Spending Two Days in Arles, Dubbed the "Little Rome of Provence": A Guide from Our Lifestyle Editor on How to Best Enjoy This Fascinating City
Arles, a coastal commune in southern France, is more than just a hotspot for visual storytellers during the Les Rencontres d'Arles photography festival. This charming Provençal town offers a rich array of activities that cater to history enthusiasts, art lovers, and nature explorers alike.
Start your journey at the Arènes d’Arles, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, dating back to around 90 AD. With a seating capacity of 20,000 spectators, it still hosts bullfights, concerts, and traditional bull games called *courses camarguaises*. The upper tier offers panoramic views of the town, and a small museum details its history and restoration. Evening visits give a magical glow to the stones at sunset.
Next, step back in time at the Théâtre Antique, a Roman theater older than the amphitheater (12 BC). Although only two columns remain of its original stage wall, the site gives a sense of its former grandeur, once accommodating up to 8,000 spectators. Today it hosts music and theater events, especially during the Arles Festival.
For those interested in Arles' Roman monuments, a historical walking tour is a must. Many sites, including a circus and a triumphal arch, are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites and are woven into the medieval old town with narrow streets and charming old houses.
Art enthusiasts will appreciate visits to the Espace Van Gogh and Fondation Vincent Van Gogh, dedicated to the artist who spent time in Arles. These cultural sites feature Van Gogh’s works and exhibitions linking the past to modern art.
Nature lovers should not miss the Camargue Regional Nature Park, just outside Arles. This protected area offers nature, wildlife safaris (including 4x4 tours), bird watching, and the unique landscape of marshes, wild horses, and flamingos.
A leisurely stroll around Arles Old Town and Place du Forum will immerse you in Provençal life beyond the historic monuments. Here, you'll find lively cafes, markets, and shops.
Additional options include visits to the Alyscamps (ancient Roman necropolis), the Château Estoublon, and the Parc des Ateliers LUMA Arles, a modern art and cultural center.
Don't forget to book your table at Inari, Mazette !, Chardon, Fondation Vincent Van Gogh Arles, La Chassagnette, and La Villa Bank for a unique culinary experience in Arles. These establishments, along with the transformed L'Arlatan hotel, the design-forward Lee Ufan Arles, and the thought-provoking LUMA Arles arts center, make Arles a destination for all tastes and interests.
Before you go, learn more about La Villa Bank's six-day exclusive food experience by WE ARE ONA. The festival attracts over 100,000 visitors from around the world, making it an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
- The colorful tiles on the rustic flooring of vintage Provençal houses in Arles' charming old town add to the town's rich decor.
- A trendy DIY project for travelers returning home from Arles could be to replicate the textured walls found in local boutique hotels or art galleries.
- The upper tier of the Arènes d’Arles offers a panoramic view of Arles, with the rustic rooftops of old houses providing a stark contrast to the modern furniture in the lively cafes below.
- The art warehouse Parc des Ateliers LUMA Arles houses both contemporary and vintage art pieces, creating an interesting juxtaposition of old and new, similar to the blending of traditional bullfights and modern art in Arles.
- After exploring the historic sites like the Théâtre Antique, take a detour to buy local art or souvenirs to add a rustic touch to your lifestyle back home.
- The Camargue Regional Nature Park's rugged terrain, with its wild horses and flamingos, provides a stark yet captivating contrast to the polished marble floors and ornate decor often found in luxury travel accommodations like the Lee Ufan Arles.
