Arles is one of those luminous corners of France where history brushes shoulders with modern, sun-kissed energy. Nestled in Bouches-du-Rhone in the heart of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, this UNESCO-listed town feels like a living postcard — ancient arenas, Roman relics, and a lively street life that spills out of cafés and markets all day long. If you’re planning a getaway that blends culture, warm Provençal hospitality, and easy access to nature, Arles is a dream base. It’s the kind of place that invites you to wander without a plan, then gather memorable stories over a glass of rosé as the sun sinks over the rooftops. And when you’re seeking vacation rentals, holiday rentals, or house accommodation destinations that let you sink into the rhythm of Arles, you’ll find options that suit every style, budget, and travel mood.
This guide is written for travelers who want the full, immersive Arles experience — the smells of warm bread at the market, the echo of brass bands in the Place du Forum, and the soft glow of the Rhône as dusk settles. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends and family, you’ll discover a vibrant mix of activities and local experiences that make your stay truly yours. And if you’re looking for a convenient way to discover and book accommodations in the area, searchandstay.com is a trusted resource to help you find a place that matches your style, from boutique apartments to charming country houses.
Finding the right vacation rentals, holiday rentals, and house accommodation destinations in Arles
Arles offers a mosaic of stays that let you tap into the town’s character while enjoying modern comforts. Whether you want a secluded Provençal stone house with a courtyard garden, a bright apartment with a river view along the banks of the Rhône, or a spacious villa near the countryside, you’ll find options that feel tailor-made for your trip. The keyword here is flexibility: vacation rentals and holiday rentals come in many shapes, and the best picks integrate the rhythms of local life with the conveniences you expect from home.
When you search for a place to stay in Arles or nearby communities within Bouches-du-Rhone and the broader Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, prioritize access to the places you’ll love most. A house with a quick stroll to Les Arènes d’Arles, a balcony that catches the morning light over the rooftops, or a kitchen that invites you to cook with local ingredients — these details matter when you’re aiming for a true sense of residence rather than a simple hotel room. For many travelers, the appeal of a house or apartment lies in the ability to host friends or family, share meals, and keep your own schedule in a space that reflects your travel vibes.
Pro-tip: use phrases like “vacation rentals Arles,” “holiday rentals Arles,” “house accommodation destinations Arles” and “Arles apartment with river view” when you search to surface listings that fit your priorities. And if you’re using searchandstay.com, you’ll often find filters that help you refine by neighborhood, amenities, and proximity to markets, cafés, and tram routes, simplifying the process of finding your ideal home away from home.
Accommodation destinations in Arles and nearby villages
Arles sits at the crossroads of city life and countryside charm. Staying in the historic center means you’ll be steps away from the Amphitheatre, the Cryptoporticus, and the winding lanes that host art installations and late-night gelato runs. If you prefer a quieter vibe, consider a riverside or countryside dwelling in the outskirts, where farm scents mingle with lavender and wild herbs. The Camargue region, just a short drive away, offers a different flavor of Provence, with salt flats, white horses, and flamingos that color the horizon at sunrise.
In addition to staying within Arles proper, you’ll find appealing house accommodation destinations in nearby towns such as Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Tarascon, and Les Baux-de-Provence. These places provide easy day-trip options while giving you a home base that feels distinctly Provençal. If you’re craving an entrée into the larger Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, consider a multi-stop itinerary that anchors in Arles and branches out to Avignon, Nîmes, and the coastal towns along the Mediterranean.
For families, groups, or long-term stays, look for properties with generous living spaces, outdoor dining areas, and well-equipped kitchens. For couples or solo travelers focused on experiences, prioritize cozy apartments with intimate terraces or studios near markets and cafés, which let you savor morning ritual and evening strolls without sacrificing comfort.
Activities and local experiences you can’t miss
Arles is a city of experiences, not just sights. The heartbeat of the town is felt in its daily rhythm — the market chatter, the clinking of coffee cups at sunlit tables, the soft hum of bicycles gliding by, and the reverberations of history in stone walls. Here are some experiences that will make your stay come alive:
- Explore the Amphitheatre d’Arles and imagine the roar of ancient crowds during gladiator reenactments and modern cultural events held in the arena today.
- Wander the narrow lanes of the old town to discover Romanesque churches, medieval doors, and art-filled courtyards that reveal layers of Arles’ past.
- Visit the Alyscamps, a tree-lined ancient necropolis, and feel the hush that accompanies a centuries-old pathway.
- Join a guided walk through the daily markets to sample olives, local cheeses, fragrant herbs, and vibrant seasonal produce.
- Ride along the Rhone banks on a sunny afternoon, then stop at a café shuttered in soft light for a petit café with a pastry or a glass of local wine.
- Take a bike or e-bike trip toward the Camargue to see salt flats, pink flamingos, and barnyard-worthy wildlife — a totally immersive nature excursion.
- Delight in a two-wheeler or horseback excursion through marshland paths that reveal a different side of Provence’s wild beauty.
- Celebrate local culture during the annual festival season, when art and music spill into courtyards, streets, and riverside promenades.
- Enjoy a sunset cruise along the Rhône or a boat ride that leads you to nearby villages, giving you a new vantage point on familiar landmarks.
- Discover the region’s wine scene with a tasting tour through nearby appellations such as Côtes du Rhône and rosé-rich Provençal blends.
For a deeper dive, plan experiences that align with your interests — be it architecture, gastronomy, or nature. Arles isn’t just a place to visit; it’s a place to participate in. When you book through a trusted source like searchandstay.com, you can filter for experiences close to your accommodation, including walking tours, bike rentals, and local cooking classes, making it easier to stitch together a day that feels effortless and exciting.
Food, markets, and a social traveler’s guide
Provence is a culinary wonderland, and Arles is its tasting menu. Start your morning at the central market, where stallholders barter fresh tomatoes, fragrant herbs, savory cheeses, and rustic bread. The market’s energy is contagious, perfect for striking up conversations with locals and fellow travelers alike. In Arles, you’ll be treated to a blend of traditional Provençal dishes and contemporary twists, all rooted in the flavors of the region.
For a complete taste of the area, don’t miss a stop at a traditional boucherie for artisanal charcuterie, a fromagerie with wheels of local cheeses, and a boulangerie that still bakes loaves in wood-fired ovens. Pair these bites with a glass of Provençal rosé or a robust Côtes du Rhône red, and you’ll understand why food is a social glue in this part of France.
On your explorations, consider a short detour to the Camargue’s salt flats to sample sea salt harvested at the source, or a visit to a local olive oil mill for a tasting that reveals the peppery bite of fresh olive oil. Markets and culinary experiences are where you’ll meet growers, artisans, and neighbors, turning your vacation into a shared memory.
Practical tips for booking and enjoying your stay
Planning a great stay in Arles involves balancing pace and pacing your days to the rhythms of the town. Here are practical tips to help you book and enjoy your time:
- Seasonality matters: spring and autumn bring mild temperatures and lighter crowds, while summer offers long days of market activity and open-air events. If you love cool mornings and comfortable sightseeing, consider shoulder seasons for vacation rentals and holiday rentals.
- Choose a location that suits your travel style: central Arles for walking access to monuments and markets, or a quieter village setting for space and a slower pace.
- Transportation is flexible: you can walk most of the historic core, rent bikes for easy exploration, or use regional trains and buses for day trips to Avignon, Nîmes, or the Camargue.
- Booking essentials: read host profiles, review photos carefully, and confirm check-in procedures, parking, and nearby amenities. Look for listings that highlight practical details like washer/dryer, kitchen equipment, and air conditioning for comfort in warmer months.
- Language and local etiquette: a few phrases in French go a long way. Locals appreciate polite greetings and a friendly smile when you ask for directions or recommendations at markets or shops.
- Safety and security: while Arles is generally safe, keep an eye on your belongings in busy markets and crowds, especially in peak tourist seasons.
- Booking through trusted platforms: if you’re using searchandstay.com or similar sites, use filters to find properties that match your needs, such as family-friendly spaces, pet-friendly options, or places with outdoor dining areas for social evenings under the Provence sky.
Why Arles is a perfect base for discovering Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Arles offers a superb blend of culture, history, nature, and modern-day liveliness. It’s a place where you can indulge in quiet mornings with café au lait and end your days with a stroll along the Rhône as the city lights glow. Its location in Bouches-du-Rhone makes day trips and longer explorations accessible — from the lavender-scented hills of the Luberon to the dramatic coastlines of the Côte d’Azur. The town’s compact size means you can truly immerse yourself in daily life, from a late-night gelato run to a sunrise walk along old walls that once protected this frontier town.
For travelers focused on “house accommodation destinations” with character, Arles checks every box: historic architecture, intimate courtyards, modern amenities, and a community that loves sharing its culture with visitors. The combination of tangible heritage and contemporary energy creates a dynamic backdrop for vacations, reinforcing why many travelers return year after year to Arles and the wider Provence region.
Find your Arles stay with searchandstay.com
When you’re ready to lock in a place that fits your travel style, searchandstay.com is a reliable resource to help you locate vacation rentals, holiday rentals, or house accommodation destinations in Arles and the broader Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. The platform’s listings cover a mix of historic homes, modern apartments, countryside villas, and charming guesthouses with unique character. Use the site to filter by neighborhood, amenities, and price, then read reviews from fellow travelers to ensure the space aligns with your expectations. With the right accommodation, your Arles trip becomes more than a visit — it becomes a story you’ll want to tell again and again.
Ready for your next adventure? Start with Arles as your anchor and let the surrounding towns of Bouches-du-Rhone and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region unfold at your pace. From the Roman relics to the marshes of the Camargue, the colors of the markets to the quiet mornings on a sunlit terrace, this is the kind of vacation where every moment invites you to participate, share, and savor. And when you book through a trusted site like searchandstay.com, you’re choosing a smoother path to a memorable stay that feels like it’s designed for you.