France · 2026
Weekend in Arles
How to spend 2 days in Arles — a Friday-to-Sunday plan covering the highlights without the tourist-trap detours. Built from real attraction data.
Arrive and Settle In
Friday evening is for arriving, checking in, and getting oriented. Keep it simple — a short walk to get your bearings, then dinner near the hotel.
Place du Forum
Free 100m from centreA lively central square with Roman ruins visible in the corner (two columns). Cafés and street performers make it a good free hangout.
Tip: 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.
Jardin de l'Évêché
Free 400m from centreA small rooftop garden behind the cathedral, overlooking the Rhône. Good for a quiet break with views of the river and cranes.
Tip: Open 24/7, but best at sunset. Bring water – no shade late afternoon. Few tourists know about it.
Friday dinner pick
The Main Sights
Saturday is your main sightseeing day. Start early to beat the crowds at the top attractions, then take the afternoon at a slower pace.
Arles Amphitheatre
0 09:00-18:00 summer, 10:00-17:0A 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.
Tip: Buy a combined ticket with the Théâtre Antique for €12, valid 2 days. Go early morning to avoid crowds and heat.
Théâtre Antique
0 09:00-18:00 summer, 10:00-17:0A 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.
Tip: 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.
Les Alyscamps
0 08:30-19:00 summer, 09:00-17:0A Roman necropolis turned tree-lined walkway with stone sarcophagi. Quieter than the main sites. Entry is €3.50.
Tip: 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.
Saturday dining
Before You Leave
Sunday morning, before checkout, is for the things you didn't fit in on Saturday — or a slower revisit of the place you liked most.
Sunday brunch
Getting Around Arles
Arles city centre (Place Lamartine) → Mas du Prieur (stop: Mas du Prieur)
Marseille Provence Airport → Arles city centre
Avignon TGV station → Arles train station
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) → Mas du Prieur, Arles
Where to Stay for a Arles Weekend
For a short break, stay central — walking distance to the main sights saves hours across a 2-day itinerary.
Weekend in Arles — FAQ
Is a weekend enough to see Arles?
A weekend (2 full days) is enough to cover the highlights of Arles. You can see the main attractions, eat at a couple of good restaurants and get a real feel for the city — as long as you prioritise well. This guide is structured to help you do exactly that.
When is the best weekend to visit Arles?
See our full best time to visit Arles guide. For a weekend break, shoulder season (spring and autumn) typically offers the best balance of good weather, manageable crowds and reasonable hotel prices.
Where should I stay for a weekend in Arles?
For a short break, stay as central as possible — walking distance to the main sights saves significant time and lets you head out after dinner without worrying about transport. See the best hotels in Arles for rated options. TripSage's free briefings tell you the specific rooms to request at each property.
How do I get around Arles for a weekend?
The main transport options in Arles include Envia Bus Line 1 (Local) and Navette Aéroport (Bus). For a short stay, walking and public transport are usually the most time-efficient combination — parking in most city centres adds cost and delays.