The Arlésiens (citizens of Arles) were noted for distinctive traditional dress which is now worn publicly at certain festivals and occasions.

A famous photography festival takes place in Arles every year, and the French national school of photography is located there. The major French publishing house Actes Sud is also situated in Arles.

The film Ronin was partially filmed in Arles.

Bull fights are conducted in the amphitheatre, including Provencal-style bullfights (courses camarguaises) in which the bull is not killed but rather a team of athletic men attempt to remove a tassle from the bull's horn without getting injured. Every Easter and on the first weekend of September, Arles also holds Spanish-style corridas (in which the bulls are killed) with an encierro (bull-running in the streets) preceding each fight.

Arles's open-air street market is a major market in the region. It occurs on Saturday and Wednesday mornings.

    * The Provençal poet Frédéric Mistral (1830-1914) was born near Arles.
    * Jeanne Calment (1875-1997), the oldest human being whose age is documented, was born, lived and died in Arles.
    * Anne-Marie David, singer (Eurovision winner in 1973)
    * Christian Lacroix, fashion designer, was born in Arles.
    * Djibril Cissé, footballer for Sunderland and France
    * Genesius of Arles, a notary martyred under Maximianus in 303 or 308.
    * Juan Bautista, matador.
    * Mehdi Savalli, matador.
    * The medieval writer Antoine de la Sale was probably born in Arles around 1386.
    * Home of the Gipsy Kings, a music group from Arles.