The Roman Amphitheatre of Arles, the Arènes, is the city's most visited monument. Built around 90 AD, it is more than 130 metres long and could hold around 21,000 spectators, and its two storeys of arches still dominate the old town. After Rome fell it became a fortified quarter with towers, chapels and more than two hundred houses, which were cleared away from the late eighteenth century as it became a protected monument. Together with the nearby Ancient Theatre, it belongs to the group of Roman and Romanesque monuments of Arles inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. Today the arena still hosts bullfights and events from Easter to the end of September, and in winter it is simply a monument you can climb. A joint ticket covers the amphitheatre and the Ancient Theatre, which stands a few streets away.
Climb the tiers and the towers for views over the terracotta roofs, the Rhône and the Alpilles beyond. The arena floor is open, and the passages and arcades under the seating help you picture the spectacles staged here. Look for the tower platforms, added in the medieval period when the arena was a fortress. The Ancient Theatre is smaller and more ruined, with two standing columns and a few rows of seats, but it is atmospheric and quick to see after the amphitheatre.
Opening hours in winter are short, and the key points are worth knowing. From early November to the end of February the amphitheatre is open from 10:30 to 16:30, with the last entry at 16:00, and the tourism board flags these hours as subject to change, so check before you go.
A full-price ticket is around eleven euros, with a reduced rate, and a joint ticket and city passes are available. The site can close exceptionally for events and festivals. The monument is not easily accessible for visitors with reduced mobility, because of steps and uneven stone.
Other Roman sites in town, such as the Cryptoporticus, the Baths of Constantine and the Alyscamps, keep their own hours, so check with the tourism board for those in November. Arles is compact and walkable, and the monuments sit within a few minutes of each other. It also pairs naturally with the Van Gogh sites. A good winter day is the arena at midday, lunch in the Place du Forum area and the Foundation in the afternoon before the early dusk.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit of the Roman amphitheatre, with its tiers, arcades and medieval towers, plus the Ancient Theatre a few streets away on a joint ticket.
Best time
Midday in winter, when the amphitheatre is open and the light reaches the arena floor.
How long
One to two hours for both monuments.
Tips
In winter the hours are 10:30 to 16:30 with last entry at 16:00, so do not leave it late; the stone steps are uneven and not suited to reduced mobility.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants Roman France in a walkable town.
- Families
- Children like climbing the tiers and towers; keep them from the drop edges.
- Couples
- A midday climb for rooftop views, then lunch near the Forum.
- Pair with
- The Van Gogh sites in Arles and the Pont du Gard.
- Time needed
- Two hours.
Good questions
What are the Arles amphitheatre hours in November?+
From early November to the end of February it is open from 10:30 to 16:30, with the last entry at 16:00. The tourism board flags the hours as subject to change, so confirm before you go.
Is there a joint ticket?+
Yes, a joint ticket covers the amphitheatre and the Ancient Theatre, and city passes cover several monuments and museums. Check the price at the ticket desk.
Is it still used?+
Yes. The arena hosts bullfights, performances and sporting events from Easter to the end of September. In winter it is open to visit.
Is it accessible?+
The tourism board notes that the site is not easily accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, because of steps and uneven stone.
What else should I see in Arles?+
The Ancient Theatre, the Cryptoporticus, the Baths of Constantine, the Alyscamps and the Van Gogh sites. Their hours vary, so check each one in November.
