Arles

Travel Guide

Arles
Arles
Arles
Arles
Arles

Long after the Romans left their mark on the city’s well-preserved historic center, Van Gogh drew inspiration for his paintings from the pastoral terrain. 

Imbued with history and Provençal traditions, Arles offers opportunities for glorious vacation days. Its historic center has Roman remains, while the bucolic, leafy outskirts were once a fountain of inspiration for artist Vincent van Gogh. Imagine how the Romans lived and see the world through the eyes of a Dutch master in this quaint and picturesque town.

To learn about the artist’s connection to the town, follow the Van Gogh Walking Tour. Pick up a map from the tourist office and head to the Espace Van Gogh, a majestic 16th-century hospital, where he was committed after cutting off his earlobe in 1888. Notice how the courtyard resembles his artwork, Le Jardin de l’Hôtel de Dieu. The site has a library, café and exhibition space.

Check out exhibits in the Fondation Van Gogh, which provides information about the Dutch master and showcases artists who have adopted his style. At the Place du Forum, see the café terrace that was the subject of his painting and sit beside the Langlois Bridge known as Pont Van Gogh, another frequent subject.

Head back farther in time in the historic center, whose crowning jewel is Les Arènes. The site is a partially restored Roman amphitheater that is still used today for bullfighting and bull racing events. Marvel at the vestiges of the adjacent Théâtre Antique and the Thermes de Constantin.

Relax at a quaint restaurant and enjoy local wines from Nimes with your food. You can also try the anise-flavored pastis spirit, popular in the south of France.

The town is located at the western end of the Bouches-du-Rhône region in southern France. Drive northwest from Marseille for about 60 miles (90 kilometers) to get here in 1 hour. You can also take a train to the Gare d’Arles. Explore the beautiful surroundings and visit nearby towns, such as Montpellier, Nimes and Avignon.

Millennia after the Roman settlement, Arles’ cultural side continues to flourish.

Where to stay in Arles

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Arles City Centre

Historic sites, art galleries, and gardens are some highlights of Arles City Centre. Make a stop by Fondation Van Gogh or Espace Van Gogh while you're exploring.

Arles City Centre
La Maison Volver

La Maison Volver

4 out of 5
8 rue de la cavalerie, Arles
The price is P7,741 per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
P7,741
P9,019 total
Aug 5 - Aug 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Arles. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (313 reviews)
"This hotel is perfectly situated in Arles You can walk to all the tourist attractions and restaurants. We had a wonderful stay."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

La Maison Volver
Mercure Arles Centre Arenes

Mercure Arles Centre Arenes

3 out of 5
1 Rue Emile Fassin, Arles, Bouches-du-Rhone
The price is P8,201 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P8,201
P9,352 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Arles. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (662 reviews)
"Great location to explore the old city."

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

Mercure Arles Centre Arenes
Hôtel Arles Plaza

Hôtel Arles Plaza

4 out of 5
45 Avenue Carnot, Arles, Bouches-du-Rhone
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Arles. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (517 reviews)
"very clean and tidy however not really four star but a reasonable 3 star . Would I stay there again probably not BUT the parking at the hotel is a bonus in Arles"

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2025

Hôtel Arles Plaza
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Résidence Club Odalys Les Gardians

Résidence Club Odalys Les Gardians

4 out of 5
474 Chemin de la Prairie, Arles
Stay at this 4-star spa residence in Arles. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Langlois Bridge and Alyscamps are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (107 reviews)
"It was an okay stay overall. I had read the reviews beforehand, so my expectations were already adjusted. That said, I really don’t think this should be rated as a 4-star property—it sets an expectation the experience doesn’t live up to. The biggest challenge was finding our room. It took two of ..."

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

Résidence Club Odalys Les Gardians
SOWELL RESIDENCES Les Hameaux

SOWELL RESIDENCES Les Hameaux

3 out of 5
Mas de Véran Quartier de Fourchon, Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Arles. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Langlois Bridge and Alyscamps are located ...
6.6/10 (10 reviews)
"We could sit outside on the patio and listen to birds . There are lots of walking trails. Kitchen was good. Room was clean. Bed comfortable"

Reviewed on Oct 14, 2023

SOWELL RESIDENCES Les Hameaux
SOWELL RÉSIDENCES Les Mazets

SOWELL RÉSIDENCES Les Mazets

Le Village Camarguais, Mas de verant quartier Fourchon, Arles, Bouches-du-Rhone
Book a stay at this golf aparthotel in Arles. Enjoy an outdoor pool, breakfast (surcharge), and a health club. Popular attractions Langlois Bridge and Alyscamps ...
"It is quiet and the apartments are quite private. But it's not clear on Expedia that nearly everything, including Wifi, costs money. One pool was closed. Finding it was a bit of a challenge b/c signage was poor. And the gate system, while surely adding to safety, was awkward."

Reviewed on Jul 15, 2019

SOWELL RÉSIDENCES Les Mazets
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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