Recommendations for dinner in Arles on May 1? We assume we need to make reservations early. In addition to the May 1 holiday, and the Feast of the Guardians in Arles, it is also our Wedding Anniversary! We prefer more local and informal venues (not fancy plates). A unique setting, or architecture is also appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by
Washington, DC USA
914 posts
I recommend Le Plaza-La Paillotte and Le Galoubet, both near each other on Rue du Dr. Fanton and sort of near the Van Gogh Foundation
I did not need reservations in October but it is probably busier in May and on holidays. Both are small restaurants with limited menus.
Posted by
Canada
62 posts
I have eaten at Le Criquet both times I was in Arles and would do so again. Rick Steves also recommends it. A lovely, somewhat informal setting, where are you are served fantastic food by two sisters. You will definitely want to make a reservation.
Hope you have a wonderful anniversary dinner!
Posted by
512 posts
I think I answered your question on Tripadvisor, but we hired a private guide and driver from Avignon for a few days.
We had lunch with her in Arles on day and her recommendation was for La Mule Blanche as it was less touristy and more local.
It was a wonderful lunch and we really enjoyed it.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
11731 posts
If this is May 1, 2026, you should reserve today. This is one of the busiest days of the year in Arles. Not only are all the local families present, some on horseback, but this is also a huge tourist draw on the National Holiday. You might have to have that special meal on a different day of your visit and take whatever you can get for May 1st. No matter what, this will be a special day. You are very lucky to be in Arles for this. Are you buying tickets for the Arena show. By the way, after the apéritif at 12:30, the show doesn't start until 3:45 in order to give people time to eat. Restaurants will be booming. https://www.jds.fr/arles/manifestations/la-fete-des-gardians-647409_A
Posted by
OP
77 posts
Thanks to all! I've been to what I thought was the official Guardians website, but see no link to purchase tickets for the Arena event. It only states that it is a ticketed venue. I asked our hotel hosts where to purchase tickets, as well, but they said to just keep an eye on the official website. From past photos, the Arena does not appear full, so hoping we can purchase when we arrive the afternoon before May 1? Appreciate, if anyone knows where to purchase online in advance.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
11731 posts
“L’accès au spectacle de l’après-midi aux arènes d’Arles est proposé au tarif de 10 €, avec gratuité pour les enfants de moins de 12 ans. L’ouverture de la billetterie aux arènes est annoncée à 11h.”
It says that tickets will go on sale at 11, which assumes no sales before.
Posted by
Washington, DC
280 posts
We had a nice meal at La Gueule du Loup a year and a half ago. It’s quite small and on a side street so no spectacular views but the food was good. We ate downstairs. If possible I would suggest upstairs so that you aren’t in the middle the path of people coming and going. You can watch the chef from the downstairs table, though. As of now, they still have availability for May 1.