Alyscamps: Arles' Ancient Necropolis

Wander through a Roman necropolis immortalized by Van Gogh, where ancient tombs meet medieval spirituality in the heart of Provence, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Alyscamps

Step back in time at Alyscamps, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most significant Roman burial grounds. Once located just outside the ancient city walls of Arles, this serene necropolis, whose name echoes the Elysian Fields, served as the city's main burial site for nearly 1,500 years. Wander along the avenue lined with weathered sarcophagi, remnants of a rich history that blends Roman, Christian, and medieval influences. The site's allure extends beyond its historical importance; it has captivated artists like Van Gogh and Gauguin, who immortalized its haunting beauty in their paintings. Today, Alyscamps offers a tranquil escape, inviting visitors to contemplate the passage of time amidst the silent stones and towering cypress trees. The adjacent Church of Saint-Honorat, dating back to the 12th century, marks the starting point of the Arles route to Santiago de Compostela, adding another layer of historical and spiritual significance to this remarkable site.

A brief summary to Alyscamps

Av. des Alyscamps, Arles, 13200, FR
+33490493636
Visit website

Monday 9 am-6:30 pm
Tuesday 9 am-6:30 pm
Wednesday 9 am-6:30 pm
Thursday 9 am-6:30 pm
Friday 9 am-6:30 pm
Saturday 9 am-6:30 pm
Sunday 9 am-6:30 pm

Local tips

Visit during the late afternoon for the best light, when the setting sun casts long shadows across the sarcophagi, creating a particularly evocative atmosphere.
Combine your visit with a trip to the Musée Départemental Arles Antique to see well-preserved sarcophagi and learn more about the history of the Alyscamps.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the ground can be uneven in places. Also, bring water, especially during the warmer months.
Check the opening hours in advance, as they vary depending on the season. Note that the site is closed on January 1st, May 1st, November 1st and December 25th.
Consider purchasing a multi-site pass for access to several Arles attractions for a more economical visit if you plan to see other historical sites.

Getting There

Walking

From the Place de la République in the city center, head south on Rue de la République, then turn left onto Avenue de la République. Continue straight until you reach the roundabout, take the first exit onto Avenue des Alyscamps, and walk for approximately 1.5 km. The Alyscamps will be on your right. Note that the walk is about 20-30 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking.
Public Transport

From the Arles train station, take Bus Line 1 (Direction: Saint-Trophime) from the bus stop outside the station. Get off at the 'Alyscamps' stop. The entrance to Alyscamps is a short walk from the bus stop. A single bus fare is approximately €2.
Taxi/Ride-Share

A taxi or ride-share from the city center of Arles to Alyscamps will cost approximately €10-€15, depending on traffic and the time of day. The journey takes about 5-10 minutes.
Driving

From the center of Arles, take Avenue de la République and follow it until you reach the roundabout. At the roundabout, take the first exit onto Avenue des Alyscamps. Continue straight for about 1.5 km. Alyscamps will be on your right. Parking is available near the site. Parking fees are approximately €1.50 per hour.

Discover more about Alyscamps

Alyscamps, located a short distance from the center of Arles, stands as a poignant testament to the city's rich and layered past. This ancient necropolis, whose name derives from the Latin 'Elisii Campi' (Elysian Fields), served as Arles' primary burial ground for nearly 1,500 years, from Roman times well into the medieval period. Its history is a compelling blend of Roman tradition, early Christian significance, and artistic inspiration, making it a unique and evocative destination for travelers. In Roman times, it was customary to locate burial grounds outside city limits. The Alyscamps, situated along the Aurelian Way leading to the city gates, became the final resting place for Arles' well-to-do citizens. Elaborate monuments and simple sarcophagi lined the avenue, reflecting the social hierarchy of the time. Cremation was a common practice, with remains interred in mausoleums or beneath inscribed stones. With the Christianization of Arles in the 4th century, the Alyscamps took on new significance. The burial of Saint Genesius, a Roman civil servant martyred for his Christian faith, transformed the site into a pilgrimage destination. Saint Trophimus, the first bishop of Arles, was also interred here, further enhancing its religious importance. Legend held that Christ himself attended Saint Trophimus' funeral, leaving his knee imprint on a sarcophagus lid. The Alyscamps became so revered that bodies were shipped from across Europe to be buried in its sacred ground, with Rhône boatmen profiting handsomely from the trade. By the Middle Ages, the Alyscamps was a sprawling necropolis with thousands of tombs, some stacked several layers deep. However, its prestige began to decline in 1152 when Saint Trophimus' relics were moved to Arles Cathedral. The site suffered further desecration over the centuries, with city council members gifting sarcophagi to esteemed visitors and locals using the ancient stones for building materials. In the 18th century, monks created the pathway that exists today. Despite its decline, the Alyscamps retained a certain allure, capturing the imagination of artists and writers. Dante immortalized it in his *Inferno*, and in 1888, Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin famously painted side-by-side at the Alyscamps, capturing its melancholic beauty in their distinctive styles. Van Gogh's *Falling Leaves (Les Alyscamps)* depicts the avenue of tombs under a canopy of autumn foliage, while Gauguin's works convey a similar sense of quiet contemplation. Today, the Alyscamps stands as an open-air museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. While many of the original sarcophagi have been moved to museums, the remaining weathered stones and towering cypress trees create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. The 12th-century Church of Saint-Honorat, located at the end of the avenue, marks the starting point of the Via Tolosana, one of the main French routes to Santiago de Compostela, underscoring the site's enduring spiritual significance. A visit to the Alyscamps is a journey through time, a chance to reflect on the ebb and flow of history, art, and faith. It is a place where the echoes of the past resonate, inviting contemplation and offering a unique perspective on the human experience. The site is open year-round, with varying hours depending on the season. A small admission fee is charged. To fully appreciate the history and significance of the Alyscamps, consider joining a guided tour or purchasing a pass that includes entry to other monuments and museums in Arles. As you wander through the Alyscamps, imagine the countless generations who have walked this path before you, from Roman citizens to Christian pilgrims to celebrated artists. Let the silent stones speak to you, and allow yourself to be transported to a world where the past and present converge.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Pl. de la République

0.6 km

Discover the vibrant heart of Arles at Pl. de la République, a historic square filled with charm, culture, and culinary delights.

Arles

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Thermae of Constantine

0.8 km

Explore the partially restored 4th-century Roman baths of Emperor Constantine in Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover ancient bathing culture.

Pl. Lamartine

1.0 km

Experience the historical allure and vibrant culture of Place Lamartine in Arles, where history meets modern charm in the heart of Provence.

Patio de Camargue

1.9 km

Experience the heart of Gypsy culture in Arles at Patio de Camargue, an event venue with music, dance, and Camargue spirit.

Promenade a Cheval sheepfold of Alivon in the Camargue

17.2 km

Discover the Camargue's untamed beauty on horseback at Alivon sheepfold. Guided tours, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife encounters await!

Promenade a Cheval sheepfold of Alivon in the Camargue

Manade Jacques Bon

18.4 km

Experience Camargue traditions at Manade Jacques Bon near Arles: bull and horse breeding, gardian skills, and immersive Provençal culture.

2 Bd Marceau

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Domaine du Mas de la Cure

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Château d'Avignon

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House Cheval Camargue

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Lighthouse Gacholle

24.8 km

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Promenade à cheval Chez Elise

25.5 km

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Courbessac menhir

27.1 km

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Ornithological Park of Pont de Gau

27.6 km

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Explore the artistic gems at Musée Réattu in Arles, where history and modernity blend in a captivating cultural experience.

Essential places to dine

La Pergula

0.4 km

Experience exquisite Mediterranean dining at La Pergula in Arles – where fresh ingredients meet elegant French cuisine.

Restaurant la Telline

10.6 km

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Chez Bob

10.8 km

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La Chassagnette

12.1 km

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le petit crin blanc

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Experience delightful dining at Le Petit Crin Blanc in Arles - where local flavors meet warm hospitality.

Restaurant Le Flamant Rose

Discover authentic French cuisine at Gus Restaurant in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence – where every meal is a celebration of flavor.

Experience the authentic tastes of Camargue at La Boutique Terre de Camargue, a must-visit grocery store in Arles for every food lover.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

L' Esquisse

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MOMA Dancing Bar

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Bar du Marché Arles

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Civette Portagnel

0.6 km

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and local charm at Civette Portagnel, a must-visit bar in Arles, France.

Atlantic Bar

0.6 km

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Paddy Mullin's - Irish Pub

0.6 km

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Le Buste et l'oreille - Bar à vin et Librairie

0.7 km

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Le Buste et l'oreille - Bar à vin et Librairie

Bar Le Tambourin

0.7 km

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La Caye

0.8 km

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Le Pot A Tabac

0.8 km

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L' Antidote

0.8 km

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Bar Du Capitole

0.8 km

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Sarto Bar

0.9 km

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O'Varietes Irish Pub

20.4 km

Discover O'Varietes Irish Pub in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: a lively bar and restaurant offering authentic Irish charm and local flavors.

Bar Parc Ornithologique du Pont De Gau

27.5 km

Discover the serene beauty of Bar Parc Ornithologique du Pont De Gau, where nature meets relaxation in the heart of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.

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Alyscamps: Arles' Ancient Necropolis

A brief summary to Alyscamps

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-Share

Driving

Unlock the Best of Alyscamps

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Alyscamps

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Pl. de la République

Arles

Thermae of Constantine

Pl. Lamartine

Patio de Camargue

Promenade a Cheval sheepfold of Alivon in the Camargue

Manade Jacques Bon

2 Bd Marceau

Domaine du Mas de la Cure

Château d'Avignon

House Cheval Camargue

Lighthouse Gacholle

Promenade à cheval Chez Elise

Courbessac menhir

Ornithological Park of Pont de Gau

Unmissable attractions to see

Tour des Mourgues

Jardin d'été

Roman Theatre of Arles

Cloître Saint-Trophime

Arles Arena

Saint-Trophime Primatial Catholic Church

Jouer de l'orgue Arles

Cryptoportiques d'Arles

Town hall of Arles

Place du Forum

L'espace Van Gogh

LEE UFAN ARLES

Le Café Van Gogh

Pl. du Forum

Musée Réattu

Essential places to dine

La Pergula

Restaurant la Telline

Chez Bob

La Chassagnette

le petit crin blanc

Restaurant Le Flamant Rose

Restaurant La Cabro d'Or Baumanière

Restaurant L'Oustau de Baumanière

Le Resto du Paty / Les Maisons du Paty (Gîtes)

La Table d'Yvan Restaurant St remy de provence

Le Mas de Peint

Restaurant Le Mas de Peint

La Cuisine des Anges

Restaurant de Tourrel

Gus restaurant - Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Boutique provençale d'Arles

Marionnaud - Parfumerie & Institut

Christian Lacroix

La Boutique De L'Olivier Souvenir

Boutique Marius Fabre - Arles

Comptoir de famille

Le Château du Bois Producteur de Lavande Fine - Arles

JAIPURDIVA

Marius Arles

Cabane Soleil

Missa slow concept store

La boutique du Brin de Thym

Emilie LAURENT - ATELIER13200

Le Comptoir de Camargue

La Boutique Terre de Camargue

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

L' Esquisse

MOMA Dancing Bar