Location: Arles
Top Things to do in Arles
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Arles, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur
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. 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!
2. Parc Naturel Regional de Camargue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 811 reviews
Reviewed By MikesWorld1111 - Nice, France
I am happy we took a guided tour of the Camargue because the guide was very informative. He bought us to pet the white horses of Camargue. He explained the differences between Camargue and Spanish bulls. Took us to a small village on the sea called St. Marie and finally we went to observe the flamingos ... All of this in about 4 hours.
3. Le Marche d'Arles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
Reviewed By GlamBecca - Boston, United States
I made it a point to plan my visit to Arles so I would make it to the Saturday market. So glad it worked out. Plan to spend at least 2 hours, and eat your way through! The food offerings are varied, abundant, and delicious! If you're staying in Arles for a few days why not buy some cheeses, cured meats, olives, fruits, salads or rices...and bring them back to your room. I did! Lovely late night snack or quick breakfast. One end of the market has clothes, handbags, kitchen gadgets, fabrics, socks, and the like. The center is food. All kinds. From fresh to prepared, cheeses and breads, or from condiments to spices. Fabulous!!! The other end has really nice local handcrafted wares. Soaps, linens, lavender, pottery, and olive wood kitchen utensils. To name a few. I traveled alone and enjoyed the experience tremendously. Lots of friendly people there too. Enjoy!
4. Barbegal Watermill
5. Open Air Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By taitaihk - Hong Kong, China
We were lucky to be in Arles on a Saturday when this market takes place. It is truly not to be missed and was definitely the best market we visited on our trip to Provence and Burgundy. The market is vast, spanning 2 roads in the centre of Arles, and sells everything from food to baskets, jewellery, clothes, toiletries, local souvenirs and bric a brac. It was the food stalls which attracted us, an amazing array of fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, fresh fish and seafood, saucissons, patisserie, and cheeses. Go hungry.
6. 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).
7. 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.
8. Espace Van Gogh
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 803 reviews
Reviewed By Razorfish - Little Rock, United States
The Espace Van Gogh is the location of the hospital where Van Gogh was treated for his ear. It looks very similar to the way it looked when Van Gogh was there.
9. Place de la Republique
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 554 reviews
Reviewed By 827maryannf
My husband and I were visiting Arles during a river cruise of the French Rivera. Arles was one of our shore excursions and an overnight stop. We were fortunate to have had an English-speaking local tour guide to provide us with a history of the area and also to provide us with an opportunity to visit the landmarks and attractions. The Place de la Republique is a must see, to enjoy and to photograph. According to available literature, "This historic central square in the heart of Arles, France is called Place de la Republique (Republic Square)...It is the city center of Arles, the heart of the city. A well-known square symbolized by its 4th century Roman obelisk erected in front of the town hall with a magnificent fountain. It was found in the 1300s and erected here on a plinth in the 17th century. The stone for the obelisk has traveled a long way when you consider the time it was erected and that it measures more than 15 meters. It is made of a specific type of granite found in Asia Minor and most likely Ancient Troy. Lots of history here! Don't miss visiting this fantastic piece of history!
10. Pont Van-Gogh (Pont de Langlois)
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