Arles is a major town on the tourist circuit in Provence, its fame sealed by the extraordinarily well-preserved Roman arena, Les Arènes , at the city's heart, and backed by an impressive variety of other stones and monuments, both Roman and medieval. The Roman and Romanesque monuments of Arles are listed World Heritage by UNESCO, and the town boasts nearly a hundred listed buildings and sites of all periods and all styles.

To these monuments can be added:

The modern art museum - the Musée Réattu - that has a rich collection of artworks, amongst which 58 drawings by Picasso, donated by the artist, and over 4000 photos signed by some of the masters of photography.

The archaeological museum - the Musée de l'Arles et de la Provence antiques - that presents the rich archaeological discoveries of the town: sculptures, mosaics, sarcophagi...

The ethnographical museum - the Museon Arlaten - dedicated to folk art and traditions of Provence, founded by Frederic Mistral.

The Boulevard des Lices holds a huge market every Wednesday and Saturday, and claims to be the longest market in France, stretching for 1 km. There, it is possible to buy everything from local produce to antiques, and is an irresistible magnet for visitors and locals alike. The nightlife is good, with numerous bars and pubs offering warm Provencal hospitality, and the cafes and restaurants providing a tempting flavour of Provencal cuisine.

There is a season of colourful festivals and pageantry, starting around Easter with the traditional bullfighting and bullshows, and continuing through to September with bull and horse festivals and parades, and celebrations of the rice harvest, together with music and entertainment. Arles has a vast array of shops and cafes, the main shopping area being the pedestrianised Rue de la Republique.

The Glanum - Arles