Arles is a small city, its center can be visited on foot. But don't be fooled, we are always surprised by the incredible heritage it contains! Its first works date back to ancient Rome. The jewel in the crown of these testimonies of the Roman Empire are of course the arenas: built at the end of the 1st century, they were transformed into a fortress during the High Middle Ages, and are still in use today for bullfighting shows. They echo the Colosseum of Rome, or, closer, the arenas of Nîmes. The ancient theater, for its part, was built with a model inspired by Greek temples, under Augustus, the emperor builder at the origin of many buildings in Roman Gaul, around 27-25 B.C. It had various functions over the centuries, but eventually disappeared under houses and gardens; it was rediscovered by archaeological campaigns conducted in the 19th century. Currently, it is dedicated to the Arles Festival (June-July) and the International Photography Meetings. The Romanesque church of Saint-Trophime and its cloister, of great beauty, are a must-see. Also not to be missed is the Alyscamps, a vast two-thousand-year-old cemetery that used to house the coffins that came down from the Rhône. Of this immense necropolis, which surrounds the city, there remains an alley lined with cypress trees. To see finally: the museum of ancient Arles, the Réattu museum (Provencal school of the 18th and 19th centuries, modern art - some beautiful drawings of Picasso! - and photography) and the lapidary museums of pagan and Christian art. Arles is also a world-renowned photography festival: from the first week of July, the streets are filled with tourists who come to admire the exhibitions that flourish in the dedicated places, but also on the walls of houses or in stores. The recently inaugurated LUMA foundation tower, dedicated to the visual arts, further enhances the city's artistic prestige. A city of many influences, with a history dating back thousands of years, Arles is an archaeological and contemporary treasure.Beaucaire is a peninsula between the canal and the Rhone, barely 15 km further north on the Rhone. It showcases its exceptional built heritage with its 44.5 hectares of protected area. You will see the 17th century town hall, the collegiate church of Notre-Dame-des-Pommiers, the Auguste Jacquet municipal museum and the 11th and 13th century castle, which dominates the town.

What to visit Arles?

When to go to Arles?

When should you visit Arles? To make the most of your visit to this historic and artistic city, here's some information:

January and February in Arles are quiet months, marked by a cool climate. This is the ideal time to take advantage of off-season prices and avoid the crowds!

March and April warm hearts and bodies with beautiful days for visiting Arles' heritage. Prices are still low, and the town is starting to come alive.

The best time to visit Arles is in May and June. The weather is perfect for visiting historic sites and taking part in the first cultural events of the year.

July and August are high season in Arles. The city hosts its famous International Photography Festival , which attracts visitors from all over the world. Despite high temperatures and higher prices, the cultural effervescence makes this period very attractive.

September and October are delightful months to visit Arles. Temperatures remain mild, and the atmosphere more relaxed.

Finally, November and December in Arles are calmer. Temperatures drop, but you'll enjoy a more authentic experience, away from the tourist hustle and bustle.

Arles is a very accessible year-round destination, but to make the most of your getaway, opt for spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and the city less crowded. Whether you want to discover its ancient heritage or take part in its photography festival, Arles is bound to be a stopover not to be missed!

Weather at the moment

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Weather all year round

Typically Mediterranean, the weather in Arles is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

In high season, from June to August, temperatures in Arles soar to 30°C, which is great for festivals and open-air sites!

The low season, from November to March, sees cooler temperatures, around 10°C to 15°C, which is still just right for exploring the city at leisure.

Our smart tip: spring and autumn are particularly pleasant, with mild temperatures and moderate sunshine, and are certainly the best time to visit.

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Sur un cheval camarguais FAUCILHON - FOTOLIA
Saucissons sur le marché d'Arles. Romrodphoto - Shutterstock.com
Les arènes d'Arles. RobertoGennaro - iStockphoto.com

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When to travel?

When should you visit Arles? To make the most of your visit to this historic and artistic city, here's some in...
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Typically Mediterranean, the weather in Arles is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild,...
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