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Roman monuments and ruins in Arles

Arles is in southern Provence near the Camargue region. In Roman times it was a major trading city.

Arles was founded by the Greeks, and later taken first by the celts and then later by the Romans. In Roman times it was the second most important city in the region, after neighbour Marseille. It then gained pole position after Marseille backed Pompey during a war with Julius Caesar - Caesar, backed by Arles, was victorious.

Arelate, as it was then known, became a very important Roman centre and trading region, reaching its heyday in the 4th and 5th centuries.

The main Roman monuments in Arles are the Roman amphitheatre, the theatre, the necropolis and the Thermae of Constantine.

The arena, the best preserved of all the monuments, is central in the town, and is still used for various grand spectacles. Constantines thermal baths were part of his grand palace (no longer in existence), then head to the Place du Forum - 2,000 years later and still the lively heart of the city.

There is less to see, although also worth visiting, at the theatre and at the Roman burial ground, Alyscamps.

The archealogical museum of Arles also holds some fine remnants and very interesting artefacts, and a visit is recommended.

The Roman remains at Arles are now listed as a France world heritage site by UNESCO.

See also main page for Arles

 

Roman Arles: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites

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Visit Roman ruins in Arles, France   ARLES HOTELS Provence gites Arles car Hire Provence property for sale Camargue river cruise Arles (version Francais)

Places to visit - Arles

Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Arles.

Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Arles are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)

• Roman Arles World Heritage Site at 0 km
• Baux-de-Provence Most beautiful village at 20 km
• Camargue Natural Park at 30 km
• Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Camargue town at 33 km
• Saint-Remy-de-Provence Village and Glanum at 26 km
• Beaucaire Town at 15 km
• Fontvieille Small Provence town at 10 km

 

Tourist Classifications for Arles

- Listed as "Ville d'Art et Histoire" (ie focus on preserving the town heritage)

 

Information and photos

This travel guide has information, holidays and photos of Arles when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.