Last year, in 2023, two friends and I decided to spend a weekend in France.
Having only visited Paris before, the idea of exploring a new place appealed to me. Originally, we planned to go to Nîmes, but after considering the cost-effective rental options, we found it wasn’t in an ideal location, requiring a lengthy walk to the main center. The next feasible option near the airport was Arles, where we eventually found suitable accommodation.
To be honest, I didn’t know much about Arles or Nîmes, but a quick Google search led me to one particular spot: the Van Gogh Café. Knowing that I could experience that during our trip made me quite happy.
Our stay in Arles was short, as the next part of our journey took us to Marseille for a day before heading home. It was a delightful weekend, from Friday to Sunday, offering a great opportunity to spend time with friends and explore a new destination. Here are some of the places we discovered while walking around Arles.
Amphitheatre (les Arenes)
Not far from our accommodation, we took a leisurely stroll and stumbled upon the amphitheater. Discovering a charming cafe, we decided to have lunch, enjoying an incredible view of the amphitheater. It was truly a remarkable sight. I’ve provided a review for the restaurant: the food was delightful, although the staff were not overly friendly, yet the view compensated for it. We had the chance to witness it during the day and in the evening when it was beautifully illuminated—a spectacle to behold.
The restaurant offers an opportunity to spend hours appreciating the site, its structure, and the intricate details of this extraordinary building. It’s a sight worth experiencing, and I highly recommend a visit. Whether you opt for a casual stroll like we did or plan a more extended stay, exploring the interior requires booking in advance, as far as I know.
Espace Van Gogh
This was a bit of a last-minute decision for me. I wasn’t aware of this attraction, much like most things in Arles, except for the Van Gogh Café.
However, on the morning we were leaving for Marseille, I woke up early for a delightful stroll around Arles and stumbled upon Escape Van Gogh. It was open to the public, and upon entering, you wander through a garden recreated from his paintings. There’s a painting by Van Gogh displayed, depicting the garden you’re walking in, creating a stunning experience—especially in the early morning when I had it all to myself.
It was incredibly peaceful, calming, and quiet. I enjoyed a leisurely walk, pausing at different sections of the garden. It was a truly pleasant experience, one that I’m grateful to have found and, once again, recommend you visit while you’re here.
Jardin d’Ete
While exploring, you’re likely to pass through here multiple times, especially if you’re out and about, as we were. It served as our route from the hotel to various destinations such as the amphitheater. This garden is truly breathtaking, adorned with numerous sculptures, scattered structures, and a captivating fountain featuring staircases on either side leading to the main area, just a stone’s throw away from the amphitheater.
The beauty of this place struck me as more of a delightful accident, a homage to Vincent van Gogh, one of my favorite artists, as you may have gathered. His work captivated me since childhood, making it all the more special to chance upon this monument and the surrounding attractions—it felt serendipitous. It turned out to be a splendid van Gogh-inspired holiday. As I was mentioning, the garden is absolutely stunning and perfect for a leisurely stroll or even just to sit and admire the scenic view.
Van Gogh Cafe (Cafe La Nuit)
As mentioned earlier, one of the main places I was eager to see was the Van Gogh Café, and until the morning of departure, I hadn’t come across it with my friends. I didn’t want to hinder their exploration of other places, thinking if I don’t see it, then so be it. However, that morning, after encountering Escape Van Gogh, I used Apple Maps to locate and finally discovered the Van Gogh Café. Approaching the café was surreal for me; I could vividly picture the artwork in my mind, and now I was actually standing there, seeing the café before me.
The experience was perfect, especially since there was no one around at this early hour. It was tranquil and quiet, allowing me to savor the moment alone, appreciating every angle and detail. It was a wonderful and joyous moment, deepening my affection for Arles, mostly due to my childhood connection with Van Gogh. On my next visit, I’d love to sit inside and enjoy a coffee or something. Even if you’re not a Van Gogh fan, this place is still remarkable. Just look at the café, with all its colors and charm. It’s truly wonderful and comes highly recommended.
The “Starry Night Over the Rhone” Lookout Point
We opted to make our way to the bus station, and on the way, we passed by a lookout point. Suddenly, I came to a halt, recalling that Van Gogh had also painted this spot. While my photo might not capture the perfect angle, I recognized it as another significant point. Setting aside the Van Gogh connection, the view from this vantage point was undeniably breathtaking. If you have the opportunity to visit, consider taking a stroll around the area along the lookout point or simply stand, absorb the scenery, and then proceed on your journey.
Theatre Antique
During one of my very early morning walks, I strolled past the Theater Antique. The gates were understandably closed, restricting my view to small cracks. Nevertheless, the glimpse I got was truly impressive. The structures were once again amazing. I lingered there, absorbing the atmosphere and appreciating every detail during the quiet early hours.
If you ever have the opportunity to visit, even if, like me, you merely stand at the gates and sneak a peek inside, it’s another sight to behold. The history here is truly remarkable.
Amedee Pichot Fountain
Another accidental discovery on our way back from the bus station was the Amedee Peacock Fountain, named after the Mayor of Arles.
It was something that caught us by surprise, and it’s truly a sight to behold.
Located near the entrance from the train station toward the arena, the fountain may not be operational, but it’s still worth stopping to admire before entering the main area.
The intricate details in this fountain are astounding, and you could easily spend an hour or so noticing different elements. It’s a delightful spot, and if you’re in the area, I highly recommend checking it out.
Overall
In summary, my brief visit to Arles was truly intriguing.
This place is perfect for a weekend getaway, offering fantastic cafes, restaurants, a rich history, and strong ties to Vincent van Gogh. I would unquestionably return here, aiming to savor the experience rather than rushing to see numerous places.
As mentioned earlier, a visit to the Van Gogh Cafe is a must, whether for a meal or a drink—it’s another item crossed off my list.
While there may be many other things I haven’t explored, these are the highlights that captivated me, and I’d love to share them with you if you plan on visiting.
If you’ve been here before, share your thoughts in the comments.
I hope you enjoyed reading about my experience, and if you decide to visit, have a wonderful time.
It’s important to note that all the views and opinions expressed in my blog posts and vlogs are entirely personal, have not been influenced in any way and reflect my individual perspective. I value authenticity and honesty above all, and my content is a genuine reflection of my thoughts and experiences.