The Thermal Baths of Constantine in Arles are situated in the centre of Arles, north-west of the ampitheatre and next to the river Rhone.
Explore the Thermal Baths of Constantine
France This Way review: The Thermal Baths are not one of the key highlights of Arles but are interesting to see and can be visited as part of a combined ticket with other attractions
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The Thermal Baths of Constantine in Arles were built in the fourth century when the Emperor Constantine resided in Arles.
The baths are one of the best preserved in France though they had largely fallen to ruin before, in the 16th centuries, they were noticed and thought to be an ancient palace of Constantine.
Recognition and renovation of the baths began in 1878 when the baths were bought by the city. The rooms that can be explored now are the remains of the caldarium, the hot room, and three pools.
There are various information boards at the site explaining what the baths originally looked like and how they worked.
Essentially the bather would follow a medically established circuit. He would start by exercising in the warmth of the 'caldarium' and then go for a swim in the exterior pool before heading to the 'tepidarium' heated to 25 to 30°.
The bather could then go to the 'laconicum' to relax in hot dry heat or to the 'sudatorium' for a humid heat. These rooms served to open the pores of the skin and remove impurities.
Following this the bather would go to the 'frigidarium' for a cold cleansing bath and toning of the skin. This could be followed by a massage with scented oils.
The heat in the thermal baths came from hot air circulating underneath the floor. Fires were lit in the 'praefurnium' and the heat circulated under the floors which were raised on brick pillars.
These raised heated floors were called hypocaust and part of this can be clearly seen in the thermal baths of Arles.
The heat was circulated by means of brick channels
The praefurnium could raise the temperature to 30° and in rooms where more heat was needed this was supplemented with metal braseros burning charcoal.
The Thermal Baths of Constantine are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are open every day apart from a couple of bank holidays though the opening hours vary with the seasons.
Tickets are not expensive but if you are visiting a few sites in Arles then it is worth considering the combined tickets to save money.
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Attractions nearby
Arles is an attractive city which is home to a lot of monuments making it a pleasure to visit.
The most famous monuments in Arles are its fabulous ampitheatre and its antique theatre. It is also home to the UNESCO listed Saint-Trophine Cloister and the unusual subterranean structure that once supported the Roman forum, the cryptoporticoes.
A new addition to the Arles monuments is the fabulous Frank Gehry building in the LUMA park. Here you will also find an interesting art centre and it is all set in lovely gardens.
Of course Arles is also famous for its links with Vincent Van Gogh and you can explore his legacy in the Fondation Van Gogh in Arles.
You can find more travel ideas in the Bouches-du-Rhone guide and the Provence guide.
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Places to visit near Thermal Baths of Constantine
Fondation Vincent Van Gogh
The Fondation Vincent Van Gogh is a contemporary art gallery in Arles dedicated to the legacy of Van Gogh.
Fondation Vincent Van Gogh guide
Roman Cryptoporticoes of Arles
The Roman cryptoporticoes in Arles are a 2000 year old structure built to support the forum
Roman Cryptoporticoes of Arles guide
Cloister Saint-Trophime in Arles
The cloister of the cathedral of Saint Trophime in Arles is an impressive example of Romanesque architecture of the 12th century
Cloister Saint-Trophime in Arles guide
Church Saint-Trophime in Arles
The Church Saint-Trophime is a 12th century church in the romanesque style
Church Saint-Trophime in Arles guide
Roman Arles
The town of Arles contains numerous Roman monuments including the famous amphitheatre
Roman Arles guide
Arles
The roman amphitheatre and the traditional pastel-painted houses in the historic centre make Arles a very pleasant town to explore
Arles guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Bouches-du-Rhone
The French version of this page is at Thermal Baths of Constantine (Francais)