Banks: 10:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Saturday
Post Offices: 08:00 to 16:00, Tuesday to Saturday
Government Offices: 09:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09:00 to 20:00, Monday to Friday

Arles is a safe destination for travellers and there is few safety risks that visitors need concern themselves with. When returning to your hotel late at night, it is better to travel in numbers and to stick to well-lit areas or take a taxi. Visitors should also take care to ensure their bags and personal belongings are well supervised when visiting tourist attractions or taking a river cruise along the Rhone, as pick pocketing can be a problem.

220V, 50Hz, two round pinned plugs.

Should you experience a medical emergency while in Arles you will be well cared for at one of the city’s hospitals. European visitors should ensure they carry a European Health Insurance Card with them at all times in order to qualify for discounted treatment. For minor ailments, visitors can seek medical advice at a pharmacy, but they will need a doctor’s prescription for many medications.

Emergency services: 15

The national language of France is French but regional dialects vary.

France uses the euro (EUR), with €1.00 equal to 100 cents.

The handshake is the most common form of greeting in France, with kissing being popular among friends (the left cheek first and then the right). When entering a shop, it is considered polite to greet the shopkeeper. Be punctual for appointments or phone in advance if you will be late. The French like to dress well in public and visitors should follow suit, particularly when dining out.

The French are more conservative than nationals of many other European countries when it comes to dining and business matters. Dining out is typically quite formal and diners are expected to uphold good table manners and to dress smart. Dressing well extends to all activities that are conducted in public, with beachwear and shorts best reserved for the beach. Although the Arles region is known for producing some of France’s best loved wines, public drunkenness is considered inappropriate.

Nationals of EU countries do not need a visa to enter France. Visitors from non-EU countries may require a tourist visa, which must be obtained prior to arrival in France. Visas can be obtained from French embassies and consulates around the world.

Visitors will find the Arles tourist information office on Esplanade Charles de Gaulle. Phone: +33 4 90 18 41 20