Arles got me good. Standing in that massive Roman arena (yeah, the same one Van Gogh painted), I couldn’t believe people just walk past this stuff like it’s no big deal. That famous Provence light everyone talks about? It’s real. When it hits those honey-colored stones at sunset, it’s pure magic.
Trust me, the coolest things to do in Arles are wild. I wandered through ancient Roman crypts in the morning and spent afternoons at LUMA (this crazy twisty tower that looks like a spaceship crashed into Provence). Everyone knows about Van Gogh’s connection here, but this place serves up way more than just art history. Let me show you why this little French city knocked my socks off.
Best Things to Do in Arles
Looking for the coolest things to do in Arles? Explore the ancient Roman Amphitheatre, wander through the Cloisters of Saint-Trophime, and immerse yourself in the Van Gogh Heritage trail. Don’t miss the stunning beauty of Camargue Nature Park. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or nature, here are the top attractions to visit in Arles.
1. Explore the Roman Amphitheatre
The Roman Amphitheatre in Arles isn’t just a pile of ruins—it’s a living monument that still buzzes with life. This 2,000-year-old arena once held up to 20,000 spectators cheering for gladiator fights. These days, it hosts events like bull races, concerts, and plays, proving it’s still the beating heart of the city. Walking through its arched corridors and climbing the stone steps offers a window into the city’s Roman roots while soaking in stunning views of the surrounding rooftops and the Rhône River.
I joined a guided tour here, and hearing about the hidden escape tunnels and fighter prep rooms was wild. You can really picture the chaos of ancient games echoing off these weathered stones. If you’re into history or architecture—or just want to see a legit arena outside of Rome—this one should be on your list. It’s Arles’ crown jewel for a reason.
2. Try a Roman-style brunch with ancient recipes
Step back two thousand years without leaving Arles with this Roman-inspired brunch. Lou, a passionate chef, welcomes you into her cozy apartment overlooking the Amphitheatre and guides you through a dozen dishes reimagined from ancient Roman recipes. Each plate tells a story, from spices and ingredients used in the first century to cooking techniques that have survived the ages.
The brunch is relaxed and interactive, giving you time to taste, ask questions, and even guess some ingredients. You’ll stroll briefly through the old town, absorbing the Roman architecture and history that inspired the menu.
Pace yourself, as the portions are generous and each course is a new surprise. If you’re staying longer in Arles, pair this with a walk along the Rhône river or a visit to the nearby Roman Baths.
3. Visit the Cloisters of Saint-Trophime
Tucked near Place de la République, the Cloisters of Saint-Trophime offer a quiet break from Arles’ busy streets. These 12th-century cloisters are known for their carved stone columns and peaceful courtyards. The blend of Romanesque and Gothic design is striking, and the level of detail in the sculptures is impressive up close. You’ll spot biblical scenes etched into the pillars, and the light that filters through the arches adds a soft, almost timeless feel.
I wandered in without much expectation and ended up spending nearly an hour just walking the cloister’s square path. It’s calm, cool, and perfect for slowing down. You don’t need to be religious to enjoy it—this place is just plain beautiful. If you’re already exploring Arles Cathedral next door, definitely add this to your stop. It’s a short visit that leaves a lasting impression.
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4. Follow Van Gogh’s trail through Arles
Following Van Gogh’s Heritage Trail in Arles is like stepping into one of his paintings. From the Yellow House site to the Café Terrace at Night spot on Place du Forum, the city still echoes his brushstrokes. He painted over 300 works during his time here, and you can see why—the light, the textures, the colors of Provence feel like they’re straight off a canvas. The Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles is also worth visiting for rotating exhibits that connect his legacy to contemporary art.
I downloaded a Van Gogh walking map and hit several of the locations he painted. Some spots look almost identical to what’s in the artwork, which was surreal. Even if you’re not a huge art person, seeing where he lived, worked, and struggled adds depth to what you might’ve only seen in a museum. It’s a creative and personal way to explore the city.
5. Visit a working lavender farm and distillery
If the summer fields of Provence call your name, this 1-hour guided lavender and distillery tour is the perfect way to answer. You’ll stroll through fragrant fields, touch and smell lavender, rosemary, and verbena, and learn about their uses in perfumes, cosmetics, and natural remedies. The guides are engaging and share the secrets behind extracting high-quality organic essential oils.
The tour continues inside the distillery where you can watch steam transform flowers into oils and discover the distillation process firsthand. At the end, explore the shop for personalized advice and products to take home.
The distillery is located in Bellegarde, just 15 minutes from Arles. You can reach it by car or take the LIO bus line 130 from Arles for €1.50, then enjoy a 20-minute walk to the site.
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6. Visit Camargue Nature Park
A short drive south of Arles drops you into Camargue Nature Park, a landscape that feels totally different from the city. This massive wetland area is home to wild white horses, pink flamingos, and sprawling salt flats. It’s one of the best places in France for birdwatching or just enjoying untouched nature. You can explore by bike, horseback, or even by guided 4×4 tours if you want to cover more ground.
I took a cycling route near Étang de Vaccarès and ended up spotting a whole group of flamingos chilling in the water. It was one of those random but unforgettable moments. If you want to escape Arles’ historic core and breathe in some salty sea air, this is the move. Bring water, sunscreen, and binoculars—you’ll want to soak in every corner of this wild, beautiful place.
7. Shop at Arles Market
If you’re in Arles on a Wednesday or Saturday morning, carve out time for the Arles Market near Arènes d’Arles and Place de la République. It’s one of the largest open-air markets in Provence, stretching nearly two kilometers with vendors selling everything from fresh produce and olives to handmade soaps and lavender bundles. You’ll also spot stands offering cured meats, artisan cheeses, and colorful fabrics.
I wandered through with a baguette in one hand and a paper cone of local goat cheese in the other. It felt like every stall had a story and a sample to share. The market’s energy is contagious, and it’s a fantastic way to meet locals while tasting the region’s best flavors. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a fun and flavorful walk through Arles’ daily life.
8. See how olive oil is made at an organic mill
The JEANJEAN olive grove tour in Saint Gilles is the easiest way to see how organic olive oil is made while learning all about the process from tree to bottle. I suggest this for anyone curious about food or sustainable farming, because the guided tastings let you try everything without worrying about missing details. The grove is beautiful, and the family-run operation makes it feel personal and relaxed.
You’ll spend about 1.5 hours exploring the 10,000-tree organic orchard, watching a short film about the harvest, and getting behind-the-scenes access to the mill and production machines. Tastings include natural and aromatic olive oils, plus artisanal tapenades and vegetable spreads.
The grove is just 20 minutes from Arles and is accessible by car or public bus, with a short walk from the nearest stop. Private parking is also available on site.
9. See Roman artifacts at the Musée de l’Arles
The Musée de l’Arles et de la Provence Antiques gives you a full picture of Arles’ Roman past—without having to squint at crumbling ruins. Located near the Rhône River, this museum holds everything from detailed mosaics and sculptures to everyday tools and the massive Roman barge pulled from the river in 2004. It’s modern, well-organized, and easy to navigate even if you’re not a history buff.
I didn’t expect to spend more than 30 minutes here, but I ended up staying nearly two hours. The Roman boat alone is worth the visit—it’s massive and perfectly preserved. English signage helps a lot, and the layout keeps things from feeling overwhelming. If you want to understand how deep Arles’ history runs, this place connects the dots in a really engaging way. It’s more than just artifacts—it’s the full story told right.
10. Go to Les Rencontres d’Arles photography festival
Each summer, Les Rencontres d’Arles transforms the city into a living gallery, with more than 40 photography exhibitions spread across unique venues. From abandoned factories to the Church of Saint-Trophime, the festival uses Arles itself as a canvas. It runs from early July to late September and showcases everything from cutting-edge digital art to powerful documentary storytelling.
I caught a fashion photography exhibit inside an old rail yard, and it felt like the building and images were part of one experience. Some galleries had music playing softly in the background, others were dead silent—but all were thoughtfully curated.
You can buy a day pass or take your time over several days with a festival wristband. Even the streets feel more alive, with art lovers chatting at pop-up cafés and installations hiding in unexpected corners. If you’re into visual culture or creative energy, this is one of Arles’ most exciting experiences.
11. Walk along the Rhône River
The Rhône River offers a calm and scenic break from Arles’ historic core. Just a few minutes from the Arles Amphitheatre, the riverwalk is lined with trees, benches, and locals out for a jog or walking their dogs. You’ll pass the Van Gogh Bridge, charming boats, and views of the old town skyline across the water.
One late afternoon, I grabbed a cold drink and just followed the path with no plan. There weren’t crowds—just the breeze, rippling water, and birds coasting over the river. It’s one of those places that doesn’t try too hard but still makes an impression.
Whether you sit and relax or use it as a jogging route, the Rhône gives you space to slow down. It’s an easy way to experience the quieter, everyday side of Arles.
12. Eat at Le Gibolin restaurant
Dining at Le Gibolin feels like discovering a secret spot locals don’t want to share. Tucked away near Place Voltaire, this bistro brings the full Provençal flavor with none of the pretense. The menu changes frequently, but expect dishes built on fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby markets. One night, I tried the duck confit with lentils—simple, rich, and cooked perfectly.
The place is cozy with a rustic charm. Wine bottles line the walls, and conversations hum from every table. Chef Sarah Lauferon runs the kitchen with precision and heart, often stepping out to greet guests.
It’s the kind of spot where you order dessert even if you’re full, just to see what’s on offer. If you want a dining experience in Arles that’s unpretentious, creative, and thoroughly local, Le Gibolin should definitely be on your list.
13. Go underground in the Cryptoporticus tunnels
Hidden beneath Place du Forum, the Cryptoporticus is an underground Roman marvel that feels both eerie and fascinating. Built in the 1st century BCE, these stone corridors once supported the forum above and possibly served as storage or shelter. Today, you can walk through the dimly lit tunnels and imagine what ancient life in Arles might’ve sounded like—footsteps echoing and voices bouncing off the cold walls.
I didn’t expect much when I first descended the stairs, but the quiet atmosphere really pulled me in. The architecture is impressive, and the layout gives you a feel for how cities were engineered thousands of years ago. Plaques along the way help explain the structure’s purpose and historical significance.
It’s not flashy, but it’s memorable—especially if you enjoy Roman history. The Cryptoporticus adds a surprising depth (literally) to Arles’ already stacked list of historical sites.
14. Relax at Jardin d’Été park
Just a few steps from the Arles Amphitheatre, the Jardin d’Été is a quiet spot perfect for escaping the buzz of the old town. With plenty of benches and shaded corners, it’s a favorite hangout for locals reading books, having lunch, or just catching a break. I stumbled upon it between museum visits and ended up staying longer than planned.
There’s a small playground for kids, a pond with ducks, and flowerbeds that change with the seasons. The landscaping is well maintained but doesn’t feel over-manicured. You’ll hear birds chirping and the occasional street musician nearby, blending urban energy with a laid-back park vibe.
It’s also one of the few places in the center where you can truly stretch out and relax. If you’re traveling in summer, this park becomes a welcome cool-down zone. For a peaceful break between sightseeing stops, Jardin d’Été hits the mark.
15. Walk through Alyscamps cemetery
Walking through Alyscamps, you’re following the footsteps of Roman citizens, medieval pilgrims, and even Van Gogh, who painted this tree-lined necropolis. The site stretches along a long avenue of sarcophagi, each carved from stone and set beneath towering plane trees. It’s calm, beautiful, and a little haunting in the best way.
What makes Alyscamps different is the sense of time layered into it. You’ll see tombs from the Roman Empire alongside ruins of a medieval church and chapel. I visited late in the afternoon when the shadows got long—it added a quiet drama to the experience.
Informational plaques give context, but the feeling of being somewhere ancient is what sticks with you. If you like off-the-beaten-path spots with real historical weight, Alyscamps is worth a slow wander. Just don’t rush it—it’s a place best explored at your own pace.
