Want to spend one day in Arles France? Then you’re in the right place!
Arles is one of those places that capture your heart the moment you step foot in it. At least, that’s what happened to me. The old, pastel-colored wooden window covers in narrow, plant-draped streets took my breath away and I couldn’t get enough of Arles.
The city of Arles is known for two things: Roman remains and Van Gogh.
Roman ruins have always been a passion of mine since I wanted to be an archaeologist as a kid.
Van Gogh, I didn’t really know much of before I visited. Apparently, it was in Arles the mentally questionable artist cut his ear off, but he also created much of his best work there.
In this guide, I’ll take you through what to see in Arles in one day to get a good insight into the city as well as how to get there, where to stay, and when to go.
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Hi, I’m Linn Haglund, the face behind Brainy Backpackers. I’ve been based in Spain for the last 10+ years, and travel locally and abroad whenever I have a chance. I’m passionate about responsible travel, slow and off the beaten path travel, and outdoor activities, especially hiking. I’m currently slow traveling in my van Persistence (Persi among friends) with my fiancée Mohammed and rescue puppy Atlas. I’m excited to help you explore this planet responsibly!
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One day in Arles itinerary
Stroll around La Roquette neighborhood
Start your Arles one-day itinerary by strolling around the picturesque neighborhood of La Roquette. This is where I fell in love with Arles the first time and what made me want to return time after time.
Its aura is laid back with little boutique shops, bookshops, cafés, and restaurants. The cobbled streets are lined with pot plants cascading out of windows with old-school wooden window covers in pastel colors.
La Roquette neighborhood is by far my favorite place to stay in Arles and is a photographer’s paradise.
Visit Fondation Vincent Van Gogh
Next, visit the Fondation Vincent Van Gogh where you can see some of his masterpieces. There are also paintings on loan to the museum which means you don’t know what you’ll see.
In the summer of 2024, his beautiful painting “Starry Night Over the Rhone” was on display which was amazing.
Walk the gardens of the Espace Van Gogh
Espace Van Gogh used to be the main hospital in Arles between the 16th and the 20th centuries. Van Gogh was a patient on different occasions and this is where he was inscribed after he famously cut off his left ear.
But he also painted a beautiful painting of the garden: Le Jardin de l’Hôtel de Dieu. The garden still looks almost the same as it did in his painting and a replica of the painting is placed there for you to see.
I really enjoyed walking around the garden. However, it feels a bit like a tourist trap with plenty of souvenir shops lined up under the porticos as you enter.
Visit Place de la Republique
Place de la Republique is Arles’ main square and home to a 4th-century obelisk in the center. It sits on top of a fountain and is guarded by 4 lions. It was moved to the square from the Roman Circus in 1676.
The cathedral is located on the square, but also a series of other beautiful buildings worth taking note of, like the Town Hall.
Step inside Arles Cathedral
While you’re walking around Place de la Republique, make sure you enter Arles Cathedral. We’ve found it closed for weddings twice, so I hope you’re luckier!
The Romanesque cathedral is also part of the UNESCO-protected sites in Arles.
The basilica was built between the 11th and the 12th centuries on top of an old church from the 5th century that was dedicated to the first Christian martyr, St. Stephen.
Snap pictures of Arles Arena
Seeing Arles Arena is one of the top things to do in Arles. The 1st-century Roman amphitheater is really well preserved and sits in the middle of the old town.
Arles Arena is one of the city’s Roman and Romanesque monuments that UNESCO protects and you find several information signs on the outside with interesting history about the structure.
In the 8th century, the arena was used as a fortress and 4 watch towers were added to the structure. Three of them still stand today, making it quite unique compared to other remaining Roman Amphitheaters in the world.
Unfortunately, bullfights are held in the arena these days, so I would not enter to see it inside to avoid putting money into a place that provides unethical animal tourism.
Visit the Roman Theater
Next to Arles Arena, you find the 1st-century Roman Theater which also was built under Emperor Augustus’ reign. Dedicated to Apollo, the theater held plays of all sorts like comedies, memes, and tragedies.
There is not a lot left of the intricate stage area, but you can still walk on the seating area which gives you an idea of how the spectacles would feel back in the day.
Stroll around the old town
Before you leave Arles, make some time to walk around the old town, savor some French drinks and foods, and take in the magnificent architecture.
I love how you find small, hidden alleys with little restaurants and bars for a more intimate atmosphere besides the busy squares which are nice and lively.
Arles is a truly beautiful place with a lovely and friendly vibe, though it’s a lot more touristy than for example nearby Nîmes, which is still considered a well-hidden gem in France.
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO OF OUR FIRST VISIT TO ARLES
How to get to Arles
Arles is well served with public transport and is also easy to reach by car. The train station in Arles was built in 1848 and is set on the Paris–Marseille railway. The train from Paris only takes 3.5-4 hours and direct trains from Marseille take under an hour.
There are also buses you can take to Arles, but in all honesty, it’s usually easier and faster with the train.
If you drive to Arles, you might find it hard to park. We parked on the opposite side of the Rhône River along Quai de Triquetaille/Quai Saint-Pierre.
It was easy to just cross the bridge (Pont de Triquetaille) which takes you straight into the old town. The Roquette neighborhood is on your right shortly after crossing the bridge and the Fondation Vincent Van Gogh is on the left side.
Where to stay in Arles
There are so many amazing hotels where you could stay for the night, but when you only have a day in Arles, I recommend staying centrally.
Here are my top picks for hotels for different budgets:
LUXURY: Hôtel & Spa Jules César Arles – MGallery Hotel Collection – stay in a former Carmelite convent with modern and unique decor. Enjoy the swimming pool on a hot day or treat yourself in the spa section of the 5-star hotel. And my favorite feature is that you can bring your pet!
MID-RANGE: Hôtel du Musée – stay in modern rooms with modern amenities in a historical building dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. This boutique hotel only has 28 rooms meaning you get an intimate and personal stay.
BUDGET: Hôtel de l’Amphithéâtre – stay in one of the 28 personalized rooms of this lovely boutique hotel. Wooden ceilings, great artwork, a charming patio, and staff that goes above and beyond make this place a home away from home.
Best time to visit Arles for a day
In all honesty, I think going on a day trip to Arles is a fabulous idea all year round. But if you’re looking for the ideal time of year for your Arles itinerary, I’d recommend going either in spring or fall to avoid the crowds and still enjoy mild temperatures.
Summer is the high season with lovely weather, and not to mention their annual photography festival that takes place throughout the summer months.
Winter in Arles can feel colder than the temperatures indicate due to the wind, so I recommend bringing a good coat and also a rain jacket and umbrella in case of rain. In the nighttime, you can often get temperatures down to 4ºC while the daytime temperatures crawl up to 12-14ºC.
I think Arles is one of the most beautiful places to visit in France in winter if you want to avoid the snow.
Finally, take note of changing weather conditions in general – we spent a week in the area in mid-June and had only rain! This is not historically normal weather – so always check the weather forecast before you start packing no matter what time of the year you plan your 1-day Arles trip.
Reflections on visiting Arles in one day
Summing up, visiting Arles in one day is absolutely worth it and you get to see a lot of the main attractions which encompass the city’s main soul: Roman remains and Van Gogh.
Arles is one of the most charming cities to add to your southern France itinerary with plenty to do and see.
Happy travels!