4 nights in Arles, open to ideas

I was on a Road Scholar tour which was based in Arles so my situation was a little different but the day trips we did you might be able to arrange thru the Tourist Information office:

The Camargue - We went down to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer on the coast then stopped at the Ornithological Park on the way back. We also went to a ranch that raised Camargue bulls. That would have been more interesting if it hadn't been an absolute toad strangling downpour so we could not watch the guys work with the staffs they use with the bulls.

Les Baux - the town and the Carrières des Lumières there which was a better show than the one in Paris.

Avignon - makes a good day trip and easy to do on the train

I'd spend 2 days in Arles. I thought there was a lot to see there along with an excellent museum of antiquities.

I enjoyed 4 nights in Arles last October. Like you, I stayed near the Arena, did not have a car, and did not have everything planned in advance.
Two restaurants I liked a lot are: Le Plaza-La Paillotte and Le Galoubet, both near each other on Rue du Dr. Fanton and near the Van Gogh Foundation.

I found the RS guidebook very useful for sightseeing and walking around in Arles. The Tourist Information office was also helpful for the Arles museums & monuments pass and info on daytrip options. I had wanted to go to St. Remy for a day but ultimately didn't because busses were on school holiday schedule and the choices were not appealing. I believe the bus to Les Baux did not run when I was there. I did not look into private drivers but that might increase your options. I did a daytrip to Avignon by train which was very quick and easy. I spent the morning in Avignon and the afternoon on a six hour small group van tour of the Luberon, with stops in Roussillon, Gordes, and LaCoste.

CD in DC,
Thank you for your dining recommendations! I greatly appreciate your information on your experiences. I have been to Avignon and St Remy. I will absolutely look into your tour of the Luberon.
Appreciate all the tips form everyone.

Carolyn,
You might see if there is a performance or concert going on in the Roman arena while you are in Arles.

I prefer Bandol to Cassis, but that is me. Bandol is a beach town with a nice harbor and small sand beach, good restaurants and very strollable.. The Tuesday market is not too large and very nice and not there just for the tourists. In the area of Cassis, and Bandol especially, are many nice wineries for tasting the great roses from the region. I think a car is your best option, to be honest. Another town nearby which I like (although inland) is Aubagne, and of course Marseille has lots to offer. To get to either Cassis or Bandol from Arles you can take the train, changing trains in Marseille at Gare St. Charles. It should take about 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
If you do get a car, the drive between Cassis and Bandol is about a half hour. From Marseille to Cassis about 40-46 mi nutes and about an hour to Bandol.
I love the area you will be visiting. Have a great trip!

P.S. There are wine tasting tours available in the area, at least from Bandol. Probably from Cassis as well.

Will you be in Arles May 1? It is the day they celebrate the Blessing of the Cowboys with traditional outfits and a procession through town to the main square near the Arena.

I have eaten at Le Criquet both times I have stayed in Arles - excellent food, lovely setting and very reasonably priced. I highly recommend it.

The Antiquities Museum is such a worthwhile place to visit. There is a Roman boat on display that was found on the bottom of the river..... the short film about it is fascinating!
If you haven't already been, day trips to Nimes, the Pont du Gard and Uzes (especially on market day) would be lovely.
Enjoy your trip!

Thank you all for the great tips and recommendations. I am hoping I can convince my spouse to consider renting a car for our seaside stay in and around Cassis. We will be in Cassis on May 1 not Arles. We have plans to rent a boat! If anyone has done that in Cassis, please advise.
Cheers!

A second vote for Le Plaza-La Paillotte near the Foundation. Had a fun. funky lunch at L'Aire d'Arles squeezed in on the ledge behind the theater at 25 Rue Prte de Laure. It has an art space upstairs and rotating art decorating the open restaurant. L' ÉCHOPPE by the city gates is a fun locals beer bar - with light food - if you want one. Heard good things about L O à la bouche also near the city gate but didn't get there. The Foundation is interesting depending on the exhibit. We were lucky and it was really interesting artist while we were there last year. With 4 days in Arles you'll have most of the old city mapped out in your head and probably feel like you're starting to belong there.

St Remy is my favorite little town in the region. It is charming, has an amazing market day and is close to both Van Gogh Asylum and ruins at Glanum right next to it. SR accessible by bus from Arles - about 45 minutes and the 707 bus passes Les Beaux on the way there and on the way back so you can do Les Baux as well if you want a really long but interesting day.

Nimes is a larger city but also an interesting day trip but train, but look for the direct trains and many go through Avignon. And Avignon is also a day trip possibility and easy by train.

Do try and do a Provencial market day somewhere as it is quite the event.

Have a great trip,
=Tod