Where to camp in Arles and the surrounding area?
There are six campsites in the town of Arles, most of which are 3-star rated, combining comfort, authenticity and a family atmosphere. These establishments offer spacious pitches, modern mobile homes, and sometimes a swimming pool and summer entertainment.
For a more natural stay, we recommend the Huttopia Fontvieille*** campsite, located about 10 km from Arles, in the heart of the Alpilles Regional Nature Park. Nestled in a beautiful pine forest, this 3-star campsite offers a peaceful and shaded setting, perfect for alternating between cultural visits and relaxation. Guests appreciate the swimming pool, the charming authentic canvas accommodation and the proximity to magnificent Provençal sites. From here, you can easily reach Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence or Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
Other campsites, located between Arles and the Camargue, allow you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the manades and wild beaches. In Albaron or near Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, you will find ideal locations for a stay combining culture and nature.
Arles, a Roman gem in the heart of Provence
A former Roman colony, Arles has preserved some of the most remarkable monuments in France. The amphitheatre, still used for ferias and shows, dominates the old town. A stone's throw away, the ancient theatre, the Baths of Constantine and the Alyscamps necropolis bear witness to the city's past grandeur. The Arles Antique Departmental Museum, on the banks of the Rhône, is the ideal way to round off your visit. Finally, Saint-Trophime Cathedral, Arles' Romanesque jewel, impresses with its sculpted façade, peaceful cloister and history spanning more than a thousand years, offering visitors a true journey through time.
But Arles is not just about its ruins: visitors enjoy strolling through its narrow streets, admiring the ochre façades, stopping for a coffee in a shaded square or wandering through the aisles of its large Provençal market. In the evening, the city takes on a gentle and lively atmosphere.
Staying at a campsite near Arles allows you to easily reach the historic centre while enjoying the peace and quiet of the surrounding countryside.
Between the Camargue and the Alpilles, nature is just a stone's throw away
From Arles, the landscape changes rapidly: to the south, the Camargue unfolds its wild expanses, marshes, flamingos and white horses. Here you will discover a unique natural environment, between ponds and endless beaches, such as those of Piémanson or Beauduc, perfect for lovers of unspoilt spaces. Horse riding, bird watching or 4x4 tours of the manades: the possibilities for excursions are endless.
To the north, the Alpilles offer a completely different setting, more mineral but just as fascinating. Les Baux-de-Provence, Fontvieille and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence are all typical villages at to explore just a few kilometres away. Hiking, cycling, swimming in the river or visiting mills and olive groves: this is another side of Provence that campers can enjoy.
Choosing a campsite around Arles means benefiting from a strategic location for exploring both the Camargue and the Alpilles.
Culture, traditions and ferias: the soul of Arles
Arles vibrates all year round to the rhythm of Camargue festivals and traditions. The Easter Feria, the Rice Festival in September and the Photography Festival in summer are among the major events that bring the city to life. Bullfights, Camargue races, abrivados and open-air dances perpetuate a deeply rooted popular culture. In the photograph above, two iconic bullfighting traditions punctuate the region's votive festivals: the Abrivado consists of driving the bulls from the pastures to the arena, escorted by horsemen, while the Bandido marks their return to the meadows. These events, combining adrenaline and conviviality, are at the heart of Camargue culture.
When it comes to gastronomy, your stay will be enhanced by typical specialities such as gardianne de taureau (bull stew), tellines (small Camargue shellfish) and vins des sables (wines from the sandy soils). All these flavours can be sampled at the markets or in the restaurants of the historic centre.
Arles camping, just as beautiful in the off-season
Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, Arles is just as lovely in spring as it is in autumn. If you choose to camp in the low season, the light is softer, the streets are quieter, and the prices are more affordable. It's the perfect time to enjoy the heritage, landscapes and markets of Provence without the crowds.
Some campsites remain open until October or even later, allowing you to prolong the pleasures of the South in complete tranquillity.
Conclusion
Choosing Arles for your camping holiday means treating yourself to the best of Provence: an exceptional Roman heritage, living traditions and unspoilt nature between the Camargue and the Alpilles. Whether you are a lover of culture, relaxation or wide open spaces, Arles will charm you with its authenticity and art de vivre.