Les Alyscamps
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Les Alyscamps

4.3
·2k reviews·Arles, France

Walk through history at Les Alyscamps, an ancient Roman necropolis lined with sarcophagi, offering a serene and evocative journey.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Les Alyscamps

Les Alyscamps

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Walk through history at Les Alyscamps, an ancient Roman necropolis lined with sarcophagi, offering a serene and evocative journey.

4.3
(2k reviews)

"A serene and interesting place with the main attraction an impressive multi level enclave of impressive construction and historical significance."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Aurelian Way

Stroll down the ancient path where people have walked for two millennia, a truly historical experience.

🎟️ Get the Arles City Pass

Excellent value for visiting Les Alyscamps and other sites/museums across Arles.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Avenue of Sarcophagi

Avenue of Sarcophagi

The main pathway

Walk the ancient Roman road, flanked by centuries-old sarcophagi, a truly evocative journey through time.

Saint-Honoratus Church

Saint-Honoratus Church

End of the necropolis

Discover the serene beauty of this 12th-century church, a peaceful sanctuary at the heart of the ancient cemetery.

Roman Burial Crypts

Roman Burial Crypts

Along the pathway

Explore the multi-level burial crypts, marveling at their impressive construction and historical significance.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Roman Legacy

Les Alyscamps is an ancient Roman necropolis, a peaceful promenade lined with sarcophagi. Consider visiting with the Arles City Pass for excellent value, granting access to multiple sites and museums. Reddit

Timing is Key for Tranquility

While Les Alyscamps is a 10-minute walk from Arles' center, it's less central than other sites. Visiting during off-peak hours offers a serene respite from the city bustle. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Today, I'm taking you on a tour of the beautiful French town of Arles. 🇫🇷 In the heart of Provence, Arles was once a flourishing Roman city — and centuries later, it inspired artists such as Van Gogh and Picasso. 🎨 If you love art — Van Gogh lived in Arles for just over a year (1888–1889) and created more than 300 works here, including The Yellow House, The Bedroom, and Café Terrace at Night. Some...
@adeline.talks
1.5K likes • 10.5K views

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Aurelian Way

Stroll down the ancient path where people have walked for two millennia, a truly historical experience. Reddit

🎟️ Get the Arles City Pass

Excellent value for visiting Les Alyscamps and other sites/museums across Arles. Reddit

Les Alyscamps is a pair of paintings by Vincent Van Gogh created in 1888 in Arles. It depicts autumnal scenes of the Alyscamps, an ancient Roman necropolis lined with poplars and stone sarcophagi. It was wonderful to see one of these pieces in the flesh in the 'Poets & Lovers' exhibition at the National Gallery. It was a difficult landmark to find - especially its entranceway!! I was able to ...
lisaregoartbermuda
25 likes • 423 views
LES ALYSCAMPS (1888) VINCENT VAN GOGH #vangogh #vangoghart #art #artgallery #artist #vincentvangogh #arte #pintura #reels #reelsinstagram #fyp #fypシ #viral #viralvideos
elcreador_11
124 likes • 1.7K views

🌳 Enjoy the Serene Gardens

Find a peaceful respite from the city in this quiet, garden-like ancient cemetery. Reddit

📸 Capture the History

The atmospheric sarcophagi and ancient church offer unique photographic opportunities. TikTok

📜 Aux portes d’Arles, découvrez l’un des lieux les plus emblématiques du patrimoine antique et chrétien : les Alyscamps, ces “Champs Élysées” arlésiens, chargés d’histoire et d’émotions. 💀 Dans l’Antiquité, les morts reposaient hors des remparts, le long de la Via Aurelia. Très vite, sarcophages, mausolées et pierres tombales ont façonné une immense nécropole. Mais c’est à l’époque paléochrétienn...
arles_camargue_tourisme
328 likes • 5.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Aurelian Way

Stroll down the ancient path where people have walked for two millennia, a truly historical experience. Reddit

🎟️ Get the Arles City Pass

Excellent value for visiting Les Alyscamps and other sites/museums across Arles. Reddit

🌳 Enjoy the Serene Gardens

Find a peaceful respite from the city in this quiet, garden-like ancient cemetery. Reddit

📸 Capture the History

The atmospheric sarcophagi and ancient church offer unique photographic opportunities. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.3
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Les Alyscamps to be a serene and historically significant ancient Roman necropolis, offering a peaceful escape from the city. Many appreciate the value of the Arles City Pass for accessing this and other sites. While it's a bit less central, the journey is considered well worth it for its unique atmosphere and historical depth.

"Walk down Aurelian Way where people have walked for two thousand years. See the burial crypts along the road of people that always wanted to be remembered by passersby."

Tom Spadoro

"I am so glad I went to look at Les Alyscamps using my pass, which is excellent value and allows you to visit several sites and museums across Arles. Les Alyscamps are only a 10 minute walk from the centre and the area is incredibly peaceful, with a beautiful church."

Elise

"A serene and interesting place with the main attraction an impressive multi level enclave of impressive construction and historical significance"

JJ Hancock

What People Like

Peaceful and serene atmosphere
Historical significance
Value of City Pass

What People Dislike

Slightly less central location

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Les Alyscamps is conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from the center of Arles. Follow signs towards the necropolis; it's a pleasant stroll through a peaceful area. Reddit

While walking is recommended, local buses may serve the general area. Check local Arles transport schedules for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

Limited street parking might be available, but it's advisable to use public parking in Arles city center and enjoy the walk. Reddit

Yes, cycling is a great option. The path leading to Les Alyscamps is generally flat and pleasant for biking. Reddit

Many visitors recommend walking the entire length of the necropolis to fully appreciate its historical atmosphere and serene beauty. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Les Alyscamps is often included with the Arles City Pass, which is highly recommended for visiting multiple historical sites. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Arles tourism website or inquire locally for the most current times. Reddit

If not using a City Pass, there may be a small entrance fee. The Arles City Pass offers excellent value, covering Les Alyscamps and other attractions. Reddit

Tickets or passes can typically be purchased at the Arles Tourist Office or at the entrance to major attractions. Reddit

The Arles City Pass often provides discounts for various age groups or includes free entry for children under a certain age. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The tree-lined avenue of sarcophagi, the ancient church, and the intricate details of the crypts offer stunning photographic opportunities. The golden hour light can be particularly beautiful. TikTok

Photography is generally allowed inside the Saint-Honoratus Church, but it's always respectful to be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the necropolis, while a prime lens can be useful for detailed shots of sarcophagi and architectural elements. TikTok

Drone usage is typically restricted in historical and protected sites. Always check local regulations before flying a drone. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds, creating a more atmospheric and photogenic scene. TikTok

🎫 🏛️ History & Culture

Les Alyscamps is a significant Roman necropolis, used for burials from antiquity through the Middle Ages. It was once a prestigious burial site, attracting visitors from across Europe. TikTok

Historically, it was a burial ground for prominent citizens of Arles and later, during the Middle Ages, it became a popular pilgrimage site for nobles and even royalty. TikTok

The unique atmosphere, the ancient sarcophagi, and the serene landscape of Les Alyscamps provided a rich source of inspiration for artists like Vincent van Gogh, who depicted it in his paintings. TikTok

The Saint-Honoratus Church is a Romanesque church, dating primarily from the 12th century, with elements reflecting its long history and renovations. Reddit

Guided tours are often available through the Arles Tourist Office, providing in-depth historical context and stories about the necropolis. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Les Alyscamps offers a unique opportunity for families to explore ancient history in a less crowded setting. The long, tree-lined path with sarcophagi can spark children's imaginations, turning a walk into an adventure through time. Reddit It's a peaceful environment, perfect for a stroll where kids can learn about Roman burial customs and medieval history in a tangible way. Reddit

Consider bringing a small picnic to enjoy in the serene surroundings. The Arles City Pass is a great option for families, as it covers entry to multiple sites, maximizing your exploration of Arles' historical treasures. Reddit Ensure children are supervised, especially near the sarcophagi and the church, to maintain the site's integrity and ensure everyone's safety.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & History Buffs

For solo travelers and history enthusiasts, Les Alyscamps is a must-visit. The site offers a profound connection to the past, allowing for quiet contemplation and in-depth exploration of Roman and medieval history. Reddit The walk along the Avenue of Sarcophagi is particularly evocative, offering a chance to reflect on the passage of time and the lives of those buried here. Reddit

Utilize the Arles City Pass to delve deeper into the region's heritage, as it grants access to numerous other historical sites and museums. Reddit Take your time to absorb the atmosphere, perhaps sketching or journaling, and appreciate the artistic inspiration this ancient necropolis has provided over the centuries. TikTok

📸 Photographers & Art Lovers

Les Alyscamps is a photographer's paradise, offering a unique blend of ancient architecture, natural beauty, and historical ambiance. The long, symmetrical avenue of sarcophagi creates striking leading lines, while the Romanesque Saint-Honoratus Church provides a beautiful focal point. TikTok The play of light and shadow among the ancient stones, especially during the golden hours, can result in truly dramatic and artistic shots. TikTok

Art lovers will appreciate the site's historical significance and its connection to artists like Van Gogh, who found inspiration in its solemn beauty. TikTok Consider visiting during quieter times to fully capture the mood and details of the sarcophagi, crypts, and the church's architecture without the distraction of crowds. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Journey Through Time: The History of Les Alyscamps

Les Alyscamps, meaning 'the Elysian Fields,' is one of the most famous ancient Roman necropolises. Its history stretches back to antiquity, serving as a primary burial ground for the citizens of Arles. The impressive avenue lined with sarcophagi is a testament to its former grandeur, with many of these stone coffins dating back to Roman times. The site continued to be an important burial place through the Middle Ages, evolving into a significant pilgrimage destination. TikTok

During the medieval period, Les Alyscamps gained renown as a prestigious burial site, attracting nobles and even royalty who wished to be interred there. This era saw the construction and embellishment of the Saint-Honoratus Church at the end of the necropolis, which still stands today as a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture. The site's unique atmosphere and historical depth have also captivated artists, most notably Vincent van Gogh, who found inspiration in its solemn beauty and depicted it in several of his works. TikTok

Today, Les Alyscamps offers a remarkably peaceful and evocative experience. Visitors can walk the ancient path, imagining the countless souls laid to rest here over two millennia. The combination of Roman history, medieval religious significance, and artistic inspiration makes Les Alyscamps a truly unique and moving destination in Arles. Reddit

Experiencing Les Alyscamps: Tips from Visitors

Many visitors highlight the serene and peaceful nature of Les Alyscamps, describing it as a welcome respite from the bustling city. The 10-minute walk from the center is considered pleasant and adds to the sense of transition into a tranquil space. Reddit The Arles City Pass is frequently recommended as an excellent value, covering entry to Les Alyscamps along with other historical sites and museums in Arles, making it a cost-effective choice for exploring the city's heritage. Reddit

Photographers find Les Alyscamps to be a dream location, with the long avenue of sarcophagi and the ancient church providing dramatic and atmospheric shots. The soft light during early mornings or late afternoons is particularly praised for enhancing the mood. TikTok While the site is less central than other Arles attractions, reviewers emphasize that it is 'definitely worth the journey,' especially if you're intrigued by history or seeking a quiet, contemplative experience. Reddit

When planning your visit, consider the time of day to avoid larger groups and fully immerse yourself in the site's quiet ambiance. The historical significance, combined with its picturesque setting, makes Les Alyscamps a memorable stop for anyone interested in Roman history, art, or simply a moment of peaceful reflection. Reddit

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