Arles

Travel Guide

Arles
Arles
Arles
Arles
Arles

Long after the Romans left their mark on the city’s well-preserved historic centre, 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

4.5/5(16 area reviews)

Historical sites, art galleries and gardens are just a few things travellers enjoy about Arles City Centre. Check out Fondation Van Gogh or Espace Van Gogh while you're exploring the area.

Arles City Centre
La Maison Volver

La Maison Volver

4 out of 5
8 rue de la cavalerie, Arles
The price is €134 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
€134
5 Aug - 6 Aug
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! (312 reviews)
"I absolutely loved my stay here! The staff were incredibly friendly! The room was charming with wonderful linens, shower, views…. I would love to stay here again. The only thing to note is that the property does not have parking. The €10 parking that Expedia references is public city parking. There’s ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

La Maison Volver
Premiere Classe Arles

Premiere Classe Arles

8, Des Fourches ZI Fourchon L'Aurelienne, Arles, Bouches-du-Rhone
The price is €34 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€34
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Arles. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Alyscamps and Luma Arles are located ...
6.2/10 (618 reviews)
"Comfortable bed, bathroom too small"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2024

Premiere Classe Arles
ibis Styles Arles Palais des Congrès

ibis Styles Arles Palais des Congrès

3 out of 5
1 Avenue de la Premiere, Division Francaise Libre, Arles, Bouches-du-Rhone
The price is €91 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
€91
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Arles. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (464 reviews)
good value
"good value hotel, the area it’s in is mixed but probably safer than it feels. good staff"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

ibis Styles Arles Palais des Congrès
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 13 Jul 2025

Résidence Club Odalys Les Gardians
SOWELL Family Les Amandiers

SOWELL Family Les Amandiers

4 out of 5
Le Village Camarguais, Mas de Veran - Quartier Fourchon, Arles, Bouches-du-Rhone
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly residence in Arles. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Langlois Bridge and Alyscamps ...
"Room and property conditions where terrible, old not well maintained. The outside areas dirty as well. Rooms smelled bad. There was only one option for wifi paid public. This is not a 4* hotel by any means! Disappointing"

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2019

SOWELL Family Les Amandiers
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 14 Oct 2023

SOWELL RESIDENCES Les Hameaux
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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