Hello Arles: Private 2-Hour Intro City Walk with Local Guide

Arles , France

Hello Arles: Private 2-Hour Intro City Walk with Local Guide

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Get introduced to Arles in the most authentic way: through its highlights, history, local flavors, and with a trusted local guide by your side. It’s the perfect experience for those who want to connect with the city, not just visit it.

You’ll explore iconic landmarks such as the Roman Amphitheatre and Café Van Gogh, as well as favorites and hidden corners loved by locals. Engaging anecdotes and personal insights from your guide will connect Arles’s history, culture, and tradition, bringing the city to life.

To complete the experience, enjoy a tasting of a local specialty such as Fougasse d’Arles. Whether sweet, savory, or regional, you’ll taste a real part of Arles’s everyday culture and traditions.

By the end of the tour, you’ll have a great introduction to Arles, its local culture, and how to explore it on your own. You’ll walk away with personal recommendations and local tips on where to eat and what to see next, helping you make the most of your time in the city.

Available options

Hello Arles: Private 2-Hour Intro City Walk with Local Guide

What's included

Local guide

Local product tasting

Walking tour

Small-group experience

Personalized recommendations

Detailed itinerary

The most iconic and awe-inspiring sight in Arles. Nearly 2,000 years old, this amphitheatre once hosted gladiators and now hosts bullfights and festivals. It’s fully visible from the outside and immediately sets the tone: Arles is ancient, proud, and still alive.

Stop 2 Pass by

Set in the lively Place du Forum, where Arles’ ancient Roman forum once stood, this vibrant yellow café is best known as the subject of Van Gogh’s Café Terrace at Night. Today, visitors can stand on the very spot where the artist painted, taking in the same scene that inspired one of his most iconic works.

This Romanesque church has a carved portal that’s a masterpiece of medieval sculpture—all visible from the outside. The surrounding square is Arles’ civic center, flanked by the Hôtel de Ville and an obelisk salvaged from Roman ruins.

Stop 4 Pass by

Formerly the hospital where Van Gogh recovered, this now-public courtyard is tranquil, flower-filled, and incredibly photogenic. It offers a human, quieter side of Van Gogh’s story—more than just a painting.

A vibrant maze of narrow lanes, pastel facades, hanging laundry, and quiet charm. Once the “wrong side” of town, now a locals’ haven of artists, families, and cats. No monument—just soul.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

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Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Not recommended for travelers with mobility impairments

Meeting point

Meet your local guide in front of the main entrance of the Roman Amphitheatre.

Important notes

To ensure a smooth start, please arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before the scheduled tour time.

This is a walking tour, and may involve uneven terrain, cobblestones, or stairs. If you have any accessibility concerns, please contact us in advance to confirm whether the tour is suitable for your needs.

The tour does not include entry tickets, public transportation, food, or beverages unless specifically listed in the “Inclusions” section of your booking.

LocalCityWalks.com acts as an intermediary and booking platform, connecting you with independent local guides. It does not directly operate or manage the tour itself. The tour is delivered by the guide.

You will receive your guide’s contact details approximately 24 hours before the experience, via email. Please check your inbox (and spam folder).

We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and checking the weather forecast in advance.

If you experience any issues on the day, you can contact your guide directly. Alternatively, reach out to us using the contact information provided on your voucher.

About Arles

Arles is a charming city in the Provence region of France, known for its Roman heritage, vibrant arts scene, and the inspiration it provided to Vincent van Gogh. The city's blend of ancient history and cultural richness makes it a unique and appealing destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Roman Amphitheatre

This well-preserved Roman amphitheatre dates back to the 1st century AD and could hold up to 20,000 spectators. It's a testament to Arles' Roman heritage and a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Historical 1-2 hours €11

Van Gogh Foundation

This museum showcases the works of Vincent van Gogh, who spent a year in Arles. It provides insights into his life and the influence of Arles on his art.

Cultural 1-2 hours €9

Saint-Trophime Church

A stunning example of Romanesque architecture, this church is known for its intricate cloister and the famous tympanum depicting the Last Judgment.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (€5 for the cloister)

Camargue Regional Natural Park

This vast natural park is known for its unique ecosystem, including pink flamingos, wild horses, and salt flats. It's a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.

Nature Half day to full day Free (guided tours available for a fee)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bouillabaisse

A traditional fish stew made with various types of fish, shellfish, and saffron.

Dinner Contains seafood, gluten-free if prepared without bread

Ratatouille

A vegetable stew made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian, vegan

Tapenade

A spread made from olives, capers, and anchovies, often served with bread.

Appetizer Contains anchovies, gluten-free if served without bread

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Camargue Cycling tours Wine tasting Spa treatments Visiting museums Attending local festivals Boat tours on the Rhône River Indoor cultural activities

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the peak tourist season with warm weather, numerous festivals, and outdoor activities. However, it can be crowded and more expensive.

25°C to 35°C 77°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English, Occitan
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Arles is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use reputable taxi services
• Be cautious in poorly lit areas at night

Getting there

By air

Marseille Provence Airport • 90 km (56 miles)

By train

Arles Railway Station

By bus

Arles Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is efficient and covers most of the city. Buses are a convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: G7, Uber (limited availability)

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Roubian La Roquette

Day trips

Avignon

20 km (12 miles) • Half day to full day

Avignon is a historic city known for its medieval architecture, including the famous Palais des Papes and the Pont d'Avignon.

Les Baux-de-Provence

30 km (18 miles) • Half day

This medieval village is perched on a rocky outcrop and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It's known for its well-preserved ruins and the Carrières de Lumières, a unique multimedia show.

Festivals

Feria du Riz • September

Pro tips

Visit the Roman Amphitheatre early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat.
Take a guided tour of the Van Gogh sites to gain a deeper understanding of his time in Arles.
Explore the local markets for fresh produce, cheeses, and other specialty foods.
Rent a bike to explore the Camargue Regional Natural Park and its unique ecosystem.
Attend a local festival, such as the Feria du Riz or Les Rencontres d'Arles, for a unique cultural experience.