Arles is a remarkable example of how an ancient city adapted to the civilization of medieval Europe. Its history can be experienced in a range of places: Roman buildings, a Christian necropolis and archaeological collections. There is also a Van Gogh route and trails connected with the Camargue. Depending on whether you are interested in architectural history, art, pilgrimage history or landscapes, you can choose different focal points for your stay.
Roman Buildings from Two Periods
The Roman amphitheater in Arles was built in 90 AD and could hold up to 21,000 spectators. During school holidays, it hosts guided tours, gladiator fights and Roman-themed activities; from Easter to the end of September, it also hosts cultural, sporting and bullfighting events. If a particular event is important to your trip, check the relevant dates in advance.
The ancient theater is a separate site from an earlier period: it was built at the end of the 1st century BC. Parts of its seating and orchestra are still preserved. Comparing the two buildings highlights their different dates and the features that have survived—a tangible way to explore the ancient history of Arles.
Archaeological Finds and River Shipping
The Musée départemental Arles antique presents archaeological finds dating from prehistory to late antiquity. Among almost 500 objects relating to trade and shipping, you can also see the 31-meter-long river vessel Arles Rhône 3. The vessel brings the collection’s themes to life with a particularly large exhibit; alongside it, the museum’s timeline spans a broad sweep of history. The collection thus complements the buildings with evidence of life and shipping in earlier times.
Alyscamps: Necropolis and Pilgrimage Route
The Alyscamps is a Christian necropolis with a promenade lined with remarkable sarcophagi, and it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Chemin d’Arles to Santiago de Compostela begins at the Church of Saint-Honorat in the Alyscamps. The necropolis and pilgrimage route give the site a different focus from the Roman buildings: here, the emphasis is on Christian history and the route to Santiago.
The Van Gogh Route and Camargue Trails
The signposted Van Gogh route in Arles can be followed year-round. Panels mark the places where Vincent van Gogh painted and show the corresponding painting at each location. This makes it possible to connect the marked places with the paintings; for visitors interested in Van Gogh’s art, the route offers a distinct thematic focus.
Routes in the Parc naturel régional de Camargue also offer a practical selection for exploring on foot, by bicycle or by car. The park offers 14 discovery routes; the route guide is available from the tourist offices in Arles and Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône. Availability and printed materials may change. One of the routes listed is D’Arles à l’étang du Vaccarès. The ViaRhôna runs from Pont Van-Gogh, through the Marais du Vigueirat, from Arles to the Mediterranean. The names indicate two different route destinations: one to the Étang du Vaccarès, the other all the way to the Mediterranean. Check route conditions before setting out, as they may change.
The Musée de la Camargue adds to these landscape themes with its permanent exhibition The Thread of Water, the Thread of Time, which offers insights into the Camargue, past and present. The museum also has a landscaped five-kilometer trail. It follows the canal and rice fields to the marshland and the Gardian’s hut. The trail is free to access seven days a week; local conditions may change.
Choose a Focus for Your Stay to Guide Your Hotel Search
When looking for hotels in Arles, you can first decide which theme you want to shape your trip: Roman buildings and collections, Christian history, Van Gogh’s art or trails connected with the Camargue. The sites and routes differ in their focus and the ways they can be explored.
Discover more destinations: Port Camargue, Peypin, Salon-De-Provence, Eygalières, Pélissanne, La Penne-Sur-Huveaune, Rognac, Vauvenargues.
Go to the overview of the wider region: Bouches Du Rhone.
