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Arles

Boasting a beautifully-preserved historic centre, the city of Arles is home to one of Europe's best collections of Roman ruins - which have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Initially a Celtic city colonised by the Greeks, Arles became Roman after Julius Caesar distributed the land among some of his most faithful soldiers in 46 BC. This was the first golden age of the city, which then came to be known as "Little Rome in Gaul".

Having become a major religious centre during the early Christian period, the sought-after city was passed to the Kingdom of Burgundy in the 9th century. In 1032 it passed to the Holy Roman Empire, before becoming a part of France in 1481. Much of Arles city centre's street plan dates from about this time, as does a significant amount of the surviving architecture. Arles is still known as a major port on the Rhône, though nowadays visitors flock to the area to see the town's impressive Roman remains.

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4 results matching: Escorted Rail Tours to Arles

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ClassicClassic
Avignon, the Rhône & Provence
Save £100pp
4.3 stars(132 reviews)
2025AprMayJunAugSepOct
7 days from
£1,899 pp £1,799 pp
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  • DestinationFrance
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Premium Rhône Cruise
Save £500pp
4.5 stars(107 reviews)
2025JunJulAug
2026AprJunJulAugSep
8 days from
£2,699 pp
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8 days from
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  • DestinationFrance
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationCruise
  • TransportRail, Cruise
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Secrets of Provence
4.4 stars(41 reviews)
2025JunJulSep
7 days from
£2,699 pp
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7 days from
£2,699
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  • DestinationFrance
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
  • AccommodationCruise
  • TransportRail, Cruise
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Our customers love our Arles tours
Provence and The Elegant Rhône
10/Sep
Catharina Bekker
5 stars
“The whole trip was excellent. All Great Railways Staffa, managers were professional and helpful. The local guides were very informative and really made a difference when we visited the Towns , museums and the Camargue Delta.
Collected by Trustpilot
Secrets of Provence
21/Jul
Christine Sturgess
5 stars
“Lovey scenery and superb food and service on the barge.
Collected by Trustpilot
Provence and The Elegant Rhône
12 Sep 2023
G Franklin
5 stars
“Third time with GRJ but first time on a river cruise with them. Everything 5 star as you would expect from our English tour operator, backed up by the Austrian cruise ship on the French waterways! Superb dining on an International menu and the crew did manage to include...
Collected by Trustpilot
Avignon, the Rhône and Provence
30/Oct
long-term customer
4 stars
“Well organised introduction to Provence.
Collected by Trustpilot

Ancient activities

Among the many highlights celebrating Arles' rich history is the mighty Roman Arena, which would have seated about 20,000 people. It was partly converted into a castle in the Middle Ages but is still remarkably intact.

Van Gogh

The Dutch post-Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh lived in Arles in 1888-1889 and produced over 300 paintings and drawings during his time here. Today the Van Gogh Foundation is situated opposite the vast arena.

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