Arles, France is a quiet, picturesque city that was brought to international fame by the impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh. In this city, Van Gogh painted his most famous paintings “Night Cafe “and”Starry Night”.
General information
Arles is located in the south of France, in Provence. It is located on the banks of the Rhone River, just 40 km from its confluence with the Mediterranean Sea.
The city covers an area of 758.93 km2. As of 2023, Arles had a population of almost 52,500, with a population density of 69.1 persons / km2.
This picturesque city with a calm Mediterranean atmosphere has preserved many medieval and ancient Roman echoes. All historical monuments have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1981.
In Arles, the development is quite familiar to the southern cities of France. Standard neighborhoods consist of modest houses built of white brick and covered with red tiles.
What to see in Arles
The historical heritage of the glorious city is formed by Roman and medieval monuments, although there are also more modern sights.
Republic Square and Roman Obelisk
Local residents recommend that you start exploring the sights of Arles by visiting the Place de la Republique. It occupies the central part of the city, located where the Roman forum once was. In the XVII century, the Town Hall was built on the square, and since then it has received its current appearance.
There is another attraction on Republic Square: the Roman Obelisk. Originally, this 20-meter granite structure was built in the IV century on the site of a Roman Circus. After its destruction, it was restored here-this happened in 1389. In 1866, the obelisk was restored, returning to it the rich monarchist symbols that were destroyed in the Revolution.
Republic Square is a full-fledged center of the city’s social life. It is on this square that every 3 years they hold a traditional contest and choose the “Queen of Arles”.
St. Trofim’s Cathedral
There is another well-known attraction on Republic Square: the Catholic Church of St. Trofim. This architectural monument appeared in the XII century on the site of a Christian basilica of the V century. The Cathedral of Saint Trofim in Arles is one of the most interesting Romanesque buildings in France.
The main pride of the temple is the portal above the main entrance – this is a beautiful example of Provencal carving of the XII century. In the center is the image of Jesus Christ, below-the apostles. On the right side, sinners are shown going to hell, on the left – a procession of the chosen heading to heaven. The portal is also decorated with statues of saints.
The church contains the remains of Saint Trofim, who was once Bishop of Arles.
- Address of the attraction: 6 Pl. de la Republique, 13200 Arles, France.
- The cathedral is open every day from 9: 00 to 12: 00 and from 14: 00 to 18: 00.
- Admission is free.
Amphitheater
The amphitheater in Arles is not as big as the famous Roman Colosseum, although it was built in the same era. Of course, the Arles amphitheater follows the example of the classical Roman amphitheater and roughly repeats its architecture: the arena is designed in an elliptical shape, the arcades have several tiers, the corridors have a high-quality drainage system, a well-thought-out staircase system for a large number of spectators. The size of the amphitheater allowed it to accommodate 25,000 people. The arena was used until the end of the Roman Empire, where gladiatorial fights and chariot races took place.
Now the amphitheater is the most visited attraction in Arles. In addition, bullfights are organized in the arena, operas and performances are regularly staged, and reenactments of gladiator battles are organized.
- Place of interest: 1Rdpt des Arenes, 13200 Arles, France.
- Website: https://www.arenes-arles.com/
Aliskamp – Roman necropolis
The French city of Arles boasts another world-famous landmark. This is the Roman necropolis of Alyscamps-this name comes from the Provencal Alyscamps, which means “Champs Elysees”.Initially, Aliskamp was located on the outskirts, on the south-eastern side of Arles, not far from the fortress wall surrounding the city. But as the city expanded, the necropolis was in the very center of it.
In the Roman, and then in the medieval era, until the French Revolution, Aliskamp served as a burial place for famous citizens.
The funeral of Saint Trofim brought the first fame to the necropolis-Christians believe that Christ himself was present at them. The necropolis also became the burial place of the martyr Saint Genesius – in 330, he was beheaded for refusing to deviate from his faith. Since that time, Aliskamp has become a place of worship, and the number of those who would like to find their final resting place near the saints has constantly increased.
During the Middle Ages, Aliskamp was so popular and revered that nobles from all over Europe were brought there to be buried. Space was sorely lacking, and sometimes it was even necessary to put sarcophagi one on one, literally several floors high.
When the remains of Saint Trofim were moved to the church in the 12th century, the popularity of the necropolis declined.
- Alyscamps is located at Av. des Alyscamps, 13200 Arles, France.
- Сайт: https://www.arlestourisme.com/fr/monument-detail.html
- You can visit the attraction on any day from 9: 00 to 18: 30.
Van Gogh’s Courtyard
The city of Arles in France is also known for the fact that in 1888-1889 Vincent Van Gogh lived and worked there. Fans of his work will certainly be interested in visiting L’espace Van Gogh – in the past, there was a hospital in Arles, where the artist was treated after the story with a severed ear. Now in this building, in addition to the Van Gogh Museum, the main archive of the city, a media library, and a bookstore are located.
- The attraction is located at 18 Place Felix Rey, 13200 Arles, France.
- Website https://mediatheque.ville-arles.fr/
- Admission is free.
- L’espace Van Gogh is closed on Mondays. On other days, it operates as follows: on Wednesday from 10: 00 to 18: 30; on Saturday and Sunday from 10: 00 to 17:00; on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 13:00 to 18: 30.
Museum of Antiquity
In 1995, architect Arnie Siriani designed a real museum city. So in Arles appeared the Museum of Antiquity or the Museum of Antiques, which houses an extensive collection of antiquities. Among other things, there are:
- one of the main museum attractions is an ancient Roman boat, discovered in 2011;
- a model of a multi-overflow water mill that existed in Barbegal and has been called “the largest concentration of mechanical energy in the ancient world”;
- Limestone statue of Medea: Medea draws her sword and prepares to kill the two children born to her by Jason;
- marble statue of the god Aion found at the base of a watermill on the Kralonn Canal;
- mosaic “Abduction of Europe”;
- geometric mosaic of rhombuses and squares, dating from 170-180 years;
- Orpheus mosaic: Orpheus plays the lyre, surrounded by peaceful wild animals.
With its diverse collections, this archaeological museum allows visitors to explore Arles from prehistoric and ancient times.
- The museum is located at Precquile du Cirque Romain, 13200 Arles, France.
- Website: https://www.arlesantique.fr/
- You can explore the archaeological sites on any day, except Tuesdays, from 10: 00 to 18: 00.
- Admission to the museum is free on the first Sunday of each month. Admission is always free for children under 18. For other visitors, access to permanent collections costs €8.
Camargue Nature Reserve
Arles is considered a kind of gateway to the Camargue regional nature reserve, created in 1970. The park is located on the Mediterranean coast and covers an area of 856.9 km2, and the entire territory is divided by the branches of the Rhone River into several sections.
The Camargue Nature Reserve is full of reed marshes, salt marshes, sea lagoons, and alluvial sandy islands. The reserve has a huge variety of birds and animals, and the real symbols of this natural attraction are pink flamingos, black bulls and only Camargue horses that live there.
The Camargue natural complex includes the Pont de Gau Ornithological Park, where 260 species of birds can be found on an area of 1.2 km2. For curious tourists, a walking route has been created with viewing platforms from which you can admire the feathered inhabitants of the park. The card is provided at the entrance to the park during ticket purchase.
As for the Camargue Nature Reserve in France, there are various options for exploring the beauty of this natural attraction. For example:
- on foot, by bike or by car-there are several routes specially laid out on the territory of the park;
- during a horse ride, which is organized by agreement;
- by ship on the Little Rhone;
- by mini-train for tourists;
- during a car safari.
The official website of the reserve has detailed information about each of the listed travel options.
- Website: http://www.parc-camargue.fr/
- Place of interest: Mas du pont de Roustu, RD 570, 13200 Artes, France.
- The reserve is closed on Saturday and Sunday. On steel days, admission is possible from 8: 30 to 16: 30.
- A ticket to the Pont de Gau Ornithology Park costs €7.5.
Where to stay for a tourist in Arles
There are various options available to accommodate travelers in Arles. For example, hotels with comfortable rooms, budget hostels, apartments with kitchens and other amenities for long-term stays, renting an apartment or house.
Prices for accommodation can vary significantly depending on the time of year, the location of the accommodation and its level of comfort, the length of stay, and many other factors. Here are the approximate prices for accommodation in Arles:
- Please note that the price for a night in an apartment is between 60 € and 200 €, depending on the number of bedrooms, location and season;
- for a night in a double room in a 3* hotel, you will have to pay from 80 € to 200€.;
- payment for a night stay in a 5* hotel double room will be from 200 € to 500 €.
For accurate pricing information on specific dates, please contact specific hotels or booking agencies.
Interesting facts about Arles
- Arles was founded by the Greeks in the 6th century BC, but in ancient times this city had a different name-Arelat.
- In 1888-1889, famous artists Paul Gauguin and Vincent Van Gogh worked in Arles.
- In the church of St. Trofim in 1178, Frederick Barbarossa was crowned.
- In his Divine Comedy, Dante mentioned the Aliscamp located in Arles.
- In Arles lived Jeanne Calment, the record holder for longevity. She was born in this city in 1875, and died there in 1997 at the age of 122 years and 164 days. In her long life, Jeanne Calment has seen 20 French presidents change.
- Arles is the site of one of the world’s most famous photo festivals – Rencontres d’Arles. Every year at this festival, the best photographic works are exhibited, presenting them to the audience in different places of the city.
- On the outskirts of the city is the Pont du Garde, a famous Roman aqueduct built in the 1st century and perfectly preserved to this day. This building is one of the main attractions of Provence and France.
- Arles (France) is also known for its cuisine, rich in fresh vegetables, meat and local seafood, as well as strong wines and traditional desserts such as creme brulee and French tarte tatin.
