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Sightseeing in Arles - what to see. Complete travel guide

France invites tourists to visit its southern region that is the location of a truly paradise-like place – Arles. This charming city is situated in the delta of the Rhône River, not far from the main competitor of Arles – Marseilles. The beautiful city is suitable for tourism all year round. Arles has become internationally famous because of the Roman arena in the central part of the city. There are also several important landmarks of Roman and medieval periods.
Family holidays with kids in Arles. How to entertain your child, things to show to children.
It is not that simple to find interesting landmarks for tourists with children in a city famous for its antique sights and museums. Arles is a pleasant exception. In addition to excursions … Open
The Ligurians inhabited this area during prehistoric times. However, the paradise-like area attracted other nations who also wanted to conquer the region. Romans tried to make Arles their territory in 123 BC. At that time, Arles was a prosperous city with active economic life and trading. This was possible because of a canal built in 104 BC. It connected this settlement with the Mediterranean Sea. However, the actively developing neighbor – Marseilles – still made Arles a less important city.
The city sided with Julius Caesar in his battle against Pompey, and this was like a breath of fresh air. Roman colonizers set up their authority in the region, and Arles started developing actively and expanding in size. Local streets became more comfortable because of pedestrian areas. Romans also built the first theater in the city, an arena, public baths, and a 75-kilometer-long aqueduct. Numerous temples appeared in Arles. Sailors and fishermen formed organizations that only helped to develop the city. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Excursion over cultural sights of Arles - 'must visit' points of interest
Antique landmarks of the Roman Empire period have made Arles internationally famous. The entire territory of the historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many tourists start … Open
The appearance of the first railroad in this region marked the start of economic decline. The recession stroke the city hard at the end of the 19th century. Even nowadays, Arles wakes up only on Saturdays when the fish market opens and numerous farmers arrive in the city to offer their products. Despite the fact that the city is calm and even somewhat boring, it hosts numerous celebrations and festivals that lighten up the routine of local people. It is also important to mention the corrida that takes place in the period from Easter and All Saints’ Day.
Start your excursion in Arles from the central part of the city where tourists can see the beautiful and majestic amphitheater. The arena has enough space for up to twenty-five thousand people. Arles Amphitheater was built in 46 BC, so this attraction is the oldest “gift from the past” in the city. The arena still hosts numerous theatrical events, performances, Spanish corrida, and interesting theatrical fights.
Your active city break in Arles. Attractions, recreation and entertainment - best places to spend your day and night here
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 … Open
The Gallo-Roman theater is no less interesting and famous attraction. It is situated approximately 100 kilometers away from the amphitheater. The theater has somewhat lost its original splendor and look. Time was merciless to the stones of the theater, but this doesn’t mean that the landmark became less important or precious with time. A stroll in the theater is an excellent opportunity to get oneself familiar with the principles of ancient construction. At that time, the theatre already had a strict division with seats for visitors, the scene, and backstage.
In the western part of Arles, on the gorgeous Republic Square, tourists will find another beautiful local attraction – the Church of Saint Trophime. This is a truly fabulous example of Roman architectural style. The church’s portals are early Christian constructions with numerous decorations depicting scenes from the Bible. Inside the church, there are tapestries by artists who lived and worked in the 17th and 18th centuries. When sun rays shine through windows, it looks like the pictures become alive and start shining with the bright light.
Shopping in Arles - main shopping streets, outlets and boutiques
The majority of popular shops in Arles are located in the city center. There are also several good shopping malls here. La Galerie - Géant Arles is one of the largest malls in the city. It … Open
Don’t forget to explore the Montmajour Abbey during your stay in Arles. The gorgeous building surrounded by cypress groves is situated in close proximity to the city. The Benedictine abbey is a peaceful place with green gardens and tranquil chapels. A high wall surrounds the complex. Starting from early in the morning and until the evening, the enchanting abbey welcomes its foreign guests.
For centuries, residents of Arles used baths which are also called thermae. Nowadays, tourists visit them to learn more about the Roman period in the history of the city, especially, about the period of Constantine. The thermae is situated in the northern part of the city. Do you want to take a bath here? Unfortunately, this is not possible, but tourists can walk in ancient corridors and explore the building. Constantine himself walked in these corridors when he was visiting baths to wash off the dirt left from bloody battles.
Family holidays with kids in Arles. How to entertain your child, things to show to children.
It is not that simple to find interesting landmarks for tourists with children in a city famous for its antique sights and museums. Arles is a pleasant exception. In addition to excursions … Open
France has a well-developed system of railway roads. This is the reason why the most popular way to reach Arles is by train. It departs from the Avignon station, and the transit time will take only twenty minutes. Of course, there are other routes as well. The transit time from Nimes is only twenty-five minutes. The road to Arles from Marseilles will be somewhat longer – 45 minutes. The ride from Montpellier is the longest – it will take roughly one hour. For car rides, route A53 is preferable as it will take you directly to Arles.
This guide to iconic landmarks and sights of Arles is protected by the copyright law. You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.
Arles - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5

City tours, excursions and tickets in Arles and surroundings

Reference information
Map of all castles
Survived castles around Arles
♥   Castle 'Château de Tarascon' Bouches-du-Rhône, 14.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Château de Beaucaire' Gard, 14.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Château de Baux' Bouches-du-Rhône, 15.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Château de Fort Saint-André' Gard, 35 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Château de L’Empéri' Bouches-du-Rhône, 38 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all parks
National and city parks around Arles
♥   Regional Nature Park 'Camargue' , 19.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Regional Nature Park 'Alpilles' , 20.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Regional Nature Park 'Luberon' , 49.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Regional Nature Park 'Baronnies provençales' , 96.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Regional Nature Park 'Verdon' , 102.1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all art museums
Art galleries in Arles and around
♥   Art museum 'Musée de l Arles et de la Provence antiques' Arles, 1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'Musée des Beaux-Arts' Nîmes, 27.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'Fondation Calvet' Avignon, 33.2 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'Musée Angladon' Avignon, 33.2 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'Musée du Petit Palais' Avignon, 33.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo

Sights around Arles from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'

Amphitheatre in Orange

From the series “Ancient Amphitheaters and Arenas, That Are Still Operational”
Check on the map:   Distance from Arles center - 53.1 km.
One of the main features of the ancient theater is its unique acoustics, which was appreciated by artists in the second half of the 19th century. The first theatrical performances here began to be held in 1869, since then the amphitheater is a permanent venue for the most important city holidays and cultural events. The theater in Orange has one more secret. It is the only arena in the world that managed to preserve the original scene, it has not been touched by numerous reconstructions. … Read further

Ancient theater and Arc de Triomphe in Orange

From the series “The Most Interesting UNESCO Sites in France”
Check on the map:   Distance from Arles center - 53 km.
Performances by Placido Domingo, Barbara Hendricks, Ruggero Raimondi, Ferruccio Furlanetto, and Montserrat Caballe took place on the ancient stage in various periods. The ancient arena was chosen as the venue for the festival not by chance. It is distinguished by its unique acoustics. Guests of Orange can visit the unique attraction as part of organized excursions. They are held regularly on days when no cultural events take place in the theater. Visitors will have the opportunity to visit the most hidden corners of the ancient Roman arena during this tour. Guests will also be able to step on its stage and experience the range of feelings that opera performers who perform in the theater experience. … Read further
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Sightseeing in regions nearby Arles

Nimes
The city is a major center of education and culture. It is loved for its unique atmosphere of comfort and hospitality, as well as non-negotiable "Roman" color. The first things you'll see at the entrance to the city are the statues of Roman emperors, which remind us of the birth of the city and its first colonists from Rome. No other city of France can be proud of such rich ... Open »
Avignon
Avignon is located in the southern part of France. In past the city was a center of the Catholic world and the residence of the Pope. It’s clear, after many year of such a notable position Avignon is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities of the country in both historical and cultural aspects. The Avignon City Wall is a symbol of the old part of this town. It was ... Open »
Montpellier
First mentions of the city are dated back to the 10th century, when Montpellier belonged to famous French counts. The city is conveniently located between two high hills, and some of its streets are located in mountainous areas. Because the city is situated on the border between Spain and Italy, it has always been an important center of trade. The ancient town was very small; ... Open »
Aix-en-Provence
Start your acquaintance with Aix-en-Provence with the quarters in the Old Town. Streets in this part of the city are reminiscent of a labyrinth. However, tourists do not need to worry that they can get lost because there are many squares with fountains. Tourists can relax near these fountains and then continue their adventure. When exploring old streets of the city, travelers ... Open »
Marseille
Marseille is a large city in France, which occupies the second place in terms of size with Paris on the top. Marseille is the most important industrial region of France, however it also represents large cultural, architectural and historical heritage of the country. Marseille occupies a truly advantageous location on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. An ancient port that ... Open »
Languedoc-Roussillon
The capital of the Roussillon province is Perpignan that will fascinate hikers and fans of excursions. Be sure to visit the miniature fort Le Castillet, see priceless exhibits at the Museum of Catalan culture, stroll through Place de la Loge and appreciate the beauty of Saint-Jean Cathedral. The main part of cafes, restaurants and shops are situated in Romani and Magrebian ... Open »
All about Arles, France - sightseeings, attractions, touristic spots, architecture, history, culture and cuisine. Prepare your trip together with OrangeSmile.com - find out the 'must see' things in Arles, which places to visit, which excursions to take, where the breathtaking views are waiting for you. Planning your trip with this travel guide will help your to get the most out of Arles in few days.
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