The Roman amphitheater

Walking Tour of Arles, Arles

Overview

Enjoy a walking tour of Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site abounding with culture and history. This ancient city is located in southern France between the Rhône River delta and the wetlands of Camargue Natural Park. It's a unique place defined as much by its historic Roman architecture as its quintessentially French shady squares and café-lined streets.

Arles is probably most famous in modern times as the city that inspired Vincent Van Gogh—he completed his celebrated 1888 oil painting Café Terrace at Night in Arles. It's possible to visit the exact spot where Van Gogh painted this masterpiece, Le Café Van Gogh, located in the historic city center. But it's only worth a brief stop to snap photos.

Café aside, this walking tour takes place mostly in the historic city center. A pleasant stroll down the old streets reveals the historical legacy of this once provincial capital of ancient Rome. The tour includes stops at some of the most famous Roman, Christian, and medieval sites and monuments in the city, including the well-preserved amphitheater (which dates back to 90 ACE and still hosts bullfighting matches) and the 11th century Church of Saint Trophime.

Discover more historical experiences in France.

Itineraries with Walking Tour of Arles

Self-Drive Tour in Provence & French Riviera - 11 Days

Discover the best of the culture and art in the French Riviera and Provence in 10 days on this incredible self-drive tour. Visit vibrant Nice and Monaco, stroll through hill-top villages of Luberon, and discover the peaceful countryside of Aix-en-Provence. Follow the footsteps of some of the world's greatest artists (Van Gogh, Picasso & others) and explore the landscapes that inspired them.

Rhône Valley Family Tour: Lyon to Marseille - 12 Days

This self-drive 12-day itinerary highlights the best of the Rhône Valley, from north to south. Perfect for the whole family, you'll start in food forward Lyon, then work your way through the colorful countryside of Provence and down to Marseille on the Mediterranean coast. Along the way, you'll taste full-bodied wines, marvel at ancient Roman ingenuity, and enjoy the majestic beauty that is southern France.