The appeal of Arles is evident, thanks to its museums and attractions, historical sights, food, and romance.
Here are a few of the most popular sights with their prices:
- The Arles Amphitheatre for €9
- The Cryptoportiques for €5
- The Saint-Trophime Cloister for €6
- The Van Gogh Walking Trail (Free)
- The Baths of Constantine for €5
- The Roman Theatre of Arles for €9
- Musée Réattu for €8
- The Museum of Ancient Arles and Provence for €8
There are many sights in Arles, all of them interesting and exciting, but one of the most popular is Les Arenes, which is a large Roman style coliseum where gladiators fought to the death and many animals shared that fate. Few coliseums have survived this long, but Arles has managed to preserve theirs and keep it mostly intact since around AD 90.
Another of the top sights is the Foundation Vincent van Gogh. This Van Gogh–themed gallery is a must-see, as much for its contemporary architecture and design, as for the art it showcases. It has no permanent collection; rather, it hosts one or two excellent exhibitions a year, always with a Van Gogh theme and always including at least one Van Gogh masterpiece. Architectural highlights include the rooftop terrace and the colored-glass bookshop ceiling.
There's lots to do in Arles. You can explore the many museums, check out ancient historical sights, take a boat tour, go for a Vincent van Gogh tour walk, and take in the amazing culture of the area.
Arles also has some great festivals that can make your visit even more exciting during those times. One festival, the Fete des Gardians on the first of May, features a parade of "guardians," the men of the Camargue region who herd wild horses. The guardians ride on horseback through the old town of Arles, while townspeople dress in beautiful traditional costumes. The festival also incorporates folk customs and music. One of the highlights of this event is when a new Reine d'Arles (Queen of Arles) is elected.
There is also the Fete du Costume festival, which is held on the first Sunday of July, this festival pays tribute to the costumes of Arles. In the morning, participants and spectators gather at the ancient theater to celebrate the Queen of Arles and her Bridesmaids. Later in the afternoon, the "Tribute to the Queen" event entertains spectators with traditional Provencal bullfighting and dancing.
Another festival, La Pegoulado in July, is traditional festival that draws thousands of participants. It is an evening of vibrant celebration. The event features the ancient customs of Provence and a night parade illuminated by lanterns. Townspeople wear traditional costumes, and school children perform classic dances taught to them by their elders. This festival takes place in July on the Friday before the Fete du Costume.
Museums and Attractions:
Arles is famous for its world-class museums and historic sites. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.
Historical Sights:
Many travelers are drawn to the historic old town area. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.
A nice way to explore destinations in Arles is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- 2-Hour Private Walking Tour for $210 details
- Arles Vincent Van Gogh Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP for $10 details
- Historical Walking Tour of Ancient Arles with an APP for $13 details
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in Arles, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.