Introduction to Arles Tour with Roman Ruins and Van Gogh Highlights

Succumb to the charms of this fascinating Provençal city in the company of a local expert. During this two-hour introductory walking tour, you will wander through the streets of Arles to discover the remaining traces of the Roman Empire and visit the buildings, squares and bridges which Vincent Van Gogh deemed intriguing enough to immortalize in some of his most famous paintings.  

You will start your discovery of Arles at the steps of the impressive Arles Amphitheatre. Constructed in 90 AD, the arena first played host to physical combats, and later saw the rise in popularity of bullfighting, a cultural tradition in the South of France. This monument is the heart of ancient Arles, and a perfect place to begin a narrative on the long and fascinating history of the city.

You will then pass by the Roman Theatre, which along with the Amphitheatre, other Roman ruins and medieval buildings in Arles, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. This honor was also extended to Saint-Trophime Church, a stunning example of Romanesque architecture. You will stop for a moment to admire the West Portal of the church, where you can find an impressive sculpture depicting the Apocalypse according to St. John.

Turning towards more recent history, your walk will introduce you to a few sites you will most certainly already recognize. Vincent Van Gogh arrived in Arles in 1888, and it was there that he would spend the last years of his life, creating some of his most renowned works. You will visit the square which inspired Café Terrace at Night, pass in front of The Yellow House, and of course pass by the banks of the Rhône to see the Trinquetaille Bridge and the setting for Starry Night. 

At the end of this introductory tour, you will have an appreciation for the important role this small city has played in history, both through its Roman influences and as an undeniably charming setting for some of impressionism's most influential paintings. 

Want to learn about the life of another impressionist in Provence? Try our Cézanne's Aix-en-Provence tour. 

What is a private tour?
Our private tours are limited exclusively to travelers in your party. Private tours give you more flexibility with scheduling (you decide when the walk best fits in your trip) and more personalized time with your guide.

Where do we meet? Where does it end?
We will meet near the Arles Amphitheatre. The tour will end right in the center of town.

Will we enter the amphitheatre?
This introductory tour visits all sites from the exterior only. If you wish to visit the amphitheatre after the tour, tickets are easily obtained directly at the entrance. 

What if it’s raining?
Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your expert will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to be prepared; we encourage keeping an eye on the weather and bringing along an umbrella, sunscreen, water, or a hat as needed.

Can children join this tour?
Yes, absolutely. We can adjust the time (if desired) and the content to be more appropriate for younger learners.

Is this tour walking-intensive, and/or wheelchair accessible?
We do cover extensive territory on this tour. While many sidewalks in Arles are now wheelchair-accessible, there are still many cobblestoned streets. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding accessibility.