Location: Arles
Top Things to do in Arles
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What to do and see in Arles, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur: The Best Sights & Landmarks
French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.
Restaurants in Arles
1. Manade Blanc
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
2. Eglise St-Trophime
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 901 reviews
Reviewed By MaryannF650 - Clarksville, United States
During a river cruise, we participated in a shore excursion of Arles where we engaged in a historic and photographic walking tour. Located on the main square, Eglise St. Trophime was part of our visit. We were so fortunate to have had a tour guide who provided us with an extensive history of St. Trophime. What incredible architecture. How photographic! According to available literature, "The Church of St. Trophime was built in the late 11th and 12th centuries and was named after the city's first bishop. This fine Romanesque edifice is notable for its magnificent carved west portal, interesting furnishings and glorious cloisters containing impressive sculpture...they show all sorts of biblical scenes, like the Apocalypse and the Gospel of St. Matthew. If you look up at the tympanum you can identify Jesus seated above the 12 apostles, beneath some 40 angels in the archivolt. The interior of St. Trophime has early Christian sarcophagi, 13th century plaques and epitaphs, baroque paintings and nine Aubusson tapestries from the 17th century. Located in the Place de la Republique, not far from the Quai Lamartine pier. Don't miss it!
3. Epicerie Fine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
4. Amphitheatre (les Arenes)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,291 reviews
Reviewed By Solarbearz
We toured the amphitheatre during a recent visit to Arles. First, it was incredibly impressed from the street, being in such good condition considering its age. Entering the amphitheatre we walked through corridors of beautiful hewn stone that took us back to centuries past. We finally entered the arena and took seats in the cool sun to take it all in. It is in such good condition that it is hard to believe it is so old. The best part was knowing that the amphitheatre is still in use. The arena was set up for bull fights which I wish we could have seen. Provençal fighting bulls don’t end up as hamburger, but instead, the bulls become celebrities in their own right and have quite a fan following until they are retired. We were told that when these bulls finally died of old age they were buried standing up and facing the Mediterranean. I’m planning on doing this with with my hubby if I can outlive him. We were lucky to tour the amphitheatre on a cool day in November when the tourist count was extremely low. The only thing better would have been to arrive on a day when a bull fight was scheduled, as I am sure it is a magnificent event in such an historic setting!
5. Abbaye de Montmajour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 613 reviews
This exceptional architectural ensemble was built in the Middle Ages on the island of Mont Majour. The Abbey incorporates a pre-Roman edifice from the 10th century, an abbey church and a 12th century Roman cloister built by Benedictine monks. Montmajour was extended in the 18th century with the second, monumental Saint-Maur monastery to the west. Open: > 1st April to 30th June: from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. > 1st July to 30th September: from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. (everyday). > 1st October to 31st March: from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed: > Mondays from 1st October to 31st March. > 1st January, 1st May, 1st November, 11th November and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 7,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 4,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups
6. St-Trophime Cloister (Cloitre St-Trophime)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 780 reviews
Reviewed By YairBarZohar - Qiryat Ata, Israel
The church, built in the 11th-12th centuries on the site of an earlier church, is a great example of Romanesque architecture. The church is named after one of the earliest bishops of Earl. Along with other Roman structures in the Earl, the church entered the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The interior of the church is less impressive than the outside, but if you are already here, you can take a moment to look inside the church.
7. Barbegal Watermill
8. Le Sentier des Moulins d'Alphonse Daudet
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
Le sentier des moulins est une balade familiale d'environ une heure qui passe devant les moulins d'Alphonse Daudet et le Château de Montauban. Libre d'accès toute l'année sauf conditions météorologiques exceptionnelles (accès aux massifs forestiers).
9. Obelisque d'Arles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By 750dimitrisl - Sydney, Australia
Obelisque d'Arles lies in what used to be in Roman times the Circus. That was a huge arena over which huge events, like games would take place. Today the arena is gone, as housing and other things lie on it. The obelisk was erected during the time of the Roman emperor Constantine II, the son of Constantine the Great. He ruled around the year 340. The location of the obelisk is the Place de la République, in front of the local town hall. It is a lovely sight and worth stopping by for a few minutes.
10. Place du Forum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 386 reviews
This intimate town square was once the heart of the city in ancient Roman times.
Reviewed By 827maryannf
My husband and I were visiting Arles during a river cruise of the French Rivera. We were fortunate to have had an English-speaking local tour guide who provided us with the history of Arles and an opportunity to visit and photograph the area. According to available literature, "Forum Square (Place du Forum) in Arles, France was made depicted in a famous painting of a bright yellow cafe done by Vincent Van Gogh. The square was originally the site of a Roman Forum that marked the center of political and social life in Arles. "Now Place du Forum is filled with lively restaurant terraces under the shade of plane trees, and takes on extra meaning because Vincent van Gogh set his easel in northeast corner of the square to paint Cafe Terrace at Night in 1888. Come in the morning when the tables are empty to spend a moment with the statue of Frederic Mistral, the Nobel Prize winning author who lived and worked close to Arles." This was a wonderful experience with amazing photographic opportunities. Don't miss this leisurely walk.
