Roman Theatre of Arles

This is very interesting if you're in Arles, we visited around Mid- June and it was not that busy but definitely active amongst the town. The town itself had a lovely feel to it and it has a lot of history behind it which is so so interesting to delve into. It is definitely worth a stop if you ever find yourself in Arles as there is a walking route with so much information and history behind it. The town itself carries so much meaning behind each monument.

If you're interested in Roman architecture, this is a must-visit. I loved that you can walk through every part of the theatre and really feel the history beneath your feet. The stones still carry traces of Roman craftsmanship — it's like stepping back in time. An unforgettable experience for history lovers.

I discovered this place accidentally when I was walking through the park to its south (getting some euros from the post office ATM). Wow so amazing! Hard to believe something like this survives into the 21st Century in such good condition. Love how the Europeans maintain and utilise these sites, incorporating them into Modern Life. The Romans' achievements are mind boggling. This is a very cool place I would love to see a performance here. Unfortunately I have to leave today. It made me think of the Shelley poem Ozymandias I met a traveller from an antique land, Who said—“Two vast and trunkless legs of stone Stand in the desert. . . . Near them, on the sand, Half sunk a shattered visage lies, whose frown, And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command, Tell that its sculptor well those passions read Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things, The hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed; And on the pedestal, these words appear: My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings; Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair! Nothing beside remains. Round the decay Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare The lone and level sands stretch far away.”

The Roman Theatre of Arles: An Ancient Stage Full of Stories Tucked away in the heart of Arles, the Roman Theatre is one of the city’s oldest and most atmospheric monuments. Built in the late 1st century BC, during the reign of Emperor Augustus, it once stood as a proud symbol of Roman culture and entertainment. This theater could originally seat around 10,000 spectators, who gathered here to watch comedies, dramas, and musical performances under the open Provençal sky. Though time and history have worn it down — many of its stones were reused in medieval constructions — what remains still captures the imagination. A few rows of seating, parts of the stage wall, and two towering columns known as the “Columns of Venus” give visitors a glimpse into the grandeur that once was. Standing there, it’s easy to imagine the cheers, laughter, and drama that once filled the air. Fun facts: • In the Middle Ages, the theater was completely buried and forgotten — it wasn’t rediscovered until the 17th century when locals stumbled upon ancient statues while digging! • One of the most famous finds was the stunning Venus of Arles, a beautiful Roman statue that is now housed in the Louvre in Paris. • Today, the theater still hosts concerts and events, meaning it’s been entertaining audiences for over 2,000 years — talk about a long-running show! The Roman Theatre of Arles isn’t just an ancient ruin; it’s a beautiful reminder of how deeply Roman culture shaped the city. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of architecture, or simply curious about Arles’ magical atmosphere, this theater is absolutely worth a visit.

Great place for a gig or just in general if you're into Roman architecture. Seats do not have cushions or back rest so bring some padding if you intend to be seated for any time.

If you’re going to the theatre in Arles then I imagine you’re going to go to the amphitheatre as well. So: if you don’t know already, for €11 you can buy a ticket which gets you into both. Good value. As for the theatre, It’s good but not great. It’s quite small and you’re pretty much free to wander where you like. Beyond that there’s not much to add. It’s pretty much what you would expect. But worth seeing. Practical note: we rocked up in Arles assuming that there would be big signs everywhere saying “Roman Stuff This Way!”, but it’s really not like that at all. It takes a little finding.

It’s pretty small not that worth visiting if you don’t spend too much time in Arles. It’s a shame that there’s not much introduction for this place. If you stay the whole day in Arles, you can still visit it with the ticket (€11 for arena+theater) or you won’t have many things to visit. Arles is a small calm village.

Fairly boring theatre compared to the arena next door. Buy a combi ticket to get this one off your bucket list, but don't make a detour just for this one.