Travel Eye on Arles (France)

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Overview :

Arles is the largest city in France with the surface area being 758km2. It is encircled by an environment of exceptional beauty: the banks of the Rhône river, the arid plains of Crau, the Alpilles and the untamed land of Camargue. Once a metropolis of Roman Gaul, then Arles became a symbole of ardent Christianity as can be seen through the arena, the Alyscamps burial grounds, the amphitheater and the Roman baths of Constantin.

Arles dates back to the 7th century BC and is best known for its amazingly well-preserved Roman arena, Les Arènes, (which is still used and can seat 20,000) in the heart of the city, but there are also many other interesting Roman and medieval ruins. The sites are unique in that they are integrated into the houses and buildings of the town, rather than sitting apart as they do in other towns. The palatial 17th-century Hôtel de Ville, on Arles' central Place de la République, was inspired by Versailles. Its vast entrance hall is built on top of Cryptoporticus du Forum. This vast, dark, dank and wonderfully spooky underground gallery was built by the Romans, possibly as a barracks for public slaves. Across the Place de la République is the Cathédrale St-Trophime whose doorway is one of the most magnificent examples of 12th-century Provençal stone carving in existence. The centre of Arles is truly medieval in character, with its narrow streets winding between the ancient buildings. Van Gogh spent a year in the city in 1888 and produced almost 200 paintings of the town and surrounding area during one of his most prolific periods. Arles is a rather sedate town with little to offer in the way of excitement. Its busiest time is during the Saturday market.

Locality:

Arles sits on a low hill where the Rhône River branches in two parts to the sea.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Arles is very much a sightseeing holiday and also a place to relax and soak up a bit culture from 'France gone by'. Best known for its Roman remains (including the well-preserved Roman arena: Les Arènes), Arles also is known for its houses with their striking red barrel-tiled roofs, and its shady, narrow twisting alleys, olive groves, vineyards and men with long moustaches playing pétanque.

Historic sights to see:

The arena, amphitheater,
Alyscamps burial grounds.
Roman baths of Constantin (4thc.).

Museums:

Musée de l'Arles Antique ( 4thc, sarcophaguses)
Musée Arlaten (furniture and traditional folk art )
Musée du Riz (rice museum).

Activities:

Horseback riding (9 schools), hiking
Mountain biking, 3 beaches.
La Capelière (nature walk of Camargue).
Van Gogh Tour, Gypsy mosaics.
Many festivals: Fete des Gardians (May 1 )
Santon exhibition in December.

Local cities and villages:

Fontvielle (15km), Tarascon (20 km)
and Saintes Maries de la Mer (36 km)