Arles hotels

Hotels in Arles

Arles is an ancient city located at the mouth of the Rhône River in the South of France. The city's rich history is reflected in its stunning and varied architecture. It's just a short distance to the Mediterranean Sea and, as you'd expect of its Provençal location, has wonderful weather for most of the year.

World Heritage Site

The history of Arles dates back to around 800 BC, but its star really began to rise in 123 BC, when it was captured by the Romans. Its strategic location at the mouth of one of Europe's biggest rivers saw the city expand greatly under Roman control. The great wealth of Roman Arles is reflected in the many incredible buildings built at the time. Many of these are still intact and most have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

For any fans of the Roman Empire, or anyone with a desire to learn more about ancient history, Arles is a must-visit. A walk around its cobbled streets will take in the Gallo-Roman theatre, where you can skip through the arches shouting ‘Et tu, Brute?'. From Arles hotels you can visit the Arena and practice your sword fighting in its archaic ruins, or attend a traditional Provençal bullfight, held every Easter and on the first weekend of September.

And if that weren't enough, there's still more of Roman Arles to see. You can't fail to be amazed by the Alyscamps (necropolis), Thermae of Constantine, Arles Obelisk and the incredible Barbegal aqueduct and mill.

Ratatouille

However, if your idea of a good time is a caesar salad, not Caesar Augustus, Arles has plenty on offer for the discerning foodie. The order of the day in this part of the world is Provençal cuisine. Expect plenty of fresh tomatoes, olives, aubergines and red wine.

If the last sentence made your mouth water, then make sure you drop in on Le Criquet. At this traditional family-run restaurant you can sit back and let the expert waiters bring you course after course of the most delicious local food, including the best ratatouille you'll ever eat.

If you're after something different, Arles' sizeable South East Asian community is represented at L'Apsara. The restaurant serves up excellent Vietnamese, Thai and Laotian food and is a favourite with the locals, so make sure you book to avoid disappointment.

Recent past

Strapped for time? Then make sure you visit the Church of St Trophime in the middle of town. It's an excellent example of Romanesque architecture, built between the 12th and the 15th centuries. Looking up at its imposing nave, you'll understand why it took so long to complete.

Arles on a midsummer's evening is a romantic and enchanting place. After experiencing it, you'll not be surprised to hear that Vincent Van Gogh, one of art's greatest romantics, lived and worked here for two years. Van Gogh was in awe of the Provençal landscapes and produced over 300 paintings during his two years in Arles. These include some of his most famous works, such as The Night Café and Starry Night Over the Rhône. A walk through the city's streets will bring to mind many of the artist's most beautiful creations.

Marseille and Provence

Arles is perfectly placed for a day trip to the vibrant port city of Marseille. France's second largest city was made European Capital of Culture in 2013 and the redeveloped Vieux Port is an architectural marvel.

Or you can shun the urban jungle and explore Provence's beautiful interior. Whizz past sunflower and lavender fields as you make your way along winding roads with breathtaking views.