Camping in Arles

Camping in Arles is camping in one of the most beautiful regions in the south of France. The landscape of southern Provence enchants holidaymakers with purple lavender fields, green-silvery olive groves, pine trees and cypresses. Families with children and campers with dogs will love the hiking trails, idyllic rivers and almost untouched nature: the campsites in Arles blend perfectly with the charming surroundings. The town itself is famous for its Roman arena and many ancient archaeological sites.

Camping in Arles: all important information at a glance

In Arles, nature lovers can camp in tranquil landscapes and enjoy the Mediterranean climate of the Mediterranean. Campsites in this region are particularly suitable for cyclists and hikers, as cycle routes and hiking trails are often located in the immediate vicinity of the campsites.

Campsites in Arles are also ideal for those who enjoy swimming: turquoise-blue rivers and lakes tempt you to spend relaxing hours by the water. Campsites in Arles often offer their guests inviting pool areas. The ancient city is also just a few kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea, which invites water sports enthusiasts to enjoy a wonderful day of swimming.

The Camargue near Arles, with its wild horses and bulls, is also ideal for extensive horse riding excursions: the scenery along the estuaries of the Rhône or in the Camargue nature park is impressively picturesque. Most of the pitches are well equipped: water and electricity connections are standard. Many pitches also have dishwashing facilities, communal areas, waste disposal facilities, bread sales and everything else you need for a successful camping holiday.

Particularly practical: campers can park their motorhome directly in the centre of Arles on a central campsite or stay just outside the city gates in the midst of picturesque nature without having to use their car or motorhome to explore the city.

Campsites in Arles

Here is a selection of the most popular campsites in Arles.

L'Arlésienne

A family campsite close to the city centre that rents out mobile homes as well as pitches for caravans and motorhomes. The site has a large heated swimming pool with children's pool and a sun deck for relaxing. Next to the pool you can enjoy ball games such as boules. Bicycle hire makes the campsite the ideal base for exploring the Camargue.

Camping La Croix d'Arles

Cosy campsite on a wooded site with pitches for motorhomes and tents. Mobile homes and comfortable yurts are also available for hire for glamping enthusiasts. There is a tree climbing park in front of the campsite. There is also a cycle path through the picturesque landscape to the lake of Liez, which is also ideal for water sports activities in summer.

Camping Crin Blanc

Camping in the heart of the Camargue Nature Park is the promise of this beautiful holiday resort surrounded by greenery. In addition to spacious pitches, pretty chalets, mobile homes and cosy holiday flats are also available to rent. Water fun is guaranteed on the site, as there are three swimming pools and water slides. An entertainment team provides numerous games and activities to keep the kids happy.

How to get to Arles

Arles is located on the Autoroute du Soleil, which runs from Paris to Marseille. Campers travelling from north-west Germany drive to France via Aachen and Liège or Luxembourg. The journey continues via Reims or Nancy to the Autoroute du Soleil near Dijon.

Holidaymakers from eastern and southern Germany travel either via Freiburg towards Besancon to the sun route near Dijon or through Switzerland via Grenoble. They then reach the sun motorway at Romans-sur-Isère.

In Switzerland, you will need to purchase an annual vignette; in France, the motorway toll is collected at various toll stations. There is a free motorway link between Geneva and Romans-sur-Isère. No tolls are charged in Belgium and Luxembourg.

As the area around Arles is rather flat, motorhomes and caravans can easily drive onto the campsites and reach the allocated pitches. Unfortunately, the Autoroute du Soleil is very congested in the high season. The motorways through French-speaking Switzerland, on the other hand, are on the other side of the main Swiss A2 motorway and are somewhat less busy. The traffic situation in Belgium is also generally relaxed. Furthermore, the excellent road lighting on Belgian motorways makes night-time driving a relaxed affair.

Activities and excursions

Bullfights and the painter Vincent van Gogh continue to be a major attraction for the city of Arles. Buildings dating back to Roman times provide impressive architecture.

Hiking with a view in Les Baux-de-Provence

Not far from Arles, nature lovers can experience a very special scenery in Les Baux-de-Provence. The town exists three times. Locals love the modern-day village in the valley, while holidaymakers can visit the elevated medieval town of Les Baux with its crooked alleyways, artists' workshops and old town walls. The climb is steep, but can also be mastered by car. Those interested in culture can hike even further to the caves of the Stone Age town of Les Baux. Here, hikers can enjoy a breathtaking view from a rocky outcrop over the Rhône valley, which is bathed in warm colours.

Sights in Arles

The Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, who created the famous painting Le café de nuit during his stay in Arles, also knew a thing or two about colours. The aforementioned Café de la Gare on the Place am Lamartine still exists - even if time has not stopped at changes. Here, as well as in front of other city motifs that the painter used for his work, there are stands with replicas of his paintings. However, the main attraction is Les Arènes, the Roman theatre. However, the bullfights that take place are bloodless: only a cockade is removed from the bull's horns.

Arlaten local history museum

The Arlaten local history museum was founded in 1896 by the poet Frédéric Mistral and offers fascinating insights into the history and customs of the region. In the beautiful building, visitors can admire traditional costumes, furniture, tools, musical instruments and other objects that characterised the life of the inhabitants of Provence in the 19th century.

Excavations from the Roman era

Arles is known for its numerous excavations from Roman times, which you should definitely visit during a day trip. One of the highlights is the well-preserved amphitheatre, which could seat over 20,000 spectators in its day. Also worth seeing are the ancient baths of Constantine and the ruins of the Roman chariot race track.

Gastronomy in Arles

Goose liver pâté, anchovy or olive puree, the world-famous foie gras and truffles in every conceivable shape and flavour are just some of the delicacies from Provençal cuisine, which is also at home in Arles. The famous herbs of Provence can even be found on a tasty skate in some restaurants. Lamb with capers is also one of the more unusual dishes that you should try.

People like to drink pastis, a local aniseed schnapps, which is not chilled but is enjoyed in a ratio of one fifth to four fifths with chilled still water. Fruity rosé wines such as Coteaux d'Aix en Provence or the more noble Bandol from the Mediterranean coast are also typical of Provence.

Weather and best time to go on a camping holiday in Arles

When it comes to the weather, camping fans and beach holidaymakers in Arles on the French Mediterranean coast can expect over 300 days of sunshine a year. In midsummer, the average maximum temperature is 26 degrees Celsius, peaking at 38 degrees.

September and October are ideal for activities: with pleasantly mild temperatures, city tours and excursions on the Rhône river steamers are ideal. In autumn and spring, rain is always to be expected - albeit at moderate temperatures. A special natural phenomenon is the Mistral downburst wind, which can lead to violent gusts of wind and cooling at short notice.