Arles

A Roman arena and theatre still in use, the streets and cafés Van Gogh painted in 1888-89, and the LUMA arts tower by Frank Gehry. South of town the Camargue delta has pink flamingos, white horses and salt flats. Twenty minutes from Avignon by train. Its photography festival, Les Rencontres d'Arles, runs from July into September.

Highlights

• Roman amphitheatre
• Van Gogh walking trail
• LUMA Arles tower
• Flamingos in the Camargue
• Camargue white horses
• Les Baux-de-Provence and Carrières des Lumières
• Saturday market on the Boulevard des Lices

Things to do

• Arènes and the Roman theatreMorning · 2h
• Van Gogh trail through the old townAfternoon · 2h
• LUMA ArlesAfternoon · 2h
• Camargue: flamingos at Pont de Gau and a horse rideMorning · 5h
• Les Baux-de-Provence and Carrières des LumièresAfternoon · 3h

Tours & tickets

When to go

Best time: April – June, September – October

• Les Rencontres d'Arles (photography) — Photography exhibitions in churches, warehouses and courtyards across town from early July to late September; the opening week is the busiest.