Arles to Nîmes Road Trip Guide: Roman Ruins & Provencal Charms

The Arles to Nîmes route, a mere 30 kilometers along the D570n and D113, connects two of Provence's most significant Roman cities. In 46 BC, Arles was granted the title of 'little Rome of the Gauls,' and its Roman theatre still hosts summer performances. The drive itself crosses the fertile plain of the Camargue, where rice fields and salt marshes shimmer under the Mediterranean sun.

With an estimated driving time of just 35 minutes without stops, many travelers question if it's worth driving Arles to Nîmes. The answer is yes, given the density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, authentic Provencal villages, and local wineries that dot the route. This guide explores the how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Fuel and Route Economics

Petrol stations are plentiful along the D570n, with major brands like Total and Esso offering competitive prices. Expect to pay around €1.90 per liter for unleaded (SP95) as of mid-2024. The short distance means a full tank isn't necessary, but if you plan to explore further, refuel in Arles where prices are slightly lower than in Nîmes.

• Total Access Arles: Av. de la 1ère Division Française Libre
• Esso Saint-Martin-de-Crau: D570n near city center
• Total Garage de la Gare: Nîmes, Av. Pierre Semard (exit Nîmes)

Rest Zones and Fatigue Management

Though the drive is short, fatigue can sneak up during a longer road trip. The A54 motorway offers two rest areas (Aires de repos) with picnic tables and toilets: Aire de la Crau and Aire de Nîmes-Costières. For a more pleasant break, consider the municipal park in Bellegarde.

• Aire de la Crau: basic amenities, no fuel
• Aire de Nîmes-Costières: shaded area, information boards
• Parc de la Tour de l'Horloge, Bellegarde: 2 minutes detour, free entry

Infrastructure Safety and Road Quality

The D570n is a well-maintained two-lane road with good signage. Speed cameras are frequent, especially near Saint-Martin-de-Crau. Be aware of tractors during harvest season (June to September) and occasional horse-drawn carriages in the Camargue. Emergency call boxes are located every 2 km.

• Speed limit: 80 km/h (50 mph) on D570n, 50 km/h in towns
• Camera locations: D570n near Saint-Martin-de-Crau, D113 near Nîmes
• Emergency number: 112

Family and Child Suitability

The drive is ideal for families. Several attractions cater to children, such as the Camargue nature reserves with pony rides and the Parc zoologique de la Barben (10 minutes detour). The Arles Arena offers audioguides tailored for kids ages 6-12.

• Pony rides at Manade de la Cure: reserve in advance
• Parc zoologique de la Barben: 1500 animals, play areas
• Arles Arena: children's audioguide in French and English

Pet-Friendly Framework

Dogs are welcome in outdoor areas of most stops. The Camargue nature reserves allow leashed dogs on marked trails. In Nîmes, the Jardins de la Fontaine are dog-friendly. Many restaurants provide water bowls.

• Camargue trails: dogs on leash only
• Jardins de la Fontaine, Nîmes: free access
• Hotel Ibis Nîmes Ouest: pet-friendly accommodation

Hidden Off-Route Spots

For a unique experience, visit the ancient Oppidum de Nages, a Celtic fortified settlement with panoramic views. Alternatively, the abandoned railway line 'Voie Verte' between Bellegarde and Nîmes offers cycling paths through vineyards.

• Oppidum de Nages: D40, free and open all year
• Voie Verte Bellegarde-Nîmes: 12 km, gravel path
• Chapelle Saint-Gabriel: 12th-century chapel near Tarascon

Climatic Conditions and Route Aesthetics

The best time to drive is spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) when the light is golden and temperatures mild. Mistral winds can make driving tricky in winter. Summer brings intense heat but also vibrant lavender fields in June.

• Mistral season: October to April, gusts up to 100 km/h
• Lavender bloom: mid-June to mid-July in the Alpilles
• Autumn colors: mid-October

Natural Landscapes and Attractions

The journey traverses the eastern edge of the Camargue Regional Natural Park. On clear days, the Alpilles mountains loom to the north, while flamingos can be spotted in the salt flats near the Rhône delta. The most scenic stretch is between Arles and Fourques, where the road hugs the Petit Rhône river.

• Pont de la Crau: view of rice paddies and wild bulls
• Étang de Vaccarès: largest lagoon in the Camargue
• Montmajour Abbey: hilltop Romanesque abbey with panoramic views

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Both cities boast UNESCO-listed Roman monuments. In Arles, the Roman Theatre and Arena are must-sees. Nîmes houses the Maison Carrée (a pristine Roman temple) and the Arena of Nîmes, which rivals the Colosseum. Additionally, the Pont du Gard aqueduct is a 20-minute detour from the route.

1. Arles: Roman Theatre, Arena, Cryptoporticus
2. Nîmes: Maison Carrée, Arena, Tour Magne
3. Off-route: Pont du Gard (20 min from Nîmes)

Culinary Infrastructure

The region is famous for its Camargue red rice, bull meat (gardianne), and locally produced olive oil. Between Arles and Nîmes, stop at Domaine de la Vallongue for wine tasting or at the market in Saint-Gilles (Thursdays and Sundays). For a seated meal, La Table du Mas in Bellegarde serves traditional gardianne de taureau.

• Domaine de la Vallongue: organic red wines, free tasting
• Marché de Saint-Gilles: local cheeses, saucisson, honey
• La Table du Mas: 18 Rue de la République, Bellegarde

Local Commerce and Culture

The route features several artisan workshops. In Garons, discover the Poterie de la Crau, which produces hand-painted ceramics. The town of Bellegarde hosts a Sunday morning brocante (flea market) from April to October.

• Poterie de la Crau: 10 Rue des Artisans, Garons
• Brocante de Bellegarde: Place de la Mairie, Sundays
• Atelier du Safran: saffron producer, by appointment near Fourques