Hotels in Arles

Arles: Roman Amphitheatre and Van Gogh Country

Arles sits on the Rhône delta in Provence, 75 km northwest of Marseille. The city earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1981 for its Roman monuments, most notably the Arènes d'Arles, a 1st-century amphitheatre that still hosts bullfights and concerts for 12,000 spectators. The Théâtre Antique, the Cryptoportiques beneath the forum, and the Alyscamps necropolis complete one of the densest concentrations of Roman heritage in France. Vincent van Gogh lived here from February 1888 to May 1889, producing over 300 works; the Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles, opened in 2014 on Place Honoré Clair, anchors a permanent collection and rotating exhibitions.

Where to Stay

Hotels cluster along the Boulevard des Lices and in the medieval Ville Haute around Place de la République. The Arlaten quarter — narrow lanes between the forum and the river — offers smaller boutique properties close to the main Roman sites. Visitors arriving for the Rencontres d'Arles photography festival (early July to late September) should book months ahead; occupancy peaks sharply during this period.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: TGV connections link Arles station to Paris Gare de Lyon in under 4 hours; regional TER trains connect to Marseille in 55 minutes.
• Best time to visit: April–June before summer heat; daytime temperatures in July regularly exceed 35 °C.
• Day trips: The Camargue Natural Regional Park begins 20 km south — flamingos are visible year-round near Pont de Gau.