The Arènes d'Arles, the Roman amphitheatre of Arles in Bouches-du-Rhône, is one of the best-preserved examples of Roman arena architecture in the world, and a structure that has been in near-continuous use for nearly two millennia. Built around 90 CE during the reign of Emperor Domitian, it could seat approximately 20,000 spectators and hosted gladiatorial combats, animal hunts, and public spectacles during the Roman era. Arles at that time was a major colonial city — Colonia Julia Paterna Arelate — and one of the most prosperous trading hubs in Roman Gaul, positioned at the junction of the Rhône and the main road network of the province. The elliptical arena measures 136 metres in length and 109 metres in width, with two tiers of 60 arched arcades each. The outer wall rises to 21 metres. The structure was built from local stone with remarkable engineering precision; its double-arched galleries distributed the weight of crowds and allowed rapid evacuation — a principle underlying modern stadium design. Beneath the arena floor, a network of passages and holding chambers survives, through which animals and fighters were moved before spectacles. During the medieval period the amphitheatre was converted into a fortified settlement, housing hundreds of inhabitants within its massive walls. Three towers were added, one of which still stands at the northern end. A small neighbourhood occupied the tiers until a clearance programme in the early 19th century began to reveal the Roman fabric. Systematic archaeological restoration continued through the 19th and 20th centuries, exposing original seating tiers and the underground gallery network. Today the Arènes remains a working venue, hosting the Arles bullfighting season from Easter through September. Concerts and theatrical events also take place throughout the year. Visitors can walk the seating tiers, explore the underground galleries, and climb to the surviving medieval tower for panoramic views over the terracotta rooftops of Arles. The monument is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1981 as part of the Roman and Romanesque Monuments of Arles.
| Admission | €9 / approx USD 10; combined Arles monuments pass €18 / approx USD 20 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 09:00–19:00 (summer); 10:00–17:00 (winter) |
| Address | Rond-Point des Arènes, 13200 Arles, France |
Why it matters
The Arènes d'Arles, built around 90 CE, is one of the largest and best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the former Western Empire, and has remained a centre of public spectacle without interruption from antiquity through to the present-day bullfighting season.
Location
Rond-Point des Arènes, 13200 Arles, France
43.6760, 4.6303 View on map
Highlights
- Double-tiered arcade exterior with 120 arches preserved to near-original height
- Underground animal and gladiatorial holding passages beneath the arena floor
- Medieval watchtower surviving from the 5th–12th century settlement within the arena walls
- Active corrida season: Feria d'Arles bullfights from Easter through September in the original Roman arena
- Panoramic views over Arles and the Rhône plain from the upper arcade level
Tips for visiting
- The combined Arles monuments pass (€18) covers the amphitheatre, Théâtre Antique, Cryptoporticus, and other Roman sites — good value for a half-day Roman tour
- Arrive before 10:00 in summer to avoid heat and tour-group congestion
- Bullfight season transforms the atmosphere; book corrida tickets months in advance
- The underground galleries are cooler than the open arena and less crowded — allocate 20 minutes there
- Late afternoon light illuminates the stone arcade well for photography from the exterior
Frequently asked questions
How long does a typical visit take?
Most visitors spend 45 minutes to 1 hour inside, covering the arena floor, the underground galleries, and the upper tiers. Combining with the nearby Théâtre Antique adds another 30–45 minutes.
Is the amphitheatre wheelchair accessible?
Access to the arena floor level is possible, but the tiered seating and underground galleries involve stairs with no lift alternative. Visitors with mobility limitations can still view the interior impressively from the arena floor.
Are English language materials available on site?
Audio guides in English are available for hire at the entrance. Multilingual information panels are posted at key points throughout the monument.
Can children visit the Arènes?
Yes — the scale and drama of the arena are very engaging for children. Children under 8 typically enter free. The underground passages are particularly popular with younger visitors.