Arles

Arles, a town in southern France, sits along the Rhône River. You can explore its 1st-century AD amphitheater, walk the streets that inspired Vincent van Gogh's paintings, and attend world-class photography exhibitions each summer. As you wander through Arles' winding lanes, you'll encounter remnants of its 2,000-year history, contemporary art spaces, and cafés on sunny squares.

The Arles Amphitheater: A Roman Marvel

In the city center, you'll find the Arles Amphitheater, with massive stone arches rising 21 meters high. Constructed around 90 AD, this oval arena once held over 20,000 spectators watching gladiator fights and chariot races. When you climb to the top tier, you'll see views over Arles' terracotta rooftops. Near the amphitheater, you can visit the remains of the Roman Theater, dating back to the reign of Emperor Augustus. While much of the original structure is gone, you can still see carved stone seats and imagine the performances that took place here two millennia ago.

Van Gogh's Arles: Paintings and Places

Vincent van Gogh lived in Arles for just over a year, from 1888 to 1889. During this time, he created around 300 paintings and drawings, capturing the city's architecture, cafés, and surrounding landscapes. At the Fondation Vincent van Gogh, you can see exhibitions exploring the Dutch artist's enduring influence on contemporary art. The foundation doesn't own any original Van Gogh works, but it often displays loaned paintings alongside pieces by modern artists inspired by his work. You can walk the Van Gogh trail through Arles to see locations featured in his most famous works, like the "Yellow House" where he once lived and the nighttime café scene immortalized in "The Night Café."

Rencontres d'Arles: A World-Class Photography Festival

Each summer, the Rencontres d'Arles transforms the city into a massive open-air gallery celebrating photography. Running from early July to late September, this renowned festival takes over historic venues, churches, and industrial spaces to display work by established and emerging photographers from around the world. The festival creates an active atmosphere throughout Arles, with exhibitions, talks, and events happening across the city. Check the festival website for dates and ticket information if you're planning a summer visit.

Provençal Cuisine in Arles Restaurants

In Arles' restaurants, you can taste both traditional Provençal dishes and contemporary cuisine. For a casual lunch, visit the covered market Les Halles d'Arles to sample local cheeses, olives, and charcuterie. The restaurant Chardon, located near the amphitheater, changes its chef and menu each summer, serving seasonal dishes in an intimate setting. For a special meal, you can make the short trip outside the city to La Chassagnette, where chef Armand Arnal creates dishes using ingredients grown on the restaurant's own organic farm.

Train Travel to Arles from Paris and Provence

You can reach Arles by train, with regular connections from major cities like Paris, Marseille, and Avignon. The journey from Paris takes about 4 hours on the high-speed TGV train. If you're already in Provence, Arles is just a 20-minute train ride from Avignon. The city center is compact and walkable, so you won't need a car once you arrive. However, renting a car allows you to explore the surrounding Camargue region or nearby towns like Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.