Some places you visit because they’re famous. Some because they’re convenient and then there’s Arles — a place stacked with history that's close enough to walk to, especially when the weather’s good, and your legs haven’t yet filed an official complaint.

We parked up, stretched, and it was the next days when we decided to wander into town. Arles wasn't far from Camping l'Arlesienne, and honestly, it would’ve felt rude not to.

Walking Into Arles

What a Stroll Through Sunshine & Centuries it was.

Arles is one of those cities where you walk five minutes and suddenly feel like you’ve stepped into a different century.

The streets are warm and golden.
The buildings are old enough to have opinions.
And the whole place has that Provençal charm that makes you consider buying a straw hat and pretending you know things about olive oil.

The walk in was easy, pleasant, and full of that “we’re definitely on holiday” energy. Despite a strange detour through a industrial area.

The Roman Amphitheatre

Where Gladiators Once Fought (and Tourists Now Squint at Maps)

Our first major stop was the Roman amphitheatre — a massive two story and beautifully preserved arena that once hosted gladiator battles, chariot races, and probably at least one person shouting, “ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?”

It’s still used today for events, though thankfully with fewer lions.

We wandered through the arches, climbed the stone steps, and marvelled at the fact that this thing has been standing here since the 1st century AD. Meanwhile, our campervan struggles to go a week without something rattling.

L’Espace Van Gogh

A Courtyard Full of Colour & Art History

Next up was L’Espace Van Gogh, the former hospital where Vincent Van Gogh stayed after that ear incident.

Today it’s a peaceful courtyard filled with:

• bright shutters
• colourful flowers
• and tourists trying to recreate the famous painting

We soaked up the atmosphere, admired the colours, and tried to look cultured.
We probably failed, but the effort was there.

It’s a beautiful spot — calm, colourful, and full of that unmistakable Van Gogh energy.

All that culture worked up an appetite, so we grabbed lunch in town — tacos that were far better than any quick bite has any right to be, followed by a strawberry milkshake round the corner, so good it should probably be protected by UNESCO.

Cold, creamy, pink, and absolutely perfect in the Provençal heat. If Van Gogh had tasted it, he’d have painted another series.

The Dutch Neighbours

Back at the campsite, our pitch was next to a lovely couple from the Netherlands.

One of them was an artist — a proper one, with brushes, canvases, and the ability to make things look like things.

They spent their days painting the sights they’d seen around the Arles waterways.

Their paintings were beautiful and our photos were… well, enthusiastic.

It was campsite life at its finest — friendly, relaxed, and full of people doing their own version of the perfect holiday.

A Little Background on Arles

Arles isn’t just pretty, it’s historically stacked.

Here is a few highlights:

• It was a major Roman city, full of monuments, baths, theatres, and important people wearing sandals.
• The amphitheatre, theatre, and baths are still standing, because the Romans built things to last.
• Van Gogh lived here for over a year and produced more than 300 works, inspired by the light, colours, and atmosphere.
• The old town is a maze of medieval streets, Roman ruins, and sun‑soaked squares that make you want to sit down and order something cold.

It’s a city where history isn’t just in museums — it’s everywhere you look.

A Perfect Stopover

Arles wasn’t a long stop for us, just a wander, a bit of culture, some sunshine, and a chat with our Dutch neighbours.

But it was one of those places that sticks with you:

• ancient stones
• colourful courtyards
• riverside walks
• and the feeling that you’ve stepped into a painting

Not a bad way to spend some time.