Car hire in Arles opens up the heart of Provence and the wild Camargue wetlands. This UNESCO World Heritage city, where Van Gogh painted his most famous works, combines Roman ruins, medieval streets, and access to one of Europe’s most unique ecosystems. From here, you can explore the Camargue’s white horses, pink flamingos, and endless beaches.
Getting Around Arles by Car
Arles’ old town is walkable, with the Roman arena, Van Gogh sites, and Musée Réattu within 15 minutes of each other. Street parking costs €1-2 per hour, with underground car parks near the centre. The N572 connects to Avignon (30 minutes north) and Nîmes (35 minutes west). The Camargue is 15 minutes south.
Driving in the Camargue requires awareness of wildlife — horses, bulls, and flamingos wander freely. Roads are straight and flat, but morning fog can be thick. The beaches require driving on sandy tracks in places.
Arles is an ideal base for Provence and the Camargue, less crowded than Avignon but equally well-positioned.
Day Trips from Arles
Camargue, 15 minutes south, is a vast wetland with flamingos, white horses, and black bulls. Drive to the Parc Ornithologique du Pont de Gau for flamingo viewing. Continue to Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer for the beach and pilgrimage church.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, 30 minutes northeast, is where Van Gogh painted Starry Night. The Saint-Paul de Mausole asylum offers tours. The Glanum Roman ruins are nearby. Continue to Les Baux-de-Provence for dramatic cliff-top views.
Avignon, 30 minutes north, has the Popes’ Palace and famous bridge. The old town is walkable. Allow half a day.
Les Baux-de-Provence, 20 minutes northeast, is perched on a rocky outcrop. The ruined castle and panoramic views are spectacular. The Carrières Lumières (quarry with art projections) is essential.
Plage de Piémanson, 30 minutes south, is the Camargue’s wildest beach — 10km of sand backed by dunes. The track can be sandy; high-clearance vehicles help. Continue to the salt pans for flamingos.
Driving Tips for France
Camargue wildlife: Horses, bulls, and flamingos wander freely. Drive slowly, especially at dawn and dusk. The bulls are semi-wild — give them space. Photography requires a telephoto lens.
Sandy tracks: Some beach access roads are unpaved. A regular car can manage most, but after rain, tracks become muddy. Ask locally about conditions.
Summer Mistral: The wind can be fierce (up to 100km/h). Hold the steering wheel firmly on exposed roads. The wind dries everything — hydrate constantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I spend in the Camargue?
Half a day minimum — morning is best for flamingos. The Parc Ornithologique opens at 9am. Combine with a beach visit for a full day. The Camargue is vast — allow a full day to explore properly.
Can I drive to the flamingo colonies?
Yes — the Parc Ornithologique du Pont de Gau has flamingos year-round. The access road (D570) is paved. For wild flamingos, drive the D36 through the salt pans — they gather in the étangs. Morning light is best.
What’s special about Arles’ Roman sites?
The arena is still used for bullfighting and concerts. The Roman theatre hosts performances in summer. The Alyscamps necropolis inspired Van Gogh. The museum has an exceptional Roman boat. Arles was a major Roman city — the ruins are extensive.