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How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Arles, France (+14 Best Things to do)

Roman Amphitheater is one of the best things to do in Arles
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Planning to spend one day in Arles? From ancient Roman ruins to the sites that inspired many of Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings, there are so many incredible things to do in Arles in one day.

Located in the heart of Provence, next to the Rhône River, Arles is one of the most unique cities in the region. This is one our favorite places to visit in Southern France for its mix of ancient Roman architecture and classic French culture. We’ve visited 3 separate times and just can’t seem to get enough!

In this article, we are sharing the best things to do in Arles in one day, including a Van Gogh walking tour, visiting the historical Roman monuments, going to a museum or two, and more!

One Day in Arles Overview

Here is an overview of the most significant sites to see during your one day in Arles, including the Roman Ruins and the history of Van Gogh in the city.

Roman Ruins in Arles

Arles became an important Roman colony in the 1st century BC.

During this time period, many Roman structures were built and several of them are still standing today. You can visit 6 of these monuments, and they are all within walking distance around Arles.

These Roman monuments were recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1981.

Here is a list of all of the Roman monuments you can visit in Arles:

  • Roman amphitheater
  • Roman Theater
  • Baths of Constantine
  • Saint-Trophime Cloister
  • Cryptoportiques
  • The Alyscamps (Roman and medieval graveyard)

You should have plenty of time to see all of the Roman monuments in one day. If you need to pick and choose, then we recommend visiting the amphitheater, Roman Theater, Saint-Trophime Cloister, and the Alyscamps.

Van Gogh in Arles

Langlois Bridge Van Gogh in Arles
The Langlois Bridge that Van Gogh painted in Arles.

Vincent Van Gogh spent 14 months in Arles between the years of 1888-1889. He created over 300 paintings during this time where he found inspiration from the Provencal landscapes and Arles itself.

One of my favorite things to do in Arles is the Van Gogh self-guided walking tour. This tour will take you to many of the places that he painted, including the cafe from his painting “Le Cafe La Nuit.”

You can download the walking tour guide here, or you can pick one up from the tourist office in Arles.

The Langlois Bridge

Van Gogh painted the Langlois Bridge many times during his stay in Arles. You can see it in the photo above. To visit the bridge, it’s either a 40-minute walk from the center of Arles or a 12-minute drive.

Best Arles Walking Tours

Want to learn about the Roman monuments and history of Van Gogh in Arles with an expert Guide? We recommend these private tours to make the most out of your one day in Arles.

  • Half-day Private walking tour – On this tour, you’ll spend 4 hours exploring the city’s most historical sites, including stops at almost all of the Roman monuments. Admission to the sites is included on this tour!
  • 2-hour Private Walking Tour – This tour will take you around the city as you learn about its history and significance. You’ll stop at the Roman amphitheater and explore Van Gogh’s life in Arles. Admission to sites is not included in this tour. 

14 Best Things to do in Arles

With one day in Arles, you will have plenty of time to see many of the Roman monuments and Van Gogh sites, as well as a museum or two. Here is a list of some of the best things to do in Arles.

1. Roman Amphitheater (Arena)

Arles Roman Amphitheater

Whether you arrived by train or by car, head over to the Roman Amphitheater and start your day off here.

This arena was built in 90 AD and once held 20,000 spectators. That’s about 30,000 less than the colosseum in Rome to give you an idea of its size – it’s a bit smaller but still an incredible feat no less. Spectators once gathered here for gladiator battles and chariot races.

You’ll notice two towers on either side of the arena. The towers were added on in the 5th century when the arena was transformed into a medieval fortress.

Nowadays, the arena hosts bullfights and theatrical performances.

2. Roman Theater

Arles Roman Theater

The Roman Theater sits adjacent to the arena. This theater was built one century before the arena in 1st century BC when Augustus was Emperor.

The Roman theater once held 10,000 people and is used today to host many theatrical and musical events.

3. Saint – Trophime Cloister

Saint Trophime Church Arles, France

The Saint-Trophime church was completed in the 15th century and is a Roman-Catholic church.

You can visit the cloister inside where it displays incredible sculptures on the columns depicting many biblical scenes.

4. Baths of Constantine

Constantine Baths Arles

The Roman Baths of Constantine in Arles, France are a stunning example of ancient Roman architecture. Built around the 4th century AD during the reign of Emperor Constantine, these baths were designed to provide public bathing facilities for citizens and visitors alike.

The complex features several distinct areas such as hot and cold swimming pools, saunas and massage rooms. The walls are adorned with intricate mosaics depicting mythological scenes from Greek and Roman mythology.

These baths remain an impressive testament to the engineering prowess of the Romans who constructed them more than 1,600 years ago.

5. Cryptoporticus

Cryptoportiques in Arles

The Cryptoporticus is an underground passageway dating back to 1st century BC, during the Roman Empire. It is a subterranean structure located beneath the city of Arles, France.

The purpose of this ancient underground passageway was to provide an efficient and secure means of transporting goods from one part of the city to another. This remarkable engineering feat featured a series of arched vaults and is supported by pillars made from stone blocks.

6. Place de La Republique

One day in arles

The Place de la Republique is the main square in Arles. It features a 4th century obelisk that is another reminder of the Romans influence on the city.

Surrounding the square you’ll find many shops and cafes, as well as the Saint-Trophime church and the town hall.

7. L’Espace Van Gogh

L'espace Van Gogh

L’Espace Van Gogh was once a hospital that was made famous by Van Gogh. Van Gogh stayed in this hospital twice after he cut off his ear during a manic episode.

During his stay at the hospital, he painted two artworks – “Garden of the Hospital in Arles” and “Ward of the Hospital in Arles.”

The exterior of the building still looks the same as it did in his painting back in the late 1800s.

The building is now a community center, and the courtyard is open for visitors to walk around and enjoy.

8. Le Cafe Van Gogh

Yellow cafe Van Gogh in Arles

Make your way to Le Cafe Van Gogh to see the cafe that is in Van Gogh’s “Le Cafe La Nuit.”

The cafe looks almost the same as it did in the painting, so it’s fun to stop by and see it in person.

I personally have not eaten at the cafe and the Google reviews aren’t convincing either, so I can’t recommend eating there. But if you do try it, let us know how it is in the comments.

9. Fondation Vincent Van Gogh

Van Gogh Fondation Arles

The Fondation Vincent Van Gogh is a non-profit museum that pays homage to Van Gogh’s life and legacy.

The foundation features many artworks by contemporary artists that were inspired by Van Gogh’s time in Arles. It also features many of Van Gogh’s original paintings.

I really enjoyed my time here and would recommend visiting if you would like to learn more about Van Gogh’s life and see some of his artwork in person while you are in Arles.

10. Walk Along the Banks of the Rhone River

Walking along the Rhône river in Arles

Arles is situated next to the Rhone River that runs all the way from Switzerland to the Mediterranean Sea.

Take a moment and walk along the banks of the river and enjoy the views.

11. Wander Through The Streets

Street view of Arles

The streets of Arles are incredibly charming. One of my favorite activities is to wander around the old streets, visit small shops, grab a pastry or gelato, and just slowly stroll around the town.

I once discovered an art shop tucked at the end of a windy street. I picked up a few art supplies to draw during my time in Provence after being inspired by Van Gogh.

You never know what you’ll discover . . .

12. The Alyscamps

The Alyscamps is a Roman and medieval graveyard located about a 10-minute walk from the arena.

This is also a stop on the Van Gogh walking tour since it was the setting for several of his paintings. It’s a beautiful area to walk around and explore history.

13. The Arles Market

Arles open-air market
Food market in Arles, France

Visiting a market in Provence is a must! The Arles market is open year-round every Wednesday and Saturday morning from 8am – 1pm.

The Wednesday market is much smaller and is located on Boulevard Émile-Combes. The Saturday market has a lot more vendors and is located on Boulevard des Lices.

The market is filled with fresh produce, cheeses, meats, olives, food vendors, clothes, and much more. If you have time, I would highly recommend stopping by to experience a market in the South of France!

14. The Yellow House

The “yellow house” was the studio and residence of Vincent Van Gogh during his time in Arles. The house is no longer there, but the building that was behind the yellow house in the painting is still there.

One Day in Arles… if you have more time

If you are left with more time on your day in Arles, then here are a couple of museums you can visit.

  • Reattu museum – A fine art museum with contemporary artworks, photography, and drawings by Pablo Picasso
  • Arles Antiques Museum – Displays many antiques and artifacts from the Roman period in Arles.
  • LUMA Arles (Parc des Ateliers) – Located just outside of the city center, this is a unique space that hosts modern and contemporary art exhibitions.

Arles Discount Passes

View of Arles, France

We highly recommend purchasing a discount pass for your one day in Arles. You’ll be able to get access to most of the sites in a city for a very reasonable price!

There are two passes – Pass Avantage and Pass Liberte.

Pass Avantage – this pass gives you one entry into each of the monuments and 3 museums. Cost: €16

Pass Liberte – this pass gives you entry to 1 museum, 4 monuments, and the Reattu museum. Cost: €12

You can buy these passes directly from the tourist office in Arles when you arrive.

Note: these passes do not include entry into the Vincent Van Gogh Foundation.

Les Rencontres d’Arles

One of the best things to do in Arles is to attend Les Rencontres d’Arles, an annual photography festival held during the summer months of July – September.

If you are visiting during these months, then you can plan ahead and attend an exhibition, a workshop, or a performance that is held during the festival.

For more information, visit the official website of the event.

Tours to Arles from Provence

Place de la republic Arles, France

Arles is a fantastic day trip from nearby Provencal towns, such as Avignon and Marseille.

We love doing guided tours when we travel because it’s a great way to take a deep-dive into the history of a city and gain a new perspective on the place.

Here are a couple of tour options we recommend:

  • Day tour from Marseille: Follow the Steps of Van Gogh – a 7.5 hour private tour from Marseille that takes you to the most significant places that Van Gogh painted and lived in Provence. You’ll visit Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence, and St-Remy-de-Provence on this tour.
  • Day tour from Avignon: Art and History in Provence – an 8.5 hour group tour taking you to the most famous Roman monuments and Van Gogh sites in Provence. This includes a visit to Arles, Les Beaux-de-Provence, Nîmes, and the Pont du Gard.

Getting Around Arles

Summer in Arles

Arles is a very walkable city. Everything is within a 10-15 minute walk, and the city is so charming that you’ll want to explore the streets as much as you can.

For example, the Roman amphitheater to the Fondation Vincent Van Gogh is only a 7-minute walk.

One Day in Arles Map

To help you get around during your one day in Arles, here is a map of all of the sites highlighted in this itinerary.

Select the icon on the left with arrow to view a list of all of the sites. On your phone, select the box icon on the right and the map will open up on Google Maps.

How to Get to Arles

Summer in Arles cafe outside
Door in Arles

Getting to Arles By Car

Renting a car is a great idea for your trip to Southern France! We’ve rented a car almost every time we’ve visited Provence because it’s the most convenient way to get around the region. It usually ends up being cheaper than taking the train everywhere as well.

We recommend Discover Cars for car rentals in Europe. It’s convenient, reliable, and easy to use, plus it always has the most competitive pricing.

Arles is located only 1 hour and 15 minutes Northwest of Marseille and 45 minutes South of Avignon. It’s a perfect day trip from one of the larger cities in the area.

Getting to Arles by Train

Arles is pretty centrally located in Provence, which makes it easy to access by train.

The train from Marseille to Arles takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour and costs around €32 round trip. The train from Avignon takes 30 minutes and costs around €17 round trip.

To purchase your train tickets, use the SNCF Connect website.

Best time to visit Arles

Arles is beautiful year-round, but the city really comes to life during the summer. With Les Rencontres d’Arles, markets, and other festivities, there is a lot happening from June to early September.

Of course, most people want to visit during this time, so expect higher prices and crowds in the peak summer season.

For a more affordable and more calm experience, visiting Arles during the shoulder seasons is a great idea. April to May and September to October are all wonderful times to visit, plus the weather is quite pleasant during this time as well.

Where to Stay in Arles

  • Luxury hotel: L’Hôtel Particulier | This gorgeous 5-star hotel is an oasis in the center of Arles. With modern rooms, A/C, and a pool, it has everything you need for a comfortable stay.
  • Boutique hotel: Maison Volver | This charming hotel features a private outdoor terrace and charming rooms, making it a great pick for your stay in Arles.
  • Mid-range hotel: Hotel Spa Le Calendal | Located in the center of Arles, this hotel features nice rooms with spa access.
  • Budget hotel: Hôtel de l’Amphithéâtre | This affordable hotel has everything you need for an enjoyable stay and is located very close to the ancient Arles Amphitheater.

One Day in Arles Frequently Asked Questions

Is one day enough for Arles?

Yes, one day is plenty of time to see the main sights in Arles. If you’re looking for a good base for day trips around Provence, then Arles is a great spot to stay for a few days while exploring the region.

Is it worth visiting Arles?

Yes! Arles is a beautiful city with ancient ruins and a fascinating history. Visiting Arles for a day or more is well worth it.

Which is better Avignon or Arles?

We’ve spent a lot of time in both cities, and they are both worth visiting. If you have the time, try to visit each for a day.

Final Thoughts: Best Things to do in Arles

From its historical sites to its modern cafes and boutiques, Arles is a city full of culture and activity. Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable one-day experience or planning an extended stay in the south of France, there are so many things to do in Arles and Provence.

There’s a reason it’s one of our favorite towns in Southern France, and we hope you love it too!

Let us know about your experience in Arles or if you have any questions in the comments below!

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8 COMMENTS:

  1. Hi! How do you recommend getting from AIX to Arles? We we take an uber back and forth? Or is there a good site for booking car service?

    1. Hi Shital,

      You can get from Aix-en-Provence to Arles in 2 hours by train. Take the train from Aix Centre to Arles with a stopover at Marseille St Charles station. Tickets can be purchased at the train station, or online at SNCF. Just make sure to search from Aix-en-Provence Centre station – not the TGV station because that’s a few KM outside of the city center.

      Unfortunately, I do not have a contact for a private car service in Provence. You could rent a car in Marseille or in Aix, it’s quite easy to get around the region by car.

      Let me know if you have any other questions.

      Best,
      Jenoa

  2. Don’t speak French…is it feasible to rent a car if I can’t read the road signs? The streets look so narrow– would a Toyota rental squeeze thru those streets or would I park outside the main area of town? And then is all my luggage/belongings safe in the car if I leave it unattended all day?

    1. Hi Kimberly,

      I’ve rented a car in France several times and have never had an issue with car size. In small towns, you can usually find parking lots right outside of the city center or near the train station. Search “parking” on google maps in whatever city you are in and some options should show up.

      With Google Maps, it’s easy to get around without knowing the language. The road signs are pretty intuitive.

      I do not recommend leaving your luggage unattended all day. Leave it at your accommodation if you can.

      Hope this helps,
      Jenoa

  3. Paul and Karen Homer

    We will take a Uniworld river cruise from Arles to Lyons beginning July 7, 2024. It includes a first-day walking tour of Arles. We will arrive late afternoon on July 5 and, thereforw, will have a day and a half to explore Arles and the surrounding region (we will not have a car). Would be interested in joining a small group tour of the places we will will most likely not see with Uniworld. Would you have some recommendations for us–camargue, saint remy, etc? My wife wants to see lavender?:) Any tours companies you recommend? Particular tours with those companies? Places to eat in Arles? Thanks so much. Great site!

    1. Hi Paul,

      I apologize, I’m very late to respond to your comment. I hope you enjoyed your trip and I hope you were able to book a tour to Arles for the day!

      Best,
      Jenoa

    1. Hi Joan,

      Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately, within the old center of Arles, there aren’t many public transportation options to help get around. The city is fairly flat with some cobblestoned streets, which would make it easier to get around by wheelchair. Additionally, some of the main sights have a few steps in order to get inside.

      I hope this helps.
      Best, Jenoa

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