Arles
Plan Arles with Haqqi Tours: day tours, private airport transfers, attraction tickets and packages, run by our own team and confirmed on WhatsApp in Arabic or English.
Early in the morning in Arles, the golden stone of the Roman arena warms in the Provençal sun while swifts circle above its arches. Down by the Rhône, the wide river slides past the old quays, and in the narrow lanes shutters open onto small squares where café tables wait in the shade of plane trees. On market day, the boulevard fills with olives, herbs, lavender soap, Camargue rice and sea salt.
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Arles at first sight
Arles was an important Roman city on the Rhône, and its amphitheatre, theatre and Romanesque churches are listed together as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Painters were drawn here by the extraordinary light, and today the city is known for photography, art and Provençal tradition. Just beyond its edge begins the Camargue, a wild delta of lagoons, white horses, black bulls and pink flamingos.
Why include Arles in your itinerary?
- Roman and Romanesque treasures. The arena, the ancient theatre, underground Roman galleries, the Alyscamps necropolis and the sculpted portal of Saint-Trophime make Arles a remarkable heritage city in the south of France, with almost everything within walking distance.
- The gateway to the Camargue. Minutes from the centre, the Rhône delta opens into marshes, rice fields and salt flats where flamingos feed, white horses graze and black bulls roam, in one of the great wetlands of Europe.
- The soul of Provence. Market days, sunny squares, a riverside setting, contemporary art centres and nearby hill villages such as Les Baux-de-Provence give Arles a relaxed, authentic southern rhythm.
Signature experiences in Arles
Camargue 4x4 Safari
Head out from Arles into the Camargue by 4x4 to reach tracks and marshes few visitors see. Watch flamingos wading in the lagoons, white horses grazing beside the reeds and black bulls on the open ranges of traditional farms. Guides share the life of the gardians, the Camargue's horsemen. Our half-day safaris from Arles are the easiest way to discover this protected landscape.
The Arena and Roman Arles
The two-tiered Roman amphitheatre still dominates the old town, and you can climb its towers for views over the rooftops and the Rhône. Nearby, the ancient theatre keeps two tall columns of its stage wall, and beneath the town hall lie the Roman cryptoporticus galleries. Further out, the Alyscamps is a romantic avenue of stone sarcophagi beneath trees. Our team can suggest the best order for these visits.
Saint-Trophime and the Museum of Ancient Arles
The former cathedral of Saint-Trophime has one of the finest Romanesque portals in Provence, carved with saints and scenes of the Last Judgement, and a peaceful cloister. By the river, the Museum of Ancient Arles displays mosaics, statues and a complete Roman cargo barge recovered from the Rhône. Our team can plan the order of your visits to avoid the midday heat.
Salt Flats, Saintes-Maries and the Sea
South of Arles, the road crosses the delta to the salt pans of Salin-de-Giraud, where the water turns pink, and on to wild beaches on the Mediterranean. Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, about forty minutes away, is a whitewashed seaside town gathered around a fortified Romanesque church. Combine it with the Camargue safari or with a private car and driver arranged by our team.
Les Baux, the Alpilles and Pont du Gard
Within an hour, discover the hilltop village of Les Baux-de-Provence and its ruined castle above olive groves, the market town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard and the walled city of Avignon with its great Gothic palace. We arrange private drivers so you can combine several of these Provençal highlights in one comfortable day.
Neighbourhoods and quarters to know in Arles
The Historic Centre
Inside the old town, between the arena, Place du Forum and the Rhône, Arles is compact and walkable, with small hotels, cafés and shaded squares. It is the most convenient area for first-time visitors, close to every monument and the Saturday market. Streets are calm at night, and the atmosphere is friendly and safe.
La Roquette
West of the centre near the river, La Roquette is the old quarter of sailors and fishermen, with narrow lanes, washing lines, small squares and a village feel. Guesthouses and holiday rentals here offer local character within a short walk of the monuments. It suits travellers who like authentic, quieter streets.
Trinquetaille
Across the Rhône bridge, Trinquetaille is a residential district with views back to the old town skyline, especially lovely at sunset. It is quieter, easier for parking and convenient for drives into the Camargue. Staying here suits travellers with a car or private driver who want calm evenings near the river.
Camargue Farmhouses
Outside the city, traditional mas farmhouses and country hotels sit among rice fields, pastures and lagoons. Staying in the Camargue means waking to birdsong and horses at the fence, with sunsets over the marshes. It is perfect for nature lovers and families, though a car or private transfer is needed to reach Arles.
How long to stay in Arles and how to pair it
Recommended stay
We recommend two or three nights in Arles. One day for the arena, the theatre, Saint-Trophime and the museum, half a day for a Camargue 4x4 safari, and time for Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer or Les Baux-de-Provence. With four nights, add Avignon, the Pont du Gard or a relaxed day by the sea.
How to pair it
Arles pairs naturally with Avignon, around twenty minutes by train, for its great Gothic palace and famous bridge, and with Marseille, about an hour away, for its old port and rocky coastline. A seven-day trip can combine Marseille, Arles and Avignon. In ten days, add the Luberon hill villages. A fourteen-day journey can continue along the coast to Nice and the Riviera.
Best time to visit Arles and the rhythm of the day
Best months
The best time to visit Arles is from April to June and in September and October, when days are warm and sunny and the Camargue is full of birdlife. July and August are hot and busy, with summer photography exhibitions across the city. In winter and spring the strong mistral wind can blow for days, though the light is clear and the monuments calm.
The daily rhythm
Arles moves at a southern pace. Mornings are for the monuments and the market, before the heat builds. At midday, many shops close for a long lunch in the shade, and visitors rest at their hotel. Late afternoon is ideal for the Camargue, when flamingos feed in golden light. Evenings end with a stroll along the Rhône as the sun sets.
On-the-ground logistics in Arles
Arrival
The nearest airport is Nîmes Airport (FNI), about thirty minutes by road, while Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) and Montpellier Airport (MPL) are each about an hour away. Arles station, a short walk from the old town, has regional trains from Marseille, Avignon and Nîmes, and Avignon's high-speed station is about forty-five minutes away. We arrange private transfers from any of these airports or stations straight to your hotel.
Getting around
The historic centre of Arles is compact and best explored on foot, with most monuments a few minutes from one another. Buses connect the city with Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and Salin-de-Giraud, but services are limited. To explore the Camargue, the Alpilles and Pont du Gard, a 4x4 safari or a private car with driver arranged by our team is the easiest option.
Local etiquette tip
Arles is relaxed and friendly, and a polite bonjour when entering shops and cafés is expected. Dress modestly when visiting churches and the cloister. In the Camargue, keep your distance from horses, bulls and nesting birds, and use insect repellent in summer. Arles has a few halal butchers and simple eateries, and Marseille, about an hour away, has a wide choice of halal restaurants.
Must-do things in Arles
- Climb the towers of the Roman arena for views over the Rhône
- Explore the Camargue by 4x4 among flamingos and white horses
- Admire the carved Romanesque portal and cloister of Saint-Trophime
- Walk the avenue of ancient sarcophagi at the Alyscamps
- See the Roman barge at the Museum of Ancient Arles
- Descend into the Roman cryptoporticus beneath the town hall
- Browse the Saturday market on the Boulevard des Lices
- Photograph the pink salt pans at Salin-de-Giraud
- Visit the fortified church of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
- Watch the sunset over the Rhône from the old quays
Do’s and don’ts in Arles
Do
- Do visit the monuments early in the morning in summer
- Do carry insect repellent for the Camargue
- Do greet shopkeepers with a polite bonjour
- Do bring a windproof layer when the mistral blows
- Do keep binoculars handy for flamingos and birds
Don’t
- Don't approach or feed the bulls and horses
- Don't leave marked tracks in protected Camargue areas
- Don't expect every shop to stay open over the long lunch
- Don't climb on ancient walls or sarcophagi
- Don't rush the Camargue into a single hour
Arles at a glance
Plan Arles with Haqqi Tours
Every option is confirmed by our team on WhatsApp before you pay, and delivered by our own people or by trusted local partners we work with in every city. Because we send travellers from all over the world, our partners give us special rates and priority, so you always receive the best. Prices are per person unless marked per vehicle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask most about Arles.
Where should first-time visitors stay in Arles?
Most first-time visitors stay in the historic centre, within walking distance of the arena, the theatre, the museums and the market. For a quieter village feel, La Roquette is charming, while a Camargue farmhouse suits nature lovers with a car. Our team can suggest a hotel and arrange your private transfer from the airport or station.
Can Arles be done as a day trip, or does it need an overnight stay?
Arles can be visited on a day trip from Avignon, Marseille or Nîmes, but it rewards an overnight stay. Evenings in the old town are lovely, and the Camargue is at its best at dawn or in late afternoon light. We arrange Camargue safaris and private transfers to fit your schedule.
What is the dress code and etiquette in Arles?
Light, casual clothing suits Arles, though shoulders should be covered in churches and the cloister. A polite bonjour and merci go a long way. Bring a hat, sunglasses and insect repellent for the Camargue, and good shoes for the cobbled streets. Tipping is modest, and our team is happy to explain local customs.
Is Arles tourist friendly?
Yes. Arles welcomes visitors from all over the world, and its monuments, museums and restaurants are used to international guests. English is spoken in hotels and at major sites, and a few words of French are appreciated. The city is small, calm and easy to navigate, and our team stays in touch throughout your trip.
Is it safe to travel to Arles now?
Arles is generally considered safe for visitors, with a calm old town and relaxed atmosphere. Keep valuables secure in busy markets and on trains, and protect yourself from the summer sun and mosquitoes. Before departure, check your own government's official travel advice, and keep our team's contact number handy during your stay.
What are the must-do things in Arles?
The must-do things in Arles include the Roman arena and theatre, Saint-Trophime and its cloister, the Alyscamps, the Museum of Ancient Arles, the Saturday market and a 4x4 safari through the Camargue to see flamingos, white horses and black bulls. Our half-day Camargue safaris are an ideal complement to the old town.
How many days do you need in Arles?
Two to three days is ideal for Arles: one for the Roman and Romanesque monuments, one for the Camargue and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, and one for Les Baux-de-Provence or Avignon. A single day covers the old town highlights, while four days allows a relaxed pace across Provence.
What can I book in Arles with Haqqi Tours?
Day tours and private airport transfers, including Camargue Half-Day 4x4 Safari from Arles. Each has its own page, and the WhatsApp desk combines any of them into one plan with one written price.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Arles?
Marseille Airport (MRS) lies at Marignane, about 25 km north-west of Marseille and about 80 km from Arles, around 1 hour by motorway. Our private transfer meets you at arrivals with a name board, tracks your flight and takes you door to door at a fixed price for the whole vehicle; the transfer pages list every route.
Is there public transport from the airport to Arles?
Arles station has regional trains to Avignon, Marseille, Nimes and Montpellier, and buses run into the Camargue. A private car is the easiest choice with luggage, for flights into Marseille or Montpellier, and for direct drop-off at the edge of the narrow old town. With luggage, a family or a late flight, the private car is the simpler choice.
Which tours are available in Arles?
Among them: Camargue Half-Day 4x4 Safari from Arles. Each page says whether the day is private or small-group, what it includes and how long it lasts.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Both exist, and each tour page says which. A private tour has a vehicle and guide for your party alone; the desk can make most group tours private on request.
How do I book?
Fill in the form on any page or message us on WhatsApp with the date, the number of travellers and the hotel. A member of our team confirms the price and the details in writing within minutes.
Are the prices fixed?
Yes - every price is agreed in writing on WhatsApp before you travel and does not change on the day.
Do the drivers and guides speak Arabic or English?
It depends on the city and the day, so we do not promise a particular language; tell us your preference and we do our best. The WhatsApp desk always works in Arabic and English.
Can I change or cancel a booking in Arles?
Yes, in the same WhatsApp conversation. The terms depend on the product and on how close to the date the change comes; the desk states them before you pay.