France · 2026 itinerary
Arles 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Arles: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
A lively central square with Roman ruins visible in the corner (two columns). Cafés and street performers make it a good free hangout.
🕐 Always open
Free entry💡 Sit at Café Van Gogh (Le Café la Nuit) – it’s the one from his painting, but prices are high for drinks. For a cheaper coffee, try Bar de la Rue behind it.
Hotels near Place du Forum →A small rooftop garden behind the cathedral, overlooking the Rhône. Good for a quiet break with views of the river and cranes.
🕐 Always open
Free entry💡 Open 24/7, but best at sunset. Bring water – no shade late afternoon. Few tourists know about it.
Hotels near Jardin de l'Évêché →La Cachette · ££
Café Mon Bar · ££
Deeper Into Arles
A well-preserved Roman arena from the 1st century, still used for bullfights and events. Entry fee is around €10, but it’s worth it for the scale and history.
🕐 09:00-18:00 summer, 10:00-17:00 winter
💡 Buy a combined ticket with the Théâtre Antique for €12, valid 2 days. Go early morning to avoid crowds and heat.
A Roman theatre from 1st century BC, with seating and stage ruins. You can see it from the street for free, but entry gives close-up access.
🕐 09:00-18:00 summer, 10:00-17:00 winter
💡 Free to view from the rue de la Calade steps outside. If entering, the best spot is the top row of seats for a city view.
Bar du Marché
La Cantine Végétale
Final Favourites & Departure
A Roman necropolis turned tree-lined walkway with stone sarcophagi. Quieter than the main sites. Entry is €3.50.
💡 Visit late afternoon for cool shade and good light for photos. Combined with the Musée de l’Arles et de la Provence antiques for €6 total.
Le Buste et l'Oreille
Apostrophe Café
Getting Around Arles
Tickets from the driver or Envia app. Bus 1 runs along Route de Crau; the stop is literally outside the hotel. Avoid Sundays when service is reduced.
Buy tickets at the airport kiosk—cheaper than online. The bus drops you at Place Lamartine; from there, it's a 15-minute walk or quick cab to Mas du Prieur.
If flying into Paris, take a TGV direct to Avignon TGV (2h40), then connect. From Arles station, Mas du Prieur is a 10-minute taxi ride (€12–15).
Book ahead with a local company like Taxi Arles for a fixed rate; avoid airport touts. The drive via A54 is straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Arles?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Place du Forum and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Arles?
See our full best time to visit Arles guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Le Cheval Blanc, Mas du Prieur, Le Mas de la Roseraie. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.