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Cemetery · Arles, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Les Alyscamps
Ancient Roman and Christian necropolis, with an avenue of sarcophagi under the trees leading to the Romanesque church of Saint-Honorat. Van Gogh and Gauguin painted the site in 1888.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Les Alyscamps
The Alyscamps were one of the best-known necropolises in Europe, from Roman times to the Middle Ages. As Roman custom required, the cemetery lay outside the city, along the via Aurélia. With Christianity it became famous for holding the tombs of saints, and many people wanted to be buried there.
In the 19th century, the construction of the railway and the train workshops cut through the necropolis. Many sarcophagi were donated or taken to museums. What remains is a tree-lined avenue with rows of stone sarcophagi leading to the church of Saint-Honorat, Romanesque, with an octagonal tower.
In the autumn of 1888, Van Gogh and Gauguin, who shared the Casa Amarela in Arles, painted the Alyscamps avenue side by side. A panel at the entrance shows those works.
The place is peaceful, a little away from the center and is more visited in the morning or late afternoon. It is part of the Arles ensemble listed by the Unesco and is near LUMA Arles.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 to 45 minutes.
Best time
In autumn, when the leaves change color, like in Van Gogh's paintings. In the morning or late afternoon, the light filters through the trees. Check opening times before you go.
How to get there
About a 10-minute walk south of the centre, leaving via the boulevard des Lices and following the avenue des Alyscamps.
Tip
Combine it with LUMA Arles, right next door. Use the monuments pass. The avenue is unpaved: comfortable footwear helps.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Les Alyscamps
Did Van Gogh paint the Alyscamps?
Yes. In the autumn of 1888, Van Gogh and Gauguin painted the avenue of sarcophagi, each in his own style. A panel at the entrance shows the paintings.
Where are the other sarcophagi?
Many were taken to museums and collections over the centuries. Some of them are in the Musée départemental Arles antique.
Is it far from the center?
No, about a 10-minute walk south of the boulevard des Lices, near the LUMA Arles.