Arles is a city that practically breathes history. Its streets are lined with Roman ruins, medieval churches, and centuries-old cafes, making it a perfect spot for anyone eager to explore ancient architecture, famous artworks, and local culture. What sets Arles apart is how seamlessly it blends Roman heritage with vibrant modern life, offering a variety of ways to experience its past. For example, a walk through the Roman Theatre or a visit to Vincent van Gogh’s haunts can make history feel immediate and personal.
If you’re into art, food, and history combined, the Arles private tour – art/history and gastronomy is a standout. For those wanting a more comprehensive exploration across several centuries, the Arles: Art and History Walking Tour offers a deep dive into the city’s layered past. And if a short, personalized introduction suits your schedule better, the Arles: Private Guide Tour – Explore History & Culture hits the mark with its focused routes. Below, you’ll find detailed breakdowns of each tour to help you decide which one best matches your interests and travel style.
1. Arles private tour – art/history and gastronomy
This 3-hour private tour offers a rich experience combining Roman architecture, Van Gogh’s influence, and Provençal flavors. It’s perfect if you want a personalized, relaxed exploration of Arles’ highlights. The tour starts at Brasserie L’Aficion, then moves through iconic sites like the Roman Theatre of Arles, the Saint-Trophime Church, and the Espace Van Gogh—the very spot where Van Gogh created many of his paintings.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on art, history, and local gastronomy. The guide’s attention to detail helps you understand the significance of each site, from Roman ruins to Van Gogh’s artistic legacy. A fun and tasty addition is a break with a scoop of ice cream, giving you a moment to enjoy Provençal flavors. The private setup means it’s flexible and intimate—ideal for couples or small groups looking for a tailored experience.
For around $176 per person, you get a well-paced 3-hour walk that hits all the must-see sights and enjoys some local treats. As one reviewer noted, “The guide was passionate and made history come alive.” This tour is best suited for those who want a comprehensive, flexible experience with time for questions and personal touches.
Bottom line: A perfect choice if you’re a fan of art, history, and food, and prefer a private, leisurely walk with tailored insights.
2. Arles: Art and History Walking Tour
At number 2 on our list is the Arles: Art and History Walking Tour. This 3-hour private tour is designed to cover over 2000 years of Arles’ history, from Roman times to the present. The tour’s strength is its ability to connect architectural treasures—like the Roman Theatre, the Amphitheatre, and the Saint-Trophime Church—with the city’s artistic legacy, especially Van Gogh’s influence.
What makes this tour memorable is the focus on walking in Van Gogh’s footsteps. The guide shares stories about his time in Arles, making his paintings come to life. It’s a good choice if you want to see key monuments while understanding their historical context. The tour includes visits to Espace Van Gogh, Place du Forum, and the Roman Theatre.
Costing $328 for up to 25 people, this tour offers excellent value for groups. It includes 16 pickup locations, so you can choose a convenient start point. The reviews mention how smoothly the tour flows and how immersive the experience is. One comment highlights how the guide’s storytelling made the ancient ruins feel more alive.
Bottom line: Ideal for history and art lovers wanting an in-depth, chronological overview of Arles’ layered past, especially for groups or families.
3. Arles: Private Guide Tour – Explore History & Culture
For travelers with limited time, the Arles: Private Guide Tour – Explore History & Culture offers a focused 2-hour walk. Starting at the Mémorial Charles de Gaulle, this tour provides a quick but meaningful glimpse of Arles’ Roman relics and cultural landmarks. You’ll see the Roman Amphitheatre from outside, walk past the Place de la République with its 4th-century obelisk, and visit the Hotel Dieu, where Van Gogh stayed during his time in Arles.
The tour is customizable—meaning your guide can tailor it to your interests, whether that’s architecture, Van Gogh, or local history. It’s a practical choice for travelers who want a hit of highlights without a long commitment. The guide’s commentary makes the history engaging, and the walk is comfortable, suitable for most fitness levels.
Rated 4.3/5 from 22 reviews, this tour offers good value at $210 per person. While shorter, it’s praised for its clarity and personal approach. One reviewer said, “It covered everything I wanted in a short time, and I felt like I truly got a sense of Arles.” This is best for visitors with limited time or those preferring a private, flexible experience.
Bottom line: A good starting point if you want a personalized, brief overview of Arles’ Roman and cultural highlights.
How to Choose Your Perfect Arles Tour
When selecting your ideal tour, consider your budget, time constraints, and specific interests. For a comprehensive and personalized experience, the Arles private tour – art/history and gastronomy offers plenty of flexibility for a full afternoon immersed in art, history, and Provençal flavors.
If you’re after a more in-depth look at the city’s layered past and Van Gogh’s influence, the Arles: Art and History Walking Tour provides a structured, immersive exploration, especially suited for groups or art enthusiasts.
For those short on time or wanting a private, tailored introduction, the Arles: Private Guide Tour – Explore History & Culture is ideal, offering flexibility and quick highlights.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred time and guide. These tours can fill up quickly, and Arles’s small size means spots are limited.
Final Thoughts
Arles offers a wonderful range of historical and cultural tours designed to suit all interests and schedules. If you want a deluxe, in-depth experience, the private art/history and gastronomy tour is a standout. For a broad overview of Roman and Van Gogh sites, the walking tour delivers excellent value and depth. And for a short, personalized introduction, the private guide option is perfect.
No matter which you choose, Arles’s streets and ruins are waiting to tell their stories. Booking early and choosing the right tour for your interests will ensure you walk away with a true sense of this remarkable city’s history—and perhaps a scoop of Provençal ice cream to top it off.
