Where to stay in Arles
Arles is compact and compressed by ancient walls on the east bank of the Rhône. The flat Roman grid makes walking the historic core easy, but choosing where to sleep depends on whether you want medieval stillness or lively Roman ruins right outside your door. The river and train tracks form hard edges to the north and west.
La Roquette
La Roquette feels distinct from the main Roman core, with narrow streets, leafy squares like Place Paul Doumer, and a strong artisan community. You can easily walk to the Place de la République and the Rhône banks in five minutes. It offers an authentic look at local Arles without tourist crush.
Centre Ancien
This is the bustling historic heart bounded by Boulevard des Lices. It is loud in summer, but unmatched for walkability—the Arles Amphitheatre, Roman Theatre, and Fondation Van Gogh are all within a five-minute stroll. Streets like Rue de la République buzz with cafes and foot traffic from morning until late.
Trinquetaille
Located just across the Pont de Trinquetaille on the west bank, this area is gritty, residential, and far quieter than the tourist centre. It feels a bit neglected architecturally, but you get a 10-minute flat walk across the river into the middle of town, plus Van Gogh’s Yellow House site nearby.
Rent a car in Arles
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Compare car rentals in ArlesOne thing to think about
Avoid booking accommodation directly on Boulevard des Lices or near the station if you are a light sleeper. The main boulevards funnel heavy regional traffic and late-night restaurant noise, while the station area feels desolate and disconnected after dark.
Other places to stay in France: lastminute.com · Megabon · Center Parcs
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Arles are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Top tours & activities in Arles
Common questions
Do I need a car when staying in Arles?
No, if you stay within the historic centre or La Roquette, everything is entirely walkable on foot. A car is only necessary if you plan to explore the surrounding marshlands of the Camargue or remote Alpilles villages independently.
Which area is best for experiencing the Saturday market?
Staying near Boulevard des Lices or the southern edge of the Centre Ancien puts you right at the doorstep of Arles’ massive Saturday market, which stretches for miles around the old ramparts.
Is parking difficult in central Arles?
Extremely. The historic core features narrow medieval streets where cars are either banned or parking is residents-only. Look for hotels with dedicated parking lots or use the large open-air lots just outside the old walls.
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