Arles is a compact Roman city on the Rhône where Van Gogh lived and painted for over a year, producing some of his best-known works. The city layers its Roman amphitheatre and ancient theatre against the streets and cafés that appear, sometimes recognisably, in his paintings, and the Fondation Vincent van Gogh curates exhibitions connecting his work to the city rather than holding a large permanent collection of his paintings.
Arles is a UNESCO World Heritage city in the Bouches-du-Rhône département of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, 85 kilometres west of Marseille and 32 kilometres south of Avignon. Its twin draws are exceptional Roman monuments and its intimate association with Vincent van Gogh, who lived and painted prolifically here from February 1888 to May 1889, producing over 300 works including some of his most recognised canvases. TER trains from Marseille Saint-Charles reach Arles in 1 hour (€12.70 / approximately USD 14); from Avignon the journey is just 20 minutes (€6.70 / approximately USD 7.30).
The Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles at 35 Rue du Docteur Fanton is not a museum of originals — Van Gogh's paintings are dispersed worldwide — but a contemporary art foundation staging major exhibitions responding to his legacy. Admission is around €12 / approximately USD 13 for adults. The Circuit Van Gogh is a self-guided walk through the city marked with reproduction panels showing the exact canvases painted at each location. Key stops include the Place du Forum (site of the night café), the Rue Mireille (Yellow House street, partially rebuilt after wartime damage), and the Langlois Bridge over the Arles canal south of town.
Arles's Roman monuments form a second focus. The Arènes d'Arles — the 1st-century amphitheatre — seats 21,000 and still hosts bullfights and concerts in season; admission is around €9. The Théâtre Antique, the Cryptoportiques (subterranean Roman galleries beneath the forum), and the Musée de l'Arles et de la Provence Antiques — one of France's finest Gallo-Roman collections — round out a half-day of ancient history. A combined pass covering the main monuments costs approximately €16.
The Les Alyscamps Roman necropolis on the south-east edge of the old town is a serene cypress-shaded avenue of sarcophagi, painted by both Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin during their brief and turbulent cohabitation in late 1888. The Marché d'Arles takes over the Boulevard des Lices every Wednesday and Saturday morning, offering Provençal food, flowers, and fabrics.
| Distance | 85km from Marseille; 32km from Avignon |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 1 hour TER from Marseille; 20 min TER from Avignon |
| Getting there | TER train from Marseille (1 hour; €12.70 / approx USD 14) or Avignon (20 min; €6.70 / approx USD 7.30) |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Fondation Vincent van Gogh, 35 Rue du Docteur Fanton, 13200 Arles |
How to get there
- TER train from Marseille (1h; €12.70 / approx USD 14)
- TER train from Avignon (20 min; €6.70 / approx USD 7.30)
Location
Fondation Vincent van Gogh, 35 Rue du Docteur Fanton, 13200 Arles
43.6762, 4.6282 View on map
Highlights
- Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles — contemporary art foundation in the city where Van Gogh painted his most prolific series
- Circuit Van Gogh — self-guided trail with reproduction panels at the exact locations Van Gogh painted
- Arènes d'Arles — a 1st-century Roman amphitheatre still hosting bullfights and concerts today
- Musée de l'Arles et de la Provence Antiques — one of France's richest Gallo-Roman collections including mosaics and river barges
- Les Alyscamps — a Roman necropolis of cypress-shaded sarcophagi, painted by both Van Gogh and Gauguin
Tips for visiting
- Pick up the free Circuit Van Gogh map from the tourist office on the Boulevard des Lices before starting the self-guided walk
- The Wednesday and Saturday morning Marché d'Arles on the Boulevard des Lices is the city's best food and fabric market
- The combined monument pass covers the amphitheatre, Théâtre Antique, Cryptoportiques, and Les Alyscamps for around €16 and saves money over individual entries
- The Fondation Vincent van Gogh is closed on Mondays and between exhibitions — check the foundation's schedule before visiting
- From Avignon the 20-minute TER makes Arles a natural half-day add-on when visiting the Luberon or Pont du Gard
When to visit
Year-round, but spring (March–May) and early autumn (September–October) offer the best walking weather with lighter crowds. July brings Les Rencontres d'Arles photography festival with exciting programming but increased visitor numbers and prices.
Accessibility
Arles's historic centre has a mixture of even paved streets and rough cobbled lanes. The Roman amphitheatre has limited wheelchair access due to its ancient stepped seating. The Musée de l'Arles Antiques is a purpose-built modern building with full wheelchair access. The Fondation Vincent van Gogh has step-free access via a lift.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly did Van Gogh paint 'The Yellow House'?
The original Yellow House stood on Place Lamartine near the Arles train station. The building was destroyed in the Second World War; a small plaque marks the site and reproduction panels on the Van Gogh Trail illustrate the original scene.
Does the Fondation Vincent van Gogh hold original Van Gogh paintings?
No. The foundation is a contemporary art institution staging exhibitions by living artists in response to Van Gogh's legacy. Occasional loans of Van Gogh originals appear in themed exhibitions, but it is not a permanent Van Gogh gallery.
How long does the Van Gogh Circuit take to walk?
The standard town circuit of approximately a dozen marked points takes around 1 to 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace. The Langlois Bridge site requires transport south of town and is often skipped by day-trippers.
Are there events at the Roman amphitheatre worth timing a visit around?
The Easter féria and September féria bring traditional Provençal bull games and Spanish bullfights to the Arènes. These large events draw significant crowds; book tickets and accommodation well in advance.
What is the July photography festival in Arles?
Les Rencontres d'Arles is one of Europe's most prestigious international photography festivals, running throughout July in venues across the city including converted factory spaces and Roman monuments.