Exploring Arles in 2 Days: A Guide to Experiencing the "Little Rome of Provence", as Recommended by Our Fashionable Editor
Arles, a picturesque town in the south of France, is not just known for its renowned photography festival, Les Rencontres d'Arles. From July to early October 2023, the town will be bustling with over 100,000 visitors from around the world. But there's more to Arles than just the festival.
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural and historical atmosphere of Arles with unique and design-worthy experiences.
Explore the Roman heritage sites
Step back in time at the magnificent Arles Amphitheatre, a Roman arena dating back to 90 AD, where gladiator battles once took place. The Ancient Theatre, another well-preserved Roman structure, still hosts performances today.
Discover architectural masterpieces
The Cloister of Saint-Trophime, an outstanding example of Romanesque architecture, boasts intricate sculptures and serene cloisters.
Wander through historic quarters
Stroll the centre historique, with its ochre-colored facades, cobbled streets, and wooden shutters, evoking the atmosphere that inspired Van Gogh. Neighborhoods like La Roquette, once a fishermen’s village, now reveal vibrant street art and hidden gardens behind wrought-iron gates.
Visit contemporary art spaces
The LUMA Arles center offers cutting-edge contemporary art and innovative design in a striking architectural setting, providing a contrast to the ancient environment of Arles.
Connect to Van Gogh’s heritage
Walk to places immortalized by Van Gogh, such as Van Gogh’s Bridge or the Place du Forum, where the café terraces echo the painting scenes he captured.
Enjoy the local creative vibe
In the cafes, galleries, and artist ateliers scattered around town, you can soak in a bohemian atmosphere where visitors and locals alike engage in drawing, writing, and creative exchanges.
Beyond Arles, the Camargue Regional Nature Park, a 30-minute drive away, is a 85,000 hectare nature reserve famous for its diverse wildlife, including wild horses, bulls, and pink flamingos.
Culinary Delights
Arles is also a gastronomic haven. Fondation Vincent Van Gogh Arles is a museum dedicated to the Dutch Post-Impressionism pioneer, showcasing a rotating program of solo and collective shows juxtaposing his production with works from modern and contemporary artists.
For a heartwarming, intimate dining experience that bridges the gap between Provence and Vietnam, visit Chef Céline Pham's first-ever permanent restaurant, Inari. LUMA Arles, a forward-thinking arts center, features exhibitions by leading contemporary artists, permanent installations, and meticulously designed food and drink destinations, including La Chassagnette, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its vegetarian-focused menu and idyllic atmosphere.
For a boundary-pushing menu of hot and cold drinks and homemade gelatos, visit VAGUE Cafe, located within Teruhiro Yanagihara Studio's gallery space in Arles. Mazette !, an independent coffee shop with a boho-meets-modern rustic decor, is known for its commitment to organic, local products.
Chardon, a bistro and wine bar in Arles, offers three-course set lunch and dinner menus crafted by rotating chefs in residence. For an uplifting morning start with naturally lit rooms ideal for long brunches with friends or an alternative, more inspiring work-from-home setup, Mazette ! is the perfect choice.
Lastly, Le Cloître, a whimsical boutique hotel in Arles, designed by Iranian-French architect and designer India Mahdavi, features L'Épicerie du Cloître, a relaxed eatery-cum-deli.
These experiences combine historical grandeur with artistic inspiration and local charm, offering a design-rich cultural journey beyond the photography festival itself.
- The Roman Amphitheatre and Ancient Theatre in Arles, though ancient, still enthrall visitors with their architectural mastery that dates back to over 2,000 years ago.
- The LUMA Arles center, a modern architectural marvel, houses contemporary art and offers a striking contrast to the Roman and ancien architecture prevalent in Arles.
- Acclaimed for its rich heritage, Arles boasts numerous ochre-colored facades, cobbled streets, and wooden shutters that transport visitors to the work of Van Gogh, who was inspired by the atmosphere of the town.
- Aside from its Roman heritage, Arles is also known for its culinary delights, with restaurants such as Inari offering a unique fusion of Provence and Vietnam cuisine.
- The LUMA Arles features La Chassagnette, a Michelin-starred vegetarian-focused restaurant, adding to the town's diverse food and drink destinations.
- VAGUE Cafe, nestled within Teruhiro Yanagihara Studio's gallery space, offers a boundary-pushing menu of hot and cold drinks, and homemade gelatos, making it a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts.
