Arles attractions what to see in 1 day. Arles – an interesting city in Provence

Arles is paradise with an exciting fate: these places were conquered by the Roman emperors Julius Caesar and Constantine the Great, French artists Gauguin and Van Gogh lived here. During his lifetime, the latter was able to sell only one painting - depicting the red vineyards of Arles.

Secluded and quiet Arles is completely drowned in the culture of Provence. The local museums are small, but original (there are no Van Gogh paintings in them, don’t look for them). In general, Arles is a small town, you can only walk around it. The city center of Arles, which combines Roman heritage and narrow streets lined with 18th-century houses, is included in the UNESCO List of sites. world heritage.

The colorful area of ​​Arles attracts photographers from all over the world, who come here to the National School of Photography for annual master classes and festivals.

How to get there

Since France is intertwined with railway lines, it is quite easy to get to Arles by train - from Avignon (20 minutes), from Nîmes (25 minutes), from Marseille (45 minutes), from Montpellier (60 minutes). You will arrive at Central Train Station, after which on one of 6 bus routes get to any attraction.

A ticket for 1 trip costs 1.5 EUR, but it is better to purchase a one-day ticket with an unlimited number of trips for 6 EUR.

If you prefer to travel by car, the A53 Nîmes - Arles - Salon-de-Provence highway, connecting the A7 and A9 highways, will take you straight to the Roman-French city with rich history and luxurious nature.

Prices on the page are for April 2019.

Search for flights to Nice (closest airport to Arles)

Cuisine and restaurants

When your hands finally get tired of clicking the camera shutter, you can take a break in an Arles restaurant. Cafe Margaux, next to the Church of St. Vincent (rue P.-Revoil, 1), is interesting with its interior in the style of a medieval hall, with heavy oak beams and ancient instruments on the walls, and its menu: bouybes, ratatouille, local wine. The prices are quite high, but the feast promises to be royal.

The famous Provençal fish soup bouaibes takes several days to prepare.

Arles sausages are a local delicacy. You can try them at La Charcuterie, and as an appetizer you will be offered pork trotters and oxtails.

Café Van Gogh is on the must-see pilgrimage list for tourists. Its interior recreates Van Gogh's painting "Night Cafe" as closely as possible.

Guides in Arles

Popular hotels in Arles

Sights of Arles

Picturesque, intimate Arles grew up on the banks of the Rhone. Its ancient history, dating back to 800 BC. e., survived the eras of Ligurian, Phoenician and Roman rule. The conquerors left a rich architectural heritage: an ancient amphitheater for 20 thousand spectators from the end of the 1st century AD. BC, built by Flavius, the ancient Roman theater of the era of Octavian Augustus (approximately 30-15 BC), during the excavations of which the famous “Venus of Arlesiana” was found (located in the collection of the Louvre), an early Christian temple, part of the city wall, the Baths of Constantine I. In 1981, all the monuments of ancient Arelat were classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Amphitheater

We begin our photo hunt from the city center, where 200 meters from cathedral there is a famous Roman amphitheater that could accommodate up to 25 thousand spectators. It was built in 46 BC. e. This is not only the largest, but also the most ancient architectural monument of Arles. In the Middle Ages, the French converted the amphitheater into a fortress.

Currently, the “Roman” purpose of the monument has been returned: performances, bullfights and even theatrical fights take place there. And again, as in ancient times, the roar and enthusiastic screams of the motley crowd can be heard.

Ancient theater

No less striking photographs can be taken within the walls of the Ancient Theater, located 100 m southeast of the Amphitheater. The theater has been preserved somewhat worse, but this does not diminish the value of the huge stone blocks polished by time. The example of the building demonstrates the typical principle of theater construction of that time. They consisted of three parts: seats for spectators, a stage and the so-called backstage. Ticket price - 8 EUR.

Church of St. Trophim

We turn west and after 100 meters we find ourselves on Republic Square, in the center of which stands the Church of St Trophime - a Roman Catholic cathedral, a striking example of Romanesque architecture and sculpture. Early Christian motifs are evident in the colorful drawings of the temple portals; biblical stories unfold before your eyes. The walls of the temple are decorated with canvases and tapestries by famous artists of the 17th-18th centuries, which glow in a special way under direct sunlight. You can visit the church in November - February from 10:00 to 17:00, in March-April, October from 9:00 to 18:00, in May-September from 9:00 to 19:00 for 4-5 EUR.

Montmajour Abbey

A trip to Montmajour Abbey near Arles in the cypress groves is a special page in your photo album. The cozy streets of the Benedictine abbey with green gardens, the silence of the chapel, the high walls of the church - even shots taken using an ordinary “soap box” convey the charm of this place. You can get there by buses No. 59 and 29 from the station (Arles - Saint-Rémy route). The abbey gates are open daily from 10:00 to 18:30. Ticket price - 6 EUR.

Baths of Constantine

You can get in touch with Roman history at the Thermal Baths of Constantine, located in the northern part of Arles. You shouldn’t count on bathing, but you can wander through the ancient corridors along which Emperor Constantine went to wash off the blood of his enemies after another battle. The cost of visiting is 3-4 EUR.

Les Baux de Provence

Another pretty town in the vicinity of Arles is Les Baux de Provence with a medieval castle. Entrance to the territory costs 8-10 EUR. It must be said that tourists have long been attracted to one of the most beautiful towns in France: various shows are held here from April to September.

Here you can get acquainted with the structure of siege weapons; you can see them in action at 11:00, 13:30, 15:30, and in July-August at 18:30. From 10:00 to 18:00 you can do archery, and at 12:00, 14:30 and 16:30 you can witness medieval duels. A light and music show is shown in abandoned quarries, the main subject of which is Van Gogh's paintings. Ticket price: 14.50 EUR, 18 EUR including the castle. You can get here by the same bus number 59.

In Arles there is a flexible system of discounts for visiting museums and monuments. The Advantage Pass, a ticket costing 16 EUR, is valid for 6 months for all museums and monuments, and the Liberté Pass for 12 EUR entitles you to visit 4 monuments and one museum of your choice.

Aliskan

The territory of Aliskan promises excellent photographs - a place that inspired artists, writers and poets from different eras. It was the most famous necropolis ancient world and, according to some literary scholars, it is he who is mentioned in the poem “The Furious Roland” by Ludovico Ariosto and in the “Divine Comedy” by Dante Alighieri. You can visit Aliskan daily, from November to February from 10:00 to 17:00 (break 12:00-14:00), from March to April and in October from 9:00 to 18:00 (break 12:00-14 :00), from May to September 9:00-19:00. Ticket price - 9 EUR.

Camargue Park

In the Regional national park In the Camargue, graceful flamingos walk among the magnificent vegetation, wild ducks swim in clear ponds, quacking importantly, and bulls and horses graze in large herds in the fields. Here you can devote a couple of hours to walking, horseback riding, or more detailed exploration of the rocks and river banks.

Antique Museum of Arles

Another interesting place is the Antique Museum of Arles, which houses a unique collection of Roman Christian sarcophagi and sculptures, mosaics and inscriptions from the Augustinian period to the 6th century AD. e. Address: Av 1ere Division France Libre. Opening hours: daily, except Tuesday; from April to September 9:00-20:00, from October to March 10:00-18:00. Ticket price is 5-8 EUR, admission is free on the first Monday of the month.

Arles (France) - the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Arles with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of Arles (France)

Champs Elysees(Alyscamps) - an extensive Roman burial ground that provides evidence ancient history Arles. This Gallo-Roman necropolis is located on the southeastern outskirts of the old city. In the Middle Ages, this cemetery was very revered, so there are burials here from all over the area. Most of the stone tombs date from the Middle Ages. The most beautiful sarcophagi were placed in museums. At the end of the necropolis there is a small 12th-century medieval church whose side chapel contains a 4th-century tomb.

Saint-Trophime is a monastery with a church, which is considered the main attraction of the Middle Ages in Arles. The monastery was founded in the 12th century and combines various medieval architectural styles, including Romanesque and Gothic elements. Saint-Trophime is known for its sculptures and rich architecture, as well as its beautiful tapestries. The nearby church is also dedicated to St. Trofim. It was built in the Romanesque style and has a beautiful facade with scenes from the Last Judgment. In the interior of the church you can admire ancient tapestries and a Gothic choir.

The Baths of Constantine is a vast antique bath complex built in the 4th century AD. The baths were built on behalf of Emperor Constantine, who loved to visit Arles. It was once a majestic complex of buildings resembling a palace. Now they are ruins.

Place de la République is the central square of Arles, located in the heart of the old town. Interesting sights: the monastery and church of Saint-Trophime, the Gothic church of St. Anne (pictured left), built in the 17th century and abandoned after the French Revolution, the 17th century town hall and a 15-meter ancient Egyptian obelisk in front of it.

The Forum is the central square of ancient Arles, of which only the underground arcade now remains.

Notre-Dame-la-Major is the oldest church in Arles, founded in the 5th century. In the 12th century the old building was replaced by a Romanesque church, and in the 16th century it was rebuilt in the Gothic style. The bell tower was built in 1579. The church has a formal Gothic interior and some interesting religious artifacts and art.

The city of Arles (France) is located on the banks of the Rhone River in the southern part of Provence. The area of ​​the city is 759 km², and the population is just over 52 thousand people. Despite the fact that the city is not cultural center France, this place attracts a large flow of tourists every year. The sights that this quiet corner is rich in are of genuine interest.

City `s history

In ancient times, Arles was called Arelat, and its first inhabitants were the Ligurians, who settled in the area as early as 800 BC. The city received a new name later. The word “Arles” is translated as “gate” (in this case, the gate to the gypsy monastery). There is an assumption that the city received this name thanks to its first inhabitants. In the 16th century, a massive resettlement of Jews and Gypsies began to these places, hiding from the Inquisition, which was taking place at that time in Spain.

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Gypsies and Jews made a certain contribution to the culture and way of life of this city. A significant place in the history of the city is occupied by the Romans, who conquered the city in 123 BC. Tourists often come to the city, inspired by ancient Roman architectural structures. Some of the attractions of this picturesque place are considered UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Attractions

The area around Arles was made famous by the artist Vincent Van Gogh. In this place he painted more than 200 paintings, and historians consider this period the most successful in the artist’s work.

One of the most famous paintings painted by Vincent Van Gogh is “Red Vineyards at Arles.” Here the artist painted an equally famous painting called “Bedroom in Arles”. Arles and Van Gogh are inextricably linked with each other. The master lived and worked in this town. The Langlois Bridge in Arles is also named after Van Gogh. This place, with its beauty, inspired the work of another famous creator of that time - Picasso. During his lifetime, he bequeathed some of his works to one of the local museums. But paintings by Vincent Van Gogh are not exhibited here until now.

How to get to Arles, France Arles is considered a small but very picturesque town in the western part of Provence. The charm of Arles lies in its historical and architectural attractions, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and in the surrounding area. natural park Camargue, the only one of its kind in Europe. Arles is located along the banks of the Rhone River; many ancient objects, archaeological finds, as well as architectural monuments from different eras have been preserved here. Without a doubt, Arles can be called “a museum under open air

" At the same time, it has not lost the charm of the Provençal province; you can get around the town on foot in just a few hours. Tourists love Arles for its originality and authentic attractions.

Larry/Van Gogh Gardens in Arles The most convenient way to get to Arles is from Marseille, since the cities are located in close proximity to each other. Distance between settlements is only 90 km. Runs between Arles and Marseille public transport . For example, you can get there by high-speed train in 45-50 minutes. Trains run throughout the day, several times an hour. Trains depart from Marseille Saint-Charles station. You can check the train schedule between Marseille and Arles on the French website railways .

It is convenient to get to Arles by car. The cities are connected by highways No. A7 and A54; travel time is about 1 hour. You can rent a car directly in Marseille, in the city districts or at the arrival airport. This is a fairly popular option, especially for those tourists who plan to move around a lot and explore the cities of Provence and its natural attractions. You can book the desired class of car in advance using special services. Rentalcars , and others similar. To register a car for rent, you will need to have your passport, international driver's license and bank card to pay for services.

decar66/Arles

Where to Stay in Arles, France

Arles is quite popular among tourists, so there are a lot of different accommodation places here. If you wish, you can stay in hotels, apartments, bed and breakfasts, guest houses, hostels. To stay within walking distance of the main attractions, it is best to book a hotel room in city ​​center, and that’s the majority of people here. At the same time, it is worth taking into account the specifics of the city; many hotels will be located in historical buildings, but this does not affect the service in any way.

In addition to city hotels, there are also several country hotels in Arles, which include an expanded range of options, for example, a swimming pool, sun terrace, garden and other “country joys”. To the good ones country hotels include, for example, Ibis Styles Arles Palais des Congres 3* (swimming pool, free parking, free Wi-Fi, restaurant, bar, included breakfast or half board), Hotel le Mas des Ponts d`Arles 3* (swimming pool, garden, free parking and Wi-Fi, bar, terrace), Ibis Budget Arles Palais des Congres 2* (eco-hotel, has an outdoor pool, sun terrace, free parking and Wi-Fi).

Popular city hotels include accommodation options such as Logis de la Muette 2* (a family hotel designed for a small number of guests, located in the historical center of the city), Hotel du Cloitre (hotel in the city center with free Wi-Fi and parking), Hotel & Spa Jules Cesar Arles 5* (luxury hotel with spa area right in the heart of Arles). Check prices for everything possible options accommodation in Arles is possible on specialized sites Booking , Hotellook and others like that, which allow you to compare all existing offers for specific dates.

Attractions in Arles, France

Arles, first of all, is rich in historical attractions. For example, ancient monuments are well preserved here - roman amphitheater, antique theater, Baths of Constantine, Forum portal and other objects. Each of the listed archaeological sites is open to the public, although visiting is not free; you will have to pay for admission. However, it is worth it if you are a fan of history, especially the ancient period, since the objects have been preserved in excellent condition and allow you to get an idea of ​​life of that era.

Party Lin/On the streets of Arles

From religious buildings are of interest Church of St. Trophim, made in the Romanesque style, and Benedictine Montmajour Abbey. True, the latter is located not in the city center, but in its surroundings, but it certainly deserves a visit. Historical attractions also include towers and fortress gates located in different parts of Arles - amphitheater towers, Roland's tower, Augustine Gate etc. In general, Arles is perfect for walking sightseeing tours; here and there you can see objects of history and architecture dating back to different eras. Walk around historical center Arles is better on foot; there is no special need for public transport here (although there is transport).

Wolfgang Staudt/Amphitheater in Arles

Of course, one cannot fail to mention the famous Camargue natural park, which is located in the vicinity of Arles. In fact, a large area of ​​the park is a wetland, but this should not scare tourists away, since there are paved roads everywhere, which are very convenient to move around, and the wetlands themselves have long been chosen by beautiful pink flamingos - the pride of the park. The biosphere of the Camargue Park is included in the UNESCO list of protected sites, and this is no coincidence, since the area itself is a pass for migratory birds, some of which are very rare. The park covers an area of ​​85 hectares and is located at the mouth of the Rhone River. There are rice fields, salt marshes, lagoons, and reed lakes (where flamingos live). There are quite a few routes in the park, depending on what sights you want to see.

On a note:

When going on a trip to France, do not forget to take out a travel insurance policy, which is mandatory already at the stage of obtaining a tourist visa. You can take out insurance yourself without leaving your home. There are special services for this, such as Tripinsurance , and others. You can purchase a policy online and then print it on a regular printer.

lfgang Staudt/Parc Camargue

Practical and eventful travels to you!

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The territory of Arles was inhabited back in the first millennium BC, at that time the Ligurians lived here.
In 123 BC. the city was captured by the Romans. And Arles began to blossom and becomes important city, this was facilitated by the construction of a canal in 104 BC, connecting the city with Mediterranean Sea. But for some time he remained in the shadow of Marseille. Until chance provided him with the opportunity to side with Caesar in his fight against Pompey, who was supported by Marseille. Thanks to which, in 46 BC. became a Roman colony - Colonia Iulia Paterna Arelatensium Sextanorum , where the veterans of the sixth Roman legion settled. Arelat
– this is the name of the city in Latin.
The city has streets with sidewalks, a forum, a theater, an arena, marble public baths with running water, a 75 km long aqueduct: the city is supplied with water from 3 canals: for private houses, for public baths and for fountains, temples of Augustus, Diana, and the Good Goddess will be built .
There were significant shipyards here. The Arles boatmen formed five great corporations, and their vessels plied the Durance and the Rhône.

Amphitheater In Arles there was a trading aristocracy, which concentrated in its hands the transportation of goods throughout the flourishing region of the Rhone. Its inhabitants were very devoted to luxury and pleasure.

was the main building of Galia. The elliptical-shaped auditorium accommodated 12 thousand people. Mostly Roman legionaries from the local garrison came here; gladiator fights with wild animals served as entertainment. Later, bloody or bloodless bullfights began to be held here. Bloodless bullfights are still a typical spectacle for Provence. Roman theater

in 12 BC
The Roman circus was built in 149 under Emperor Antonio Pius. The circus was built outside the city walls. 20 thousand spectators intervened. It should be noted that the 2nd century was only the beginning of prosperity for Arles, which grew more and more over time. Of all the Gallic cities, only one Arles

he had the good fortune to grow and get rich: in his life there were neither such periods of stagnation and even regression as Trier, Bordeaux and Narbonne experienced, nor such a sudden collapse as in the history of Fréjus, Nîmes and Lyon.

was the “happy city” throughout Roman Gaul. Arles. Provence. France. Gaul. In the 4th century, the temporary residence of Emperor Constantine the Great was located here. (he called the second capital of his empire, Little Gallic Rome).
In the 4th century it became the richest city in the entire West.
“The riches of the whole world flow here”, - one modern writer said about Arles.
And even the emperors themselves spoke of him with admiration. They loved him and willingly lived in Arles, as in Trier.
At this time, Arles became a symbol of Christianity, the first early Christian basilica appeared (IV century)
In 934-1032 the city became the capital of the Kingdom of Arles.
In the 5th century, on the site of the old cathedral, a Church of Saint-Trophime, in honor of the holy first martyr Stephen.

Church of St. Trophim.

In 1152, the rebuilt St. Stephen's Cathedral was dedicated to St. Trophimus, the founder of the first Christian community in Arle. Tradition calls Saint Trophimus the first bishop It should be noted that the 2nd century was only the beginning of prosperity for Arles, which grew more and more over time. Of all the Gallic cities, only one(II-III centuries).
The Church of St. Trophim has three naves. In 1430, the eastern part of the temple was rebuilt, and in the 19th century. completely restored. The church portal is a masterpiece of Provençal sculpture. The figures of the apostles are placed between the columns and pilasters.

The square in front of the Church of St. Trophim.

The holy martyr was buried at Arelat cemetery Alyskamp called "Champs Elysees", or otherwise "The Road to Paradise" (Les Alyscamps).

Necropolis of Alyscamp.

Necropolises of Alyscamps spread along Aurelia streets.

Ancient Alyscamp cemetery, meaning "Champs Elysees" or "Road to Paradise", is known in the pre-Christian period of Arelat's history and was located outside the city walls along the Roman road Via Aurelia, connecting Arelat () with Massilia (Marseille).
In the 3rd century, the holy martyr Genest was buried here, after which a Christian necropolis was formed around his grave and the chapel built above it.
Most of the necropolises have not survived. But many are depicted in the paintings of Van Gogh and Gauguin.

Necropolis of Alyscamp.

Church of St. Honora at the Champs Elysees cemetery. The church was erected on the site of an ancient chapel in honor of St. Martyr Genest in the 11th-13th centuries after the transfer of control of the necropolis to the Marseille Abbey of St. Victor. Construction of the main nave of the temple stopped at the beginning of the 13th century, after which the temple remained unfinished to this day.

he had the good fortune to grow and get rich: in his life there were neither such periods of stagnation and even regression as Trier, Bordeaux and Narbonne experienced, nor such a sudden collapse as in the history of Fréjus, Nîmes and Lyon.

In 1239, Arles became part of the County of Provence. And soon it lost its importance as the main port of Southern France to Marseille.
In 1246, the power of the Angevin dynasty was established in Provence. Since 1481 Arles belongs to France.
Since the end of the 15th century, the economy It should be noted that the 2nd century was only the beginning of prosperity for Arles, which grew more and more over time. Of all the Gallic cities, only one declines and it becomes one of the provincial towns of Southern France.
In the 16th century, Arles experienced a boom again: the city was thriving, new buildings were being erected, and ancient buildings were being restored.

he had the good fortune to grow and get rich: in his life there were neither such periods of stagnation and even regression as Trier, Bordeaux and Narbonne experienced, nor such a sudden collapse as in the history of Fréjus, Nîmes and Lyon.

he had the good fortune to grow and get rich: in his life there were neither such periods of stagnation and even regression as Trier, Bordeaux and Narbonne experienced, nor such a sudden collapse as in the history of Fréjus, Nîmes and Lyon.

he had the good fortune to grow and get rich: in his life there were neither such periods of stagnation and even regression as Trier, Bordeaux and Narbonne experienced, nor such a sudden collapse as in the history of Fréjus, Nîmes and Lyon.

he had the good fortune to grow and get rich: in his life there were neither such periods of stagnation and even regression as Trier, Bordeaux and Narbonne experienced, nor such a sudden collapse as in the history of Fréjus, Nîmes and Lyon.

he had the good fortune to grow and get rich: in his life there were neither such periods of stagnation and even regression as Trier, Bordeaux and Narbonne experienced, nor such a sudden collapse as in the history of Fréjus, Nîmes and Lyon.

he had the good fortune to grow and get rich: in his life there were neither such periods of stagnation and even regression as Trier, Bordeaux and Narbonne experienced, nor such a sudden collapse as in the history of Fréjus, Nîmes and Lyon.

he had the good fortune to grow and get rich: in his life there were neither such periods of stagnation and even regression as Trier, Bordeaux and Narbonne experienced, nor such a sudden collapse as in the history of Fréjus, Nîmes and Lyon.

he had the good fortune to grow and get rich: in his life there were neither such periods of stagnation and even regression as Trier, Bordeaux and Narbonne experienced, nor such a sudden collapse as in the history of Fréjus, Nîmes and Lyon.

From February 1888 to May 1889 artists worked in Arles Gauguin And Vincent Van Gogh.
For Van Gogh this was one of the most fruitful creative periods, here he created more than 200 works, including “Sunflowers”, “Arlesian Woman”, “The Sower”, “The Harvest”, “Night Cafe”, “Red Vineyards in Arles”, “ Van Gogh's bedroom in Arles", "The Yellow House".
Not far from the station on Place Lamartine, Van Gogh set up a workshop for himself, the facade of which was painted yellow. The Yellow House was the name of the workshop; unfortunately, it was not preserved during the war.

he had the good fortune to grow and get rich: in his life there were neither such periods of stagnation and even regression as Trier, Bordeaux and Narbonne experienced, nor such a sudden collapse as in the history of Fréjus, Nîmes and Lyon.

Vincent was full of hopes that the southern workshop, imbued with an atmosphere of friendship, would become the embryo of the painting of the future.

Some of the buildings and squares painted by the artist can still be seen in the city. Although none of Van Gogh's works are exhibited in Arle.
"Night Cafe" - Cafe "Alcazar" - Vincent wrote three nights in a row.
“Through red and green colors, I tried to express fatal human passions... I tried to show that a cafe is a place where you can go broke, go crazy, commit a crime.”
Van Gogh was in love with Arles and Provence. “Everything around you, wherever you look, begs to be seen.” "I have a constant thirst for work." Van Gogh and Gauguin often painted necropolises of Alyscamps.
Gauguin, unlike Van Gogh, did not like Arles. “Everything here is small, insignificant - nature and people. Without exaggeration, one can say the most miserable hole in the South!”- said Gauguin.
What followed was the story of the cut off ear and the hospital, whose courtyard Van Gogh often painted. Now there is a cultural center here.
Another famous artist and bullfighting enthusiast Picasso wrote in Arles 2 famous paintings and 57 drawings.
Arles is also a center for photography; the city is home to one of the most prestigious and expensive