The Top 10 Things to Do and See in Arles
Arles is a beautiful city packed full of things to do and see, so finding your way around and choosing the cream of the crop can be quite a task. To save you the trouble, we have created a list of the top ten things to do and see in Arles. So spend your time doing and seeing, and leave the planning to us.
Camargue Nature Park
The Camargue Nature Park has a wealth of natural and cultural heritage and is recognized for its outstanding beauty and its wildlife. The area is situated on the Mediterranean and extends over three towns including Arles, Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. The park features a vast number of flamingos, wild horses, breeding bulls and a wonderful array of birds. For those of you who appreciate wildlife and strolling through nature, the Camargue Nature Park is the perfect destination. When you visit Arles, this park shouldn’t be missed.
Address and telephone number: 13200 Arles, France, +33 04 90 97 10 40
Eglise St-Trophime
This lovely Romanesque church is well worth a visit during your stay in Arles. The church features high ceilings and stunning monuments dedicated to saints and pioneers of righteousness. Its most remarkable aspect, however, is the cloister which is quiet and creates an atmosphere of holiness, and peacefulness. Visit and admire the spectacular architecture of Elise St-Trophime, which is located in a lovely little square among bustling streets. You won’t be disappointed by this beautiful church and the quiet of its cloisters.
Address and telephone number: Place de la Republique, Arles, France, +33 04-90-49-33-53
Amphitheatre (Les Arenes)
The Arles Arena is ranked among the best Roman arenas and coliseums in the world, and is a brilliant experience on two levels. First and foremost, be sure to visit the arena if only for the stunning architecture. To make the most of it, go on one of their frequent tours, which will explain all of the ins and outs of the arena, including the history. The view from the medieval tower is particularly brilliant. For a different experience, visit the arena for one of their renowned bull fighting events.
Address and telephone number: Rond-Point des Arenes | Arènes d Arles,13200 Arles, France, +33 04-90-49-36-86
Abbey of Montmajour
This remarkable abbey has been described as a true treasure and is a priceless part of Arles. The Montmajour Abbey encapsulates eight centuries of architectural history. It will take you back in time through the ages. You will be thrilled with this partially troglodytic Carolingian monastery, which features a two-story Romanesque church, a medieval pilgrimage chapel, a cut-rock necropolis, and a tower dating back to the Hundred Years War. Last, but certainly not least, you will see the ruins of a purified, quasi-urban, classical monastery. Best of all, the abbey is located on a jagged hillside on a remote island.
Address and telephone number: Route de Fontvieille, 13200 Arles, France, +33 04 90 54 64 17
Le Marche d’Arles
If you like to hustle and bustle of the big city, where everything is on offer at an unbelievable price, then the Arles Market will be right up your alley. This giant market is always filled to the brim with people eager to get the latest deal on everything from housewares to food. Expect to find just about anything and everything at this market, which has a typical marketplace energy to it. You will thrive on the bargains, the unique produce, and the fresh fruit and vegetables. This market is well worth exploring. Expect to walk away with your arms full.
Address and telephone number: Boulevard Emile Combes, 1 km de long, Arles, France,
Musee Reattu
This art museum is full of wonderful collections for those of you who appreciate stunning works of art. These include collections of Picasso’s drawings and La Croix’s fashion designs. The museum takes its name from the renowned painter, Reattu. In fact, the museum itself is located in Reattu’s former house and art studio. The museum also includes a collection of photographs and Picasso’s famous painting of his mother. The building itself is also quite beautiful.
Address and telephone number: 10 rue du Grand-Prieure, Arles, France, +33 04-90-49-37-58
Bergerie D’alivon
As many reviewers have claimed, there is no better place to enjoy the south of France than at the Bergerie D’alivon. If you are looking to get a brief taste of the south, be sure to stop by and spend a few nights in this B&B, where the rooms are comfortable and quaint. The area has some wonderful views of the local marshland, and horseback riding is particularly popular. So to make the most of the landscape, be sure to go on one of their horseback riding routes, which will allow you to experience the best of the best in Arles.
Address and telephone number: 1451 Bergerie d’Alivon | Promenade a cheval- Gite-Chambre d’hotes, 13123 Albaron, Arles, France, +33 6 03 54 10 94
Chateau d’Estoublon
The Chateau d’Estoublon has a wealth of opportunity for tourists looking for something to do in Arles. Make a day of this trip, and eat in their restaurant, take their tour, and taste some of the best wines in France during their wine tasting sessions. Their wine is renowned for its flavor, variety and quality. You won’t find better than this. While you drink and eat, enjoy the grandeur of the chateau itself, which is a stunning building. Their brunch buffet comes highly recommended.
Address and telephone number: route de Maussane, 13990 Fontvieille, Arles, France, +33 4 90 54 64 00
Moulin de Daudet
Take an unforgettable stroll across a beautiful landscape around this isolated little Moulin. On this walk you will experience nature at its best and witness the beautiful windmill. This windmill takes its name from the famous writer Daudet, who was especially fond of it. Pictures taken from the top of the windmill are especially spectacular, and the mill itself doubles as a museum, so you can learn the history of Daudet and the area. This mill is well worth a visit, especially if you are fancying some fresh air and a walk.
Address and telephone number: On D33, Fontvieille, Arles, France, +33 04-90-54-60-78
Cryptoportiques
After experiencing the streets of Arles in all their wonder, stepping into the tunnels is quite a shocking experience. There is a sense of mystery about these tunnels that is sure to impress you. Reviewers have described this place as refreshing and peaceful after the hustle and bustle of the streets of Arles, where the heat can often be overwhelming. But these chilly tunnels have a rich and fascinating history. These subterranean Roman ruins are dark and eerie, and make for a wonderful experience. Don’t miss out on this unique thing to do in Arles.
Address and telephone number: Rue Balze, Arles, France, +33 04-90-49-36-74