Is Arles worth visiting?
Yes, Arles is worth visiting for a number of reasons. This is a town that everyone should explore, and we loved our time here.
Whether you're a a couple or on a weekend getaway, this town has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the fantastic museums and attractions and spectacular historical sights.
Arles is located on the Rhône River in Provence. It is famous as an inspiration for paintings by Vincent Van Gogh and it is filled with Roman ruins and fascinating history. Today the town regularly hosts plays and concerts that visitors can enjoy.
Arles, France
6 Reasons to Visit Arles
1. Museums and Attractions
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.
2. Historical Sights
The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.
3. Food
The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).
4. Nightlife
There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.
5. Shopping
There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.
6. Authenticity
Arles has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Arles worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Arles, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is fairly touristy, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 24°C (75°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 29°C (84°F).
You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable town, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums, browse around the old town, and grab some drinks at a bar.
Summer Weather in Arles
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 24°C (75°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| August | 23°C (74°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| September | 20°C (69°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
Is Arles worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Arles. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during autumn, and temperatures hover around 16°C (61°F).
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. During this season it's fun to experience the beautiful scenery, the historic old town, and the museums and landmarks.
Autumn Weather in Arles
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| November | 11°C (51°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| December | 7°C (45°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
Is Arles worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather in Arles can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 7°C (44°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
The low season for travel in Arles is during the winter. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, dine out at amazing restaurants, and admire the historic sights. Also, you can enjoy the evening activities.
Winter Weather in Arles
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 7°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| February | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| March | 10°C (50°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
Is Arles worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Arles. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 13°C (56°F).
The scenery of the town this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, browse through museums, and admire the wonderful scenery. Also, you can check out the historic old town and the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Arles
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 13°C (56°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) |
| June | 21°C (69°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
Related
What is Arles most famous for?
Arles is most famous for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. The town is very popular for its museums and attractions and historical sights. Also, it's known for food. Many people love the nightlife and shopping, too. It is often described as historic, charming, compact, and quaint.
What is the most famous sight in Arles?
The most popular sight in Arles is L'Amphithéâtre Romain. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Arles on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for L'Amphithéâtre Romain and other attractions here.
How touristy is Arles? Is it a popular town to visit?
Arles is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Provence Region Roman Abbey of Montmajour Entrance Ticket: $7.48
- 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $203
- Arles Vincent Van Gogh Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP: $8.99
- Art and History Walking Tour: $296
- From Avignon: Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence & Saint-Rémy Tour: $115
- Arles, Saint-Rémy & Les Baux De Provence: Guided Tour: $1,164
- Arles 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $185
- Arles Vincent Van Gogh Walking Tour with an APP: $8.99
How long should I spend in Arles?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Arles is one to two days. Since Arles has a variety of activities such as museums and attractions and historical sights, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Arles? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Arles?.
More Things to Do in Arles
- Is The Arles Amphitheatre Worth Visiting?
- Are The Cryptoportiques Worth Visiting?
- Is The Saint-Trophime Cloister Worth Visiting?
- Is The Van Gogh Walking Trail Worth Doing?
- Are The Baths of Constantine Worth Visiting?
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