Last updated · Arles (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, 2 m elevation) commune guide reviewed by the FranceStarter editorial team
What to See & Do in Arles (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur)
Arles (INSEE 13004) sits at 2 m in the Bouches-du-Rhône department of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, drawing visitors to Cathédrale Saint-Trophime and Théâtre antique d'Arles with convenient rail access via Gare de Arles (0.7 km). Travelers pair neighborhood boulangeries and markets in Arles (pop. 52,857) with regional specialties including Calissons d'Aix, tropézienne tart & Menton citrus pastries and Côtes de Provence Rosé, Châteauneuf-du-Pape & Bandol AOC wines.
In Arles (Arles (13004), 2 m elevation, pop. 52,857), top sights and local landmarks include Cathédrale Saint-Trophime (0.1 km) · Théâtre antique d'Arles (0.1 km) · Museon Arlaten (0.2 km) · Artothèque d'Arles (fermée) (0.3 km) · Musée Réattu (0.3 km), alongside surrounding quartiers and hameaux such as Trinquetaille, Gontier, Barriol, Trébon, Pont de Crau. Within Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (Bouches-du-Rhône), Arles serves as a commune in provence-alpes-côte d'azur (Regional km², Urban/Town residents/km²) that pairs well with wider regional highlights including Nice Promenade des Anglais, Eze & Antibes on the Côte d'Azur, Marseille Vieux-Port & Calanques National Park, Avignon Palais des Papes, Aix-en-Provence, Luberon hilltop villages & Verdon Gorge.
- Nearby Landmarks & Monuments in Arles: Cathédrale Saint-Trophime (0.1 km) · Théâtre antique d'Arles (0.1 km) · Museon Arlaten (0.2 km) · Artothèque d'Arles (fermée) (0.3 km) · Musée Réattu (0.3 km)
- Local Quartiers, Villages & Lieux-dits (Arles): Trinquetaille, Gontier, Barriol, Trébon, Pont de Crau
- Historic Core & Weekly Marché of Arles: Stroll the central square around the Mairie, parish church, and morning market stalls in Arles.
How to Get to Arles: Nearest SNCF Station & Rail Access
Rail & road access for Arles (43.6769°N, 4.6286°E): Nearest station is Gare de Arles (0.7 km), connecting via the regional hub of Gare de Marseille-Saint-Charles, Avignon TGV & Nice-Ville (SNCF TGV INOUI & TER Zou!). TGV Méditerranée from Paris Gare de Lyon to Avignon TGV (2h40), Aix-en-Provence TGV (2h55), Marseille (3h05) and Nice-Ville; Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE) & Marseille Provence (MRS) airports.
- SNCF TER & transit cards for Arles: Once in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, SNCF TER regional trains and departmental coaches link Marseille with Arles (Gare de Arles (0.7 km)). Urban trams and buses accept contactless bank cards and regional passes (Navigo Easy in Paris, TCL in Lyon, Lignes d'Azur in Nice).
- Luggage & station storage near Arles: Major SNCF hubs in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur offer consignes (left-luggage lockers). If stopping in Arles between bases, verify bag dimensions in our SNCF & Airline Luggage Checker.
- Driving & car rental around Arles: While Arles centre-ville is accessible by rail and local bus, picking up a rental car at Gare de Marseille-Saint-Charles, Avignon TGV & Nice-Ville (SNCF TGV INOUI & TER Zou!) makes it easy to explore rural vineyards, châteaux, and scenic passes across Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. See our Driving in France, Autoroute Tolls & Crit'Air Guide.
What Locals Eat in Arles (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Specialties)
1. Signature Dish in Arles (Entrée & Plat)
In Arles (Bouches-du-Rhône), traditional tables feature: Mediterranean and Provençal kitchen classics—Bouillabaisse de Marseille, Daube provençale, Ratatouille, Tian de légumes, Grand Aïoli, Salade Niçoise, wood-fired Socca, Pissaladière, and Pan Bagnat. Set inland in Bouches-du-Rhône, kitchens around Arles emphasize slow-simmered daubes, market herbs, truffles, and hillside vineyard reds.
2. Wine & Cellar Pairings Around Arles
Around Arles and across Bouches-du-Rhône, local wine lists and cellar pairings highlight: Pale dry Côtes de Provence, Bandol and Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence rosés, prestigious Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas reds, Cassis coastal whites, and pastis apéritifs on sunny ports.
3. AOC / AOP Cheeses & Boulangerie in Arles
At the weekly market and fromageries of Arles (Bouches-du-Rhône), look for: Nyons and Nice Cailletier olives and olive oil, Banon goat cheese wrapped in chestnut leaves, Sisteron lamb, Calissons d'Aix, Tarte Tropézienne, Menton IGP lemons, and candied Apt fruits.
4. Dining Rhythm & Market Hours in Arles
Morning Provençal open-air markets fragrant with herbes de Provence and melons de Cavaillon, chilled rosé apéritifs beside pétanque courts, and late harbor-front seafood dinners. In Arles (pop. 52,857), covered halles, neighborhood bistros, wine bars, and specialty pâtisseries across Bouches-du-Rhône offer both great-value weekday lunch formules (€16–€24) and evening gastronomic tasting menus.
Across Arles (Arles (13004)) and the wider Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, look for bistro chalkboards featuring Salade Niçoise, Socca chickpea pancake & Pan Bagnat, Bouillabaisse de Marseille & grilled Mediterranean sea bass, Ratatouille, tapenade, aïoli & anchoïade, Calissons d'Aix, tropézienne tart & Menton citrus pastries, Côtes de Provence Rosé, Châteauneuf-du-Pape & Bandol AOC wines. For allergy cards or restaurant phrases in Arles, use our French Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards or practice speaking in Learn French for Travelers.
5 Nearest Neighboring Communes & Day Trips from Arles
The 5 closest neighboring French communes (communes limitrophes) to Arles (43.6769°N, 4.6286°E, 2 m elevation) for local day trips across Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur are:
- Fourques (2.3 km from Arles)
- Fontvieille (8.5 km from Arles)
- Bellegarde (12.5 km from Arles)
- Paradou (13.7 km from Arles)
- Saint-Étienne-du-Grès (13.9 km from Arles)
Commune Facts, Elevation & Best Time to Visit Arles
Seasonal advice for Arles (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, 2 m elevation): Best time to visit Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct (late Jun–Jul for Valensole & Sault lavender). Pair your visit to Arles with regional highlights across Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur: Nice Promenade des Anglais, Eze & Antibes on the Côte d'Azur, Marseille Vieux-Port & Calanques National Park, Avignon Palais des Papes, Aix-en-Provence, Luberon hilltop villages & Verdon Gorge.
| Commune Fact | Details for Arles (Arles (13004)) |
|---|---|
| Official Commune Name | Arles (13004) (Arles) |
| Administrative Role | Commune in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur |
| Region & Prefecture Capital | Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (Capital: Marseille) |
| Geographic Zone | Bouches-du-Rhône |
| Population | 52,857 residents |
| Surface Area / Density | Regional km² · Urban/Town residents per km² |
| GeoNames Elevation | 2 m elevation |
| Nearest Rail Station | Gare de Arles (0.7 km) |
| Municipal Heritage | Official Municipality |
| GPS Coordinates | 43.6769°N, 4.6286°E |
Practical Travel Tips for Arles
- Office de Tourisme in Arles: Visit the local Office de Tourisme near the historic center of Arles (or at Gare de Marseille-Saint-Charles, Avignon TGV & Nice-Ville (SNCF TGV INOUI & TER Zou!)) for walking maps, market days, and seasonal château or museum hours.
- Cards, Euros & ATMs in Arles: Bistros, bakeries, and shops in Arles accept Visa and Mastercard (contactless sans contact up to €50), though keeping €10–€20 in coins and small notes is helpful for open-air market stalls and village bakeries. BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole, Société Générale, and La Banque Postale ATMs operate across Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
- French dining hours in Arles: Outside nonstop brasseries near major stations, kitchens in Arles serve lunch strictly from 12:00 to 13:45 and dinner from 19:15 to 21:30.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Arles (Arles (13004)) located in France?
Arles (Arles (13004)) is a commune located in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur in the Bouches-du-Rhône region of France (coordinates: 43.6769°N, 4.6286°E, 2 m elevation). It has a population of 52,857 across Regional km² (Urban/Town/km²).
How do I get to Arles by SNCF train?
Travelers reach Arles via Gare de Arles (0.7 km) and the main regional gateway of Gare de Marseille-Saint-Charles, Avignon TGV & Nice-Ville (SNCF TGV INOUI & TER Zou!). TGV Méditerranée from Paris Gare de Lyon to Avignon TGV (2h40), Aix-en-Provence TGV (2h55), Marseille (3h05) and Nice-Ville; Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE) & Marseille Provence (MRS) airports. Compare fares and travel times in our SNCF TGV INOUI, Ouigo & TER Fare Calculator.
What local food is Arles (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur) known for?
In Arles and across Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, signature regional dishes include Salade Niçoise, Socca chickpea pancake & Pan Bagnat, Bouillabaisse de Marseille & grilled Mediterranean sea bass, Ratatouille, tapenade, aïoli & anchoïade, plus Calissons d'Aix, tropézienne tart & Menton citrus pastries and Côtes de Provence Rosé, Châteauneuf-du-Pape & Bandol AOC wines. Look for artisan boulangeries, weekly open-air marchés, and bistros offering a weekday Formule du Midi.
When is the best time of year to visit Arles?
For Arles (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, 2 m elevation): Best time to visit Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct (late Jun–Jul for Valensole & Sault lavender). Check our France Seasonal Calendar for month-by-month weather and festival highlights.
Official Sources & References for Arles
Official commune, rail, and tourism references for Arles (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, 43.6769°N, 4.6286°E) verified against Atout France, SNCF Connect, and INSEE / GeoNames data.