City break in Arles. Active leisure ideas for Arles - attractions, recreation and nightlife

Excursions to unique ancient landmarks are not the only activities available to tourists in Arles. The region is famous for its beautiful nature. There are several interesting nature reserves in the vicinity of the city, and Parc Naturel Regional de Camargue is one of the largest and most attractive of them. This park has a diverse terrain including lakes, marshes, forests, and spacious fields.

You will have an opportunity to watch horses and dozens of different bird species. Local lakes are a popular nesting site. Lucky visitors will be able to see pink flamingoes. Numerous walking and cycling paths make it more comfortable to explore the reserve. Pastures occupy a significant part of the restricted area. Local farmers are allowed to graze cattle here. By the way, nearby equestrian centers provide horse riding lessons and exciting horse excursions in the reserve.

If you like horses, do not miss an opportunity to visit the Domaine de Méjanes en Camargue center which is located in one of the city’s neighborhoods. This equestrian center breeds rare species of horses. In recent years, the center turned into a popular recreation spot for tourists and residents of Arles. When the weather permits, visitors are allowed to take care of the animals, ride horses, and try other interesting activities. Visitors can also make an excursion on a small train that takes passengers to the most spectacular areas of the region. When you are hungry, it is time to visit the nearby café where you can order the best regional dishes and foods from local farms. By the way, there is a hippodrome with regular horse racing events. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Young people enjoy visiting quest rooms in Arles. Some of the local quest providers are open in interesting historic buildings. In summer, local ancient theaters frequently host many exciting events. All kinds of festivals, music concerts, and theatrical plays entertain and amuse numerous visitors. Almost all events of this type are free to enter.

Fans of strolling have one more amusing activity to try in Arles. They enjoy searching and exploring inner yards that almost all historic buildings have. Many of these courtyards are free to enter. Quite often they have interesting decorations such as old sculptures, fountains, and beautiful flowerbeds. Tourists can see one of the most attractive courtyards in Arles during a visit to the Espace Van Gogh Museum. The spacious inner yard with arcades has a stunning flower décor. It is interesting to visit this place all year round. There are stalls with postcards and other inexpensive souvenirs right in the yard. Numerous posters feature the most famous works of Van Gogh.

If you happen to visit Arles in summer, do not miss an opportunity to visit Chateau d'Estoublon. This is a gorgeous palace in the vicinity of the city. It is famous not only as a valuable historic attraction. One of the most beautiful rose gardens in the region is adjacent to the palace. Hundreds of rosebushes were planted here. There are several dozen different rose bush types in the garden. The area looks incredibly attractive. An excursion to this historic place is also very popular with all wine connoisseurs. Today, a wine cellar occupies a large part of the historic building. Of course, visitors can sample and purchase the finest regional wines here. Finally, a charming café with fragrant coffee and signature desserts will never let visitors stay hungry.

Don’t forget to visit Jardin d'Ete, a charming small garden in the heart of Arles. It can be a fabulous place to relax between excursions. The garden is located close to the old amphitheater. Centuries-old trees, gorgeous sculptures, and fountains make this small piece of nature even more attractive. Comfortable benches and a panoramic view of the theater attract many visitors to this park.

If you like unusual evening recreation, visit Place du Forum after sunset. There are attractive restaurants and cafes in the multiple old buildings surrounding this square. It is so easy to spend the whole evening here, enjoying a trouble-free atmosphere, regional wines and popular dishes. Additionally, one of the most famous cafes in the city – Van Gogh Café – is open here. Even tourists who are not interested in the works of the famous artist will find it amusing to visit this café. That being said, there are not many nightclubs and bars in the city. Bars are open in some large hotels only. Certain restaurants host entertainment programs for their guests.