Between 49 and 46 BC, after Julius Caesar captured Marseille, Arles became the Romans' main commercial center in the area. The Romans built enormous public spaces that are still in use today. A good example of that is Les Arènes, a huge Roman amphitheatre. It was built at the end of the first century AD. The amphitheatre was used for chariot races, as well as gladiator fights. Later Les Arènes was converted into a fortress. The Roman Théâtre Antique is used for musical festivities and other cultural activities during the summer.

At the end of the 19th century, painter Vincent van Gogh lived in Arles and many of his famous paintings were made there. The area's countryside hasn't changed much since van Gogh painted it; it is still covered with olive groves and vineyards. In Arles there are numerous narrow alleyways, small squares and many houses have distinctive red barrel-tiled roofs. Locals can often be seen playing pétanque.

There are many hotels and restaurants in Arles. The city is 655 km southeast of Paris.