Arles Amphitheatre

Beautiful, beautiful history. The architectural details are absolutely stunning—I can’t believe this has stood for so many years! It truly takes your breath away. It looks just like the Colosseum in Rome. Timeless, majestic, and unforgettable.

Beautiful artifact that is in use to this day. The history is better digested with a tour guide who can explain the construction and how the building is used today. Metal scaffolding supports additional seating for their larger events. Very mystical and stirring as you imagined the events that had taken place here.

This is a really impressive amphitheater in the historic heart of Arles. Once you enter into the old city walls you can’t miss it. We were pressed for time and could not go in and dive a bit deeper but nonetheless it is worth checking out in Arles. Really beautiful piece of history.

This place really wowed me. Far better than the Colosseum in Rome. There's a Pass Advantage that gets you into 6 ancient sites and four museums. Well worth the €19.

Spectacularly intact Roman arena. Well worth visiting and the combination ticket to visit some of the other historical sites was a good value option. Not much in the way of interpretation panels, just a few on the way in, then enjoy the arena

The Amphitheater of Arles: A Roman Treasure Full of Life Visiting the Amphitheater of Arles is like stepping straight into the heart of Roman history. This monumental arena, built around 90 AD, is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world — and it’s absolutely breathtaking. You can almost hear the echoes of roaring crowds and the clash of gladiators as you walk through its ancient stone corridors. Originally designed to hold over 20,000 spectators, the amphitheater was a center of entertainment for the citizens of Roman Arles, hosting gladiatorial combats, chariot races, and public spectacles. Its architecture is brilliantly functional: a complex system of staircases, arches, and corridors allowed thousands of people to move quickly and efficiently — a masterpiece of Roman engineering! What makes the Arles Amphitheater even more fascinating is its second life. In the Middle Ages, when the Roman Empire had long fallen, the arena was transformed into a fortified village! More than 200 houses and even two chapels were built inside it. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the houses were cleared out and the amphitheater was restored to resemble its ancient glory. Fun fact: Today, the amphitheater is not just a historic monument; it’s still alive! It regularly hosts events like bull races (courses camarguaises) and concerts, blending ancient history with vibrant modern traditions. Sitting on its ancient stone steps, you can watch a show just like the Romans did 2,000 years ago — truly a magical experience! In short, the Arles Amphitheater is more than a ruin — it’s a living, breathing link between past and present. Whether you’re a history lover, a culture enthusiast, or simply someone who loves epic places, visiting this arena will leave you amazed. It’s a place where time stands still, and every stone tells a story.

It’s so amazing that a place like this is in the middle of this cute town. We bought the tickets to go see all of the sites that makes it easier so you don’t have to pay each time. They still have events there and would be cool to attend one next time.

The Arles Arena is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was among the places I wanted to see in south of France. The façade of the structure still retains its grandeur and is very impressive. However, the interior was a disappointment for me. I had expected the historical structure and texture to be preserved, but instead, I encountered a steel construction and a performance venue created through renovations and additions. But it’s definitely a one time visit, peek through time..