Discover the region

VISITING ARLES IN 1 DAY

 Our cottages, an ideal starting point for exploring the beautiful town of Arles in Provence, the Camargue, and the Alpilles.

 With over 2,000 years of history and a thousand faces, nestled between the banks of the Rhône, the plain of Crau, the Camargue, and the Alpilles, Arles collects architectural treasures, whether ancient or contemporary. The city’s great novelty: Luma, the tower created by Frank Gehry, inaugurated in June 2021.

With an insatiable thirst for culture, Arles overflows with energy. It has inspired artists and creators such as Van Gogh or Christian Lacroix. It is also the city of the publishing house Actes Sud and the venue for major festivals, from Suds to Rencontres de la Photographie. In fine weather, it is pleasant to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the historic center and stroll along the Rhône. Visiting Arles in 1 day? It’s possible, follow me!

ARLES, THE LITTLE PROVENCAL ROME

Founded in 46 BC by Julius Caesar, Arles has well deserved its nickname “little Rome of Gaul”. It indeed possesses one of the richest collections of ancient monuments in France. Planning to visit Arles in 1 day?

Among the many must-see monuments of the city, we find the Arles Amphitheater, the Ancient Theater, the Baths of Constantin, the Alyscamps… all listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites

THE ANCIENT THEATER AND THE ARENAS OF ARLES

The Romans adored spectacles, from plays to gladiatorial combats. The affluent city of Arles did not escape this trend and built remarkable structures to accommodate its population. The arenas of Arles, topped by four towers inherited from the Middle Ages, are in splendid condition. The amphitheater continues to host performances throughout the year.

Visiting Arles in 1 day

the arenas April to October: from 11am to 7pm every day
October to March: from 11am to 6pm Tuesday to Sunday

THE ALYSCAMPS NECROPOLIS

This ancient pagan and then Christian necropolis was once located outside the ancient city not far from the via Aurelia. During your stroll, you can admire numerous sarcophagi. The walk under the trees ends with the discovery of the Church of Saint-Honorat des Alyscamps. These places have been painted by the greatest names in painting (Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Gauguin…). 

Visiting Arles in 1 day: the Alyscamps

April to October: from 11am to 7pm every day
October to March: from 11am to 6pm Tuesday to Sunday

THE VINCENT VAN GOGH FOUNDATION

The Vincent van Gogh Foundation is located in the former Hôtel-Dieu, which housed and cared for the painter when he cut off his ear. The Foundation aims to become a reference point for the life and work of the artist. It also hosts numerous temporary exhibitions. Vincent Van Gogh is a key figure in 20th-century art. It was precisely in Arles that he produced his most beautiful masterpieces in just fifteen months.

Visiting Arles in 1 day:

the foundation April to October: from 11am to 7pm every day
October to March: from 11am to 6pm Tuesday to Sunday

THE LUMA TOWER IN ARLES

At the heart of the Parc des Ateliers rises the Tower inaugurated in June 2021. This 15,000 m² building, designed by architect Frank Gehry, consists of various multi-purpose spaces: exhibition halls, workspaces, research areas, library, auditorium…

Frank Gehry’s building is intended as a new proposal for what a cultural building can be in the 21st century.

VISITING ARLES IN 1 DAY WITH FAMILY

Les bons plans

Which route to take? Which neighborhood to explore first?

If you’re seeking an immersive experience to visit Arles in 1 day, consider starting with the Arles Tourist Office. They offer 1,001 ways to discover the city, from uncovering the secrets of the gladiators to delving into contemporary art or walking in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh.

The extras:

Discover the Provencal markets of Arles: on Wednesday morning (Boulevard Emile-Combes) and Saturday morning (Boulevards des Lices, Georges-Clemenceau, and Émile-Combes).

visiter arles en 1 jour