arles offers day trips that feel like entirely new worlds waiting just beyond the city.







Best Seasons
Getting There: Arles is well connected by train, with direct routes from Marseille (1 hour), Avignon (45 minutes), and Nîmes (30 minutes). The nearest airports are Marseille Provence (70 km) and Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes (25 km).
Getting Around: The city itself is walkable, and cycling is popular for exploring the Rhône and Camargue. A car is useful if you plan on day trips to nearby villages or countryside.

Arles is more than a city of monuments. It’s a place where the past and present coexist — where Roman amphitheatres still host performances, where Van Gogh’s brushstrokes still echo in the light, and where Provençal culture thrives in markets and festivals. Whether you’re here for history, art, food, or simply the atmosphere, Arles offers a complete taste of Provence.
Spend a day, or spend a week. Either way, Arles leaves its mark — as it has for centuries on emperors, artists, and travelers alike.
Exploring Arles and the surrounding region is even more rewarding when you have a Provençal home base to return to at the end of the day. A private villa offers the best of both worlds — proximity to historic towns and markets, along with the privacy, space, and comfort that make your trip unforgettable. Imagine mornings with fresh croissants by the pool, afternoons wandering Roman streets or lavender fields, and evenings gathered around a long table with local wine and friends.
Only Provence offers the largest curated collection of luxury villas in the region, from historic stone farmhouses to contemporary estates with sweeping views. Each property is hand-selected for character, comfort, and authenticity, with concierge services available to arrange everything from private chefs to guided tours.
Ready to experience the magic of Provence for yourself? Contact a Villa Rental Specialist today to begin planning your stay and find the perfect villa from which to explore Arles, the Camargue, and beyond.

Yes. Arles combines Roman history, Van Gogh’s legacy, Provençal culture, and access to the Camargue. Few cities pack in as much diversity.
One day covers highlights, but two to three days give time for markets, museums, and day trips.
Its Roman amphitheatre, UNESCO monuments, Van Gogh’s paintings, and the Rencontres d’Arles Photography Festival.
Yes, it’s easy from Avignon, Nîmes, or Marseille. Staying overnight, though, lets you experience the quieter, more authentic side of the city.
Dishes like bull stew (gardianne de taureau), Camargue rice, and Provençal classics like ratatouille and aioli.
Saturday mornings, when the market is at its largest and liveliest.


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Only Provence co-founder Lydia Dean writes about their experiences raising a family, building a business in Provence, and later combining the love of travel with giving back in "Jumping the Picket Fence". In 2021, she published "Light Through the Cracks," a continuation of her journey, much of which has been based in Provence. Both books are available Amazon, Amazon.uk, and Amazon.Fr.
