Arles in 48 Hours: From Ancient Monuments to Modern Art

Arles is a city that gracefully blends Roman ruins, medieval treasures, and modern creativity. Located in the heart of Provence, it’s a place where history feels alive around every corner. We spent a couple of days here, exploring its ancient monuments, lively squares, and new cultural spaces.

A narrow European street in Arles, France, with old buildings, green vines hanging overhead, and empty café tables with chairs along the right side. A person walks away up the street under a blue sky. — Exploring Arles’ Historic District

The city is small enough to discover on foot. At the same time, it’s packed with monuments, museums, and cultural stops. From the impressive Arènes d’Arles to the contemporary Fondation LUMA, Arles offers an experience that connects the past with the present. Along the way, we enjoyed local restaurants and relaxed in charming plazas. In just two days, we discovered why Arles is such a memorable stop in southern France.

A narrow cobblestone street in historic Arles, France, at dusk is illuminated by warm streetlights. Tall old buildings with shuttered windows and a large green arched doorway line the peaceful street. — Charming Street in the La Roquette Neighborhood

Table of Contents

Getting to Arles

Arles is easy to reach thanks to its location in Provence. The city connects well by train, car, or plane. The closest major airport is Marseille Provence Airport, about an hour away. From there, frequent trains and buses reach Arles.

Narrow cobblestone street in Arles, France, lined with old, weathered stone buildings; posters and signs are visible on walls, and a few people walk in the distance under a blue sky with wispy clouds.

Travelers can also arrive from Avignon or Nîmes in under an hour by train. Both cities are close and convenient gateways. Once you arrive, the train station is only a short walk from the historic center. That makes exploring Arles especially simple.

Driving is another option, especially if you plan to explore Provence further. Highways link Arles to Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Avignon, and Montpellier.

Getting Around Arles

The city is very walkable and compact, which makes exploring its historic center easy and enjoyable. Most attractions are only minutes apart. In addition, walking lets you soak in the atmosphere, narrow streets, and lively squares. It’s truly the best way to experience the city.

A sunlit European street in Arles, France, lined with historic stone buildings, bicycles parked along the sidewalk, and a few people gathered near a grand building with a French flag under a blue sky with scattered clouds. — Arles is a Very Walkable City

Cars are restricted in the historic district and parking nearby is limited. As a matter of fact, we parked our car at our B&B and left it there during our stay.

Buses and taxis are available for longer distances, but we didn’t need them. With everything so close together, walking remains the most convenient and rewarding way to discover Arles.

Places to Visit in Arles

Arles is filled with landmarks that reveal its layered history. Roman ruins, medieval churches, and modern art all share space here. Exploring these sites offers a deeper understanding of Arles and why it remains such a unique destination in Provence.

Arènes d’Arles (Roman Amphitheater)

A large ancient Roman amphitheater with multiple stone arches and a central tower rises behind wide stone steps in Arles, France, under a bright blue sky. Several people are walking and gathering near the entrance. — Entrance to the Roman Amphitheater

The Arènes d’Arles is the city’s most famous monument. Built in the 1st century CE, it once held over 20,000 spectators. This Roman amphitheater hosted gladiator battles and public spectacles. Today, it’s still used for concerts, events, and local bull traditions. Its oval shape and well-preserved tiers give a clear sense of Roman architecture. Walking inside connects you directly to Arles’ ancient past.

Ancient Roman amphitheater in Arles, France, with stone seating and an oval arena under a blue sky with scattered clouds. A few people walk and sit around the structure, highlighting its large scale and historic architecture. — Inside the Roman Amphitheater

Ancient stone amphitheater with large arches and a tall tower, set against a blue sky with clouds and surrounded by buildings in the historic European town of Arles, France. — Inside the Roman Amphitheater

Tip: We bought the Pass Avantage (€19). It includes entry to six monuments and four museums, such as the amphitheater and Roman Theatre. The Pass Liberté (€15) is another option. It covers four monuments and two museums, a good choice for shorter visits. These passes are a great value if you plan on visiting several monuments and museums. You can purchase the passes at any of the attractions included in them or online.

Théâtre Antique d’Arles (Roman Theatre)

The Roman Antique Theater in Arles, France, features stone seating and a modern stage setup under scaffolding, set against a backdrop of old buildings and a partly cloudy sky. — The Roman Theatre

Built in the 1st century BCE under Emperor Augustus, the Théâtre Antique d’Arles once welcomed nearly 10,000 spectators. Crowds gathered here for plays, performances, and civic events that highlighted Roman culture. During the Middle Ages, many stones were taken for other buildings, leaving only partial remains. Still, the stage wall, two tall columns, and scattered seats provide a glimpse of its former grandeur. Visiting today offers insight into Roman entertainment and how it shaped the daily life of Arles.

The theatre is still used today for concerts and cultural events. In fact, on the night we arrived, a sold-out concert filled the amphitheater. Many people gathered outside the gates to enjoy the music drifting onto the streets of Arles.

Église Saint-Trophime

People walk in front of a historic stone church with ornate carvings above the entrance in Arles, France, flanked by old buildings, under a blue sky with scattered clouds. — The Church of Saint-Trophime

A person in a red shirt stands on stone steps before ornate wooden doors with intricate metalwork, beneath an arched entrance adorned with stone carvings on a historic building in Arles, France. — Entrance to the Church of Saint-Trophime

Interior of a stone church in Arles, France, with arched ceilings, stained glass windows above the altar, rows of wooden pews, elegant flower arrangements, and a few people seated and standing near the altar. — Entrance to the Church of Saint-Trophime

Located in the heart of Arles, Saint-Trophime dates to the 12th century and is a prime example of Romanesque architecture. Its sculpted portal depicts biblical scenes with remarkable detail, attracting art and history lovers alike. Part of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, it has welcomed travelers for centuries. Inside, the church features a serene nave and beautiful chapels, reflecting medieval religious life. This church offers a deeper understanding of Arles’ spiritual and artistic heritage.

Le Cloître Saint-Trophime

A historic stone monastery in Arles, France, with an arched cloister and a tall bell tower rises under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. Two people are visible walking along the upper level. — Courtyard at the Saint-Trophime Cloister

A person in a red shirt and shorts stands in a sunlit stone cloister with vaulted ceilings, arched columns, and detailed carvings, capturing the peaceful, grand atmosphere of historic Arles, France. — Gothic Arches in the Cloister

Stone cloister with arched columns and intricate capitals, casting shadows on the walkway; people stand at the far end, and sunlight illuminates part of the courtyard. — Gothic Arches in the Cloister

Connected to Saint-Trophime church, the cloister has its own entrance located further down the block. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, it showcases Romanesque and early Gothic architecture. Its arcades feature intricately carved capitals depicting biblical stories, saints, and symbolic motifs. The peaceful courtyard and balanced proportions reflect monastic life and medieval design principles. Walking through the cloister reveals the artistry and craftsmanship that shaped Arles’ religious architecture.

Cryptoportiques d’Arles

An underground Roman gallery in Arles, France, with arched brick ceilings and walls, dimly lit by warm lights. Stone columns line the right side, barrels or pipes rest along the left wall, as light filters in from a distant doorway. — The Cryptoportiques Roman Galleries

Hidden beneath the Place du Forum, the Cryptoportiques are underground Roman galleries built in the 1st century BCE. They supported public buildings that made up the ancient Roman Forum and served as storage for merchants in Arles. Entrance to the site is through the lobby of City Hall, which preserves access to this historic space. During our visit, an art projection exhibit filled the galleries, part of the international photography festival taking place in Arles. Exploring the Cryptoportiques gives a rare and unusual glimpse into Roman engineering.

Les Thermes de Constantin (Constantine’s Baths)

A round, ancient brick building with large arched windows, surrounded by a white metal fence and stone barriers, under a partly cloudy sky. — Ruins of Constantine’s Baths

Built in the 4th century CE, Les Thermes de Constantin were public Roman baths in Arles. They offered more than bathing and hygiene. Both men and women used the space to mingle, exercise, and enjoy massages. The complex included hot and cold rooms, exercise areas, and social spaces. The buildings were abandoned at the start of the 6th century CE, leaving ruins that reveal their impressive scale. Visiting today shows how Romans combined wellness, social life, and architecture in Arles.

Nécropole des Alyscamps

Ancient stone sarcophagi line a shaded path beneath tall trees in Arles, France, with sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting dappled shadows on the ground in this historic outdoor setting. — Avenue-Like Path Lined with Sarcophagi

A person walks along a path beside ancient stone ruins and columns in Arles, France, leading toward a historic stone building surrounded by lush green trees under a blue sky. — Walking to the Church of Saint-Honorat

A person stands inside a large, ancient stone church in Arles, France, with arched ceilings and thick columns, illuminated by light from a small window in the back wall. Steps and railings lead to a lower area in the center of the space. — Walking to the Church of Saint-Honorat

Alyscamps is a Christian necropolis in Arles, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It dates to Roman times. A long, avenue-like path lined with sarcophagi stretches through the site, creating a unique and solemn atmosphere. The Church of Saint-Honorat, a jewel of medieval architecture, marks the start of the Chemin d’Arles to Santiago de Compostela. Many artists, including Vincent Van Gogh, immortalized Alyscamps in their paintings. The site remains an important historical and archaeological landmark in Arles.

Fondation LUMA and Parc des Ateliers

A unique, angular building with a metallic exterior stands behind rows of green trees along a sunny, empty street lined with bicycle racks and streetlights in Arles, France. — The LUMA Foundation Tower

The LUMA Foundation was created to support contemporary art and research on culture, human rights, and the environment. Its tower, designed by Frank Gehry, is part of Parc des Ateliers and dominates Arles’ skyline. Access to the rooftop is free and provides an incredible view of the city. Some areas are open to the public, but most exhibition spaces require tickets. Parc des Ateliers, an art campus on 11 hectares, was a former railway yard. Several 19th-century industrial buildings have been renovated for exhibitions, presentations, and artists’ residences, blending heritage with modern creativity.

Stone archway entrance to Parc des Ateliers in Arles, France, under a blue sky, with a clock above the arch and a large sign displaying the park’s name. People stand near an information booth shaded by a white umbrella. — Entrance to the Parc des Ateliers Art Campus

A panoramic view of Arles, France, with red-tiled roofs, scattered trees, and a river winding through the landscape under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. — Entrance to the Parc des Ateliers Art Campus

Place de la République

A sunny town square in Arles, France, with historic buildings, a tall stone obelisk, people walking and sitting on benches, and a clear blue sky overhead. — City Hall and the Obelisk at Place de la République

Located in the heart of Arles, Place de la République has been a central square since Roman times. It is marked by a large Roman obelisk at its center. Surrounding the square are significant buildings, including Arles City Hall, St. Anne’s Chapel, and the church and cloister of Saint-Trophime. The square has long served as a gathering place for markets, celebrations, and civic events. It provides a clear view of Arles’ major historical and civic buildings.

Place du Forum

A narrow European street in Arles, France, features outdoor café tables, large potted plants, historic stone buildings, and a man reading a sign near a wall labeled “Place du Forum.” Balconies and green trees are visible above. — Ancient Roman Ruins at Place du Forum

A yellow café building in Arles, France, with "Café Van Gogh" on the wall, red doors, and flower arrangements above. Bicycles are parked out front, and a person relaxes at an outdoor table to the right under yellow awnings. — Ancient Roman Ruins at Place du Forum

A small square in the heart of Arles, Place du Forum is surrounded by restaurants and cafés. It was made famous by a Van Gogh painting. The bright yellow café he depicted in Terrasse de Café le Soir (1888) is now called Café Van Gogh. In Roman times, this site served as the Roman Forum, the center of civic, commercial, and political life. Today, it remains a lively spot for lunch, drinks, and people-watching in Arles.

Lee Ufan Museum

A large, curved steel sculpture stands on a smooth concrete floor beneath a wooden ceiling, with a round natural stone placed behind it against a white gallery wall. — Art by Contemporary Artist Lee Ufan

We found the Lee Ufan Museum a fantastic exhibition center in Arles. Lee Ufan, born in Korea, is a contemporary artist and philosopher. He lives and works in Paris, New York, and Japan. The museum displays both his historical and recent works, emphasizing minimalism and the relationship between space, materials, and time. Visiting offers insight into his artistic vision and the influence of his global practice on Arles’ cultural scene.

Museon Arlaten

A sunlit street in Arles, France, features old stone buildings, arched windows, and a sign reading "Maison des Arènes." People stroll along the cobblestone path beneath a bright blue sky dotted with scattered clouds. — Entrance to Museon Arlaten

A person with short hair, wearing a black shirt and gray shorts, stands on a stone path overlooking ancient ruins and stone walls in a historic courtyard in Arles, France, surrounded by tall beige buildings with arched windows. — Roman Ruins in Museon Arlaten

A person in shorts and a T-shirt walks up a modern glass staircase with metallic steps, set against a vibrant, intricate wall mural in a spacious, well-lit building with high ceilings in Arles, France. — Roman Ruins in Museon Arlaten

Founded in 1896 by poet Frédéric Mistral, the Museon Arlaten is dedicated to Provençal culture and traditions. Its name actually means “Museum of Arles” in the Provençal language. The museum is housed in a former Jesuit college, a site that experienced many uses and transformations through the centuries. At the center of its courtyard lies a collection of Roman ruins, dating back to the Augustan Forum of the 1st century CE. Inside, a stunning modern stairwell connects all the floors, with illustrated glass walls showcasing the collection’s graphic richness. The Jesuit Chapel, part of the complex, now serves as a striking venue for temporary exhibits. As the museum’s motto says, “Tradition has never been so modern.”

Les Rencontres d’Arles (Photography Festival)

Outdoor park scene in Arles, France, with large trees, colorful photo prints displayed on easels along a path, and a striking yellow sculpture of a head set among green grass and plants in the bright sunlight. — Photo Exhibit in the Park

Les Rencontres d’Arles is an international photography festival held each July, August, and September. It features a large collection of venues across the city. Exhibits appear in museums, galleries, and public spaces, with some free and others requiring tickets. The festival attracts photographers and visitors from around the world. This festival makes Arles an exciting destination for photography enthusiasts and cultural travelers.

Where We Ate in Arles

Bistrot Populaire

Outdoor seating area of a French bistro in Arles, France, with black umbrellas, rattan chairs, and tables. A menu board stands near potted plants against aged yellow walls and shuttered windows. — Outdoor Dining at Bistrot Populaire

A smiling man in a red shirt sits at an outdoor café table beside a white brick wall, with other patrons dining nearby. Ancient stone arches and large umbrellas are visible in the background under a blue sky. — Outdoor Dining at Bistrot Populaire

This is a fantastic spot for lunch in Arles, offering Mediterranean cuisine with fresh, seasonal, and local produce. Daily specials showcase the region’s delights, from local lamb and fish to shellfish and hearty, comforting desserts. A great selection of wines complements each dish. Their slogan, “Simple and Good,” reflects the menu’s focus on quality and flavor. The dining area offers a breathtaking view of the majestic Arènes d’Arles, making every meal a memorable experience.

Apostrophe Café

For an afternoon break, Apostrophe Café is perfect for drinks, snacks, and people-watching at Place du Forum.

La Gueule de Loup

Outdoor café on a narrow, charming street in Arles, France, with people dining at tables. Green vines cover the buildings above, creating a cozy, shaded atmosphere. Warm lighting adds to the inviting scene. — Street Dining at La Gueule de Loup

This was an excellent dinner option. Tables are set along a charming narrow street, with an indoor dining room also available. The restaurant serves traditional French recipes with Lebanese influence, using the freshest ingredients. We loved our dinner, which included Terrine de Taureau; Zucchini with Kaffir lime, peas, green beans, pistachios, and coriander mousse; Provençal Lamb kafta with spinach, pine nuts, sweet piquillo pepper coulis, and potatoes; Grilled Meagre (fish) with potato purée, grilled onions, fennel, and pesto sauce; and a trilogy of Crème Brûlée – pastis, lavender, and rosemary flavors.

A bowl of green vegetable soup topped with sliced red and yellow tomatoes, cheese shavings, pesto drizzle, and a dollop of hummus, placed on a wooden table with a spoon nearby. — Zucchini with Kaffir Lime, Peas and Green Beans

A plated dish featuring a piece of fish topped with green sauce and fresh herbs, accompanied by a roasted cherry tomato, charred carrot, vegetables, pine nuts, and a drizzle of sauce on a black plate. — Zucchini with Kaffir Lime, Peas and Green Beans

Our Lodging in Arles

A grand, historic stone building in Arles, France, with tall windows, intricate wrought-iron balcony railings, and a large wooden double-door entrance, partially shaded by leafy trees. — Hotel de l’Anglais Guesthouse

We stayed at the lovely Hôtel de l’Anglais Guesthouse, just steps from the historic center and the LUMA Foundation. Housed in a renovated 19th-century bourgeois mansion, the guesthouse has only five rooms, ensuring a calm and comfortable stay. The owners, Pierrick and Filipe, are extremely welcoming and attentive. They serve a delicious breakfast with seasonal, local products. Their help with recommendations and restaurant reservations made our visit even richer. Guests can also enjoy a small pool, perfect for relaxing with a glass of wine after sightseeing. An additional advantage is the garage parking space available for those traveling by car. Our stay at this beautiful accommodation truly enhanced our unforgettable visit to Arles.

A grand interior with ornate wrought iron staircase, green walls, wall sconces, and a stained glass ceiling skylight. The space features modern and classic decor, a blue sofa, and a glimpse into a dining area.

A cozy bedroom features a double bed with white linens, a patterned bench at the foot, a desk with a chair and TV, light curtains on a tall window, green walls, and wood flooring.

Final Thoughts on Arles

A man in a black shirt stands smiling by a railing near a large ancient stone amphitheater in Arles, France, under a blue sky with clouds. People walk and buildings are visible in the background.

Visiting Arles means stepping into a city where ancient heritage and modern creativity meet at every corner. Roman monuments, medieval churches, and contemporary art spaces coexist in a compact, walkable setting. Food, wine, and warm hospitality add even more to the experience. Whether exploring historic landmarks, enjoying a café terrace, or discovering bold new art, remarkable Arles offers something unforgettable for every traveler.