Arles town
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Arles - by Egor Myznik on Unsplash
Description
Arles is a town in the South of France known for its Roman ruins, the Camargue wetlands and the number of artists that have worked and lived there (these include Picasso, Gauguin and Van Gogh, to name a few). The city emerged as a Phoenician trading center around 500BC (it was closer to the sea at that time) and became a Roman colony in 46BC during which time its main monuments were built: an amphitheatre, defensive walls, a triumphal arch, baths and a Roman circus. Other highlights not named above include: the Barbegal aqueduct and mill, the Réattu Museum, the Musée de l'Arles et de la Provence antiques, and the Church of St. Trophime. Trivia: the town is located at the head of the Rhone River Delta and, because a large part of the Camargue wetlands administratively belong to Arles, it is the largest commune in Metropolitan France.
Access & Transport
By car, Arles is 80km east of Montpellier, 35km southeast of Nîmes, 40km south of Avignon and 95km northwest of Marseille on the A7/A54/N/113. It is also connected to all cities by train.
Instructions & Recommendations
Besides the Amphitheatre (reviewed separately), we would advise those interested in cultural activities to include a visit to the Réattu Museum and the Musée de l'Arles et de la Provence antiques. Those keen on outdoors and wildlife should spend at least half a day exploring the Camargue region.
Environmental & Social
The main activities in town have a low carbon footprint. Tourism is a welcome injection of activity and revenues in the local economy and helps preserve the town's architectural, historical and artistic heritages.
Conclusion
Arles is charming with plenty to see in and around town so we would strongly encourage visitors on a regional itinerary to spend a couple of days there. It is also surrounded by many other high profile touristic towns such as Nimes, Avignon or Marseille, all close enough to justify a day trip to or from Arles!
Key positive
Many high-quality Roman monuments and charming old center of town
Easy to get to by car and train
Key negative
None
Suitability
Most of the key attractions are fully or at least partially accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h
est. visit time:5h
Sunrise / early morningNo
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo