Our most recommended things to do in Arles

From Arles: Half-Day 4x4 Camargue Safari

1. From Arles: Half-Day 4x4 Camargue Safari

Discover Camargue Natural Regional Park on an exciting 4x4 excursion with an experienced guide. See native wildlife like horses, bulls, and flamingos and stop in the charming village of Saintes Maries de la Mer. Meet your guide and embark on this incredible half-day 4 x 4 tour. Located between the arms of the Rhône River, the Camargue is a wind-swept land made of salt and water. Birds have made it their safe haven and people have managed to intermingle with biodiversity in this unique place, breeding bulls and horses, as well as developing the rice culture.   Camargue manages to seduce with its breathtaking landscapes and doesn't fail to impress. This territory, where water and alluvium, ponds, marshes and land all mix, has been the base of exceptionally rich human history. Discover the ponds and marshes, home to pink flamingos and many other birds. You will be welcomed on  private land to admire the famous Camargue bulls and horses. Discover the heart of the Camargue Natural Regional Park and learn about its nature and history from your guide.

From Avignon: In the Footsteps of Van Gogh in Provence

2. From Avignon: In the Footsteps of Van Gogh in Provence

Start your trip from Avignon and relax with round-trip transportation via air-conditioned minibus to explore Van Gogh's Provence. From the bright colors of the sun and sunflowers to the various colorful landscapes, he painted hundreds of works during his stay St. Rémy de Provence and Arles. The sunny region of Provence has long been an inspiration for artists and painters, like Van Gogh. In Saint Rémy, follow a walking route that shows reproductions of his famous works and visit St. Paul de Mausole Asylum where he was interned. Then route to Arles to discover the sites he painted during his stay in Provence.

From Arles: Alpilles Regional Park Provence 4x4 Safari

3. From Arles: Alpilles Regional Park Provence 4x4 Safari

After getting picked up from the meeting point in Arles, climb into an all-terrain 4x4 vehicle and set off into the heart of the Alpilles Regional Park, a small range of low mountains in Provence. As you drive, admire Roman ruins, vines, and olive trees spread out as far as the eye can see.  Pass through the picturesque villages of Saint Remy and Baux de Provence, where you will make a 30-minute stop to explore on foot. Stroll through this prestigious historic settlement which offers extraordinary views over the surrounding countryside. Next, visit an olive mill and savor delicious local oils. Your guide, motivated by their passion for provençal culture will unveil the hidden secrets of the region.

From Aix-en-Provence: Arles, Les Baux & Saint-Rémy Day Tour

4. From Aix-en-Provence: Arles, Les Baux & Saint-Rémy Day Tour

This full-day tour from Aix-en-Provence takes you on a discovery of Provence, visiting Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Les Baux-de-Provence, and Arles. Upon arrival in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence you will have some free time to explore the town including, on a Wednesday, the open-air market, one of the most picturesque in Provence. You will also take a photo stop at the Roman monuments and at Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, the hospital where the painter Van Gogh was interned from 1889 to 1890. You will then explore the exceptional village of Les Baux-de-Provence. The village has kept the narrow streets from the Middle Ages, the imposing ruins of a castle, and the memory of the proud lords and troubadours. From the rocky spur you can admire the breathtaking view of the exceptional scenery. possibility to attent the light and sound show in Carrieres de Lumières (entrance ticket non included). Continuing on to Arles, you will take a walking tour following the footsteps of Van Gogh to discover the places where he created his most famous paintings dating back to 1888. Arles is also famous worldwide for its architectural heritage. The weekly market is on saturday morning : Arles is definitely a must-to-see!

From Avignon: Half-Day Van Gogh & Carrières de Lumières Tour

5. From Avignon: Half-Day Van Gogh & Carrières de Lumières Tour

Follow in the tracks of Vincent van Gogh in Provence on this 5-hour tour. Begin in Arles, a city that fascinated the artist. Then, set off to discover the city through the history of the artist during this fascinating city tour. First, visit the monumental “Carrières de Lumières” which hosts extraordinary multimedia shows, unique in the world with Dali and Gaudi. Finish with St Paul de Mausole, the famous psychiatric hospital, where Van Gogh spent 1 very creative year.

From Avignon: Half-Day Camargue and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

6. From Avignon: Half-Day Camargue and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Depart Avignon and embark on a half-day tour of the beautiful wetlands and other landscapes of the Camargue by air-conditioned minivan. See wild horses and different bird species in their natural habitat, and learn more about the region from your driver/guide. Hear all about the local culture of the Roma people and get the chance to have your fortune read. Pass the historic city of Arles and see the wild horses and bulls unique to the region roaming freely as you make your way to the coastal town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Get some free time to explore the town center and soak up its charms. Use the time to look inside the Romanesque fortress-church and follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims who gather yearly for a religious festival in honor of Saint Sarah.

From Marseille: Saint Rémy de Provence, Les Baux and Arles

7. From Marseille: Saint Rémy de Provence, Les Baux and Arles

Visit Saint Rémy de Provence, picturesque and relaxing Provencal town. Photo stop at the Roman monuments «Les Antiques». Possibility to visit the recreation of Van Gogh's bedroom in Saint-Paul de Mausole. Enjoy the weekly market on Wednesdays. Free time in Les Baux de Provence, medieval fortress located on a rocky spur in the Alpilles region. Stroll in the foot steps of Van Gogh in Arles : discover the places which inspired him in his work. The city is also famous for its Roman heritage. The weekly market is on Saturday morning : Arles is definitely a must-see ! Lunch on your own during the day. NB : On certain days, a quick drive through Aix en Provence to pick up and drop off passengers may be included.

Arles 2-Hour Private Walking Tour

8. Arles 2-Hour Private Walking Tour

Get to know Arles on a 2-hour walking tour of the French city. Maybe you have already heard about this place, as it is famous for its festival of photography, Rencontres d'Arles, which takes place every year in summer. But let's focus on discovering the historical center of this amazing city. Arles has important remains of Roman times, and you will start your tour by visiting the arena of Roman amphitheater, constructed in the 1st century. Then visit the Antique Theatre and the Arles Obelisk. If you would like to visit another place, simply let your guide know your wishes and your tour will be adjusted accordingly. Keep in mind that Arles is also rich in museums, like Musée de la Camargue or Musée Réaltu, which you can visit on your own. Additionally, some of the buildings and cathedrals of Arles are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and are a wonder to behold.

Camargue: Discovery of nature at the Vigueirat marshes

9. Camargue: Discovery of nature at the Vigueirat marshes

Accompanied by a naturalist guide, you enter the heart of the nature reserve. On more than 1,200 hectares, the site is made up of a mosaic of natural environments characteristic of the Camargue, which house 3,500 animal and plant species, with 5 bulls and horses, and more than 300 species of birds you will be able to observe over the seasons: ducks, raptors, limits, flamingos, herons ... The site hosts the 9 species of European herons, including the famous Star Butor. The meeting point for the visit is set in front of the reception of the Vigueirat marshes. The guide takes you to an electric minibus to the heart of the nature reserve located 5 km further south. You will then go to several observatories to discover the birds present in the Marais. The guide will make you discover the different species using a long-lived and will give you many explanations on wildlife and natural environments. Lasting 2:30, naturalist visits take place all year round and afternoon, with schedules that adapt to the pace of the seasons. These outings are not only reserved for ornithologists but adapt to the whole family. The circuit is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Aix-en-Provence: Arles, Saint Rémy, and Les Baux Day Trip

10. Aix-en-Provence: Arles, Saint Rémy, and Les Baux Day Trip

Explore 3 stunning gems on this full day tour to Arles, listed by Unesco as a World Heritage Site because of the number of Roman Monuments, the village of Saint-Rémy de Provence, where Van Gogh lived for a year and the village of Les Baux de Provence, an outstanding medieval village. Meet your English speaking local guide In the morning, we will come and pick you up at the tourism office in Aix en Provence. Meet your English speaking driver/guide who will go over the itinerary and program of the day with you. Then board your premium A/C vehicle and begin your small group tour led by a local guide. Arles Town Visit Discover the Historic city of Arles, a fortified town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Participate in a walking tour of the historic center to visit the most emblematic monuments of the town including the Amphitheater, the Antique Theater or Saint Trophime church. The Roman City & Sites The Roman Amphitheater was built at the end of the 1st Century to the North of the town. It is part of a general extension of Arles and was built at the same period of time as the baths. It is larger than the one located in Nîmes and could welcome up to 25.000 spectators. Antique Games will be held within until the fall of the Roman Empire. The building of the Antique Theatre was requested by Emperor Auguste. It could welcome up to 10.000 spectators at a time. Only part of the Theater remains but it is still one of the most well preserved in France. The Roman Forum Located at the intersection of the Cardo (north-south axis) and the Decumanus (east-west axis), the Roman Forum of Arles is made up of a great square of which only two fragments still exist. What is interesting about the Forum in Arles are the foundations as it is built on a cryptoporticus, which is a covered corridor or passageway. The cryptoporticus were known to be used as storage areas in other towns but the one in Arles is, however, too damp for prolonged storage and may have served as a barracks for public slaves. Saint-Rémy de Provence Arrive in Saint Remy de Provence, one of the prettiest villages of the area. The village is known to be a summer hot spot for chic parisians, yet it is still possible to find some quiet areas within the village, as there are many small squares scattered all over. After the visit, free time for personal discovery and lunch. For your information, there is a beautiful Provence Market on Wednesdays. Les Baux de Provence Drive to the Alpilles mountain region that is famous for its vineyards and olive trees. Reach the medieval hilltop village of les Baux-de-Provence built on a rocky spur and from where you will have a breathtaking view of the surrounding Provence Countryside. Enjoy some free time to stroll and explore the narrow streets, Art galleries and the remains of a 10th century fortress.

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What people are saying about Arles

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 809 reviews

We had a wonderful time on this tour. Our driver Thierry was very attentive and ensured that we saw all the things on our bucket list. The Flamingo Bird park was spectacular and we saw horses and bulls albeit not in “the wild”. We visited St Marie de la Mer and had plenty of time to climb to the roof of the the Notre Dame church and get some spectacular views of the town and the Mediterranean. Thierry also dropped us off near our accommodation and saved us a train ride. Merci Thierry.

We knew very little about the area before this trip but enjoyed the group and the tour very much. The guide, Caroline(?) was very informative and was trying to make our experience as pleasant as possible. The only backdrop is that the more I learn about the area, the longer I wanted to stay.

it was an excellent trip, very educational and engaging, with interesting stops along the way showcasing the Camargue breathtaking landscapes, white horses, bulls and even flamingoes in late October!

Perfect activity to discover Camargue! Our guide was excellent! sandra knew everything about her lovely region and it was such a pleasure to travel with her. Thank you! Et bonne continuation!

Our guide was very knowledgeable. She grew up in the Camargue and her pride in the area was evident.