Arles is a moderately sized town and known for its rich cultural and architectural heritage in recognition of which it is listed as a ‘City of Art and History’ and a declared ‘U.N.E.S.C.O. World Heritage Site’. The centre of Arles is quite compact and easy to explore on foot, and is comprised of character-filled, narrow cobble-stoned streets and open squares which are lined with attractive stone houses, shops, restaurants and bustling cafes. Visitors are attracted here for the ancient Roman ruins, Romanesque churches and summer festivals such as the traditional Feria Corridas or Bullfighting Festival, and Les Rencontres d’Arles the International Photography Festival. Many are also attracted for the connection between Arles and Van Gogh who live and worked here for 15 months between 1888 and 1889. During this period he produced an abundance of work which immortalised many aspects of his life in Arles, and interested visitors can follow in his footsteps through a walking tour.
Arles stands on the southern bank of the River Rhone and was historically an important port and the second largest centre after Marseille in south-eastern France. Arles is located just south of the fork in the River Rhone below which it becomes known as the Grande Rhone and the Petit Rhone, and stands at the northern extremity of the Camargue, a low-lying area of agricultural lands, lakes, salt-flats and marshlands. Arles has a rich cultural heritage which has developed over nearly 3,000 years and is home to several major historic attractions particularly from the Roman period. Notably amongst the Roman attractions is the well preserved ‘Les Arenes’ which stands in the centre of town and to this day is used for popular concerts and bull-fights. The Roman ruins date from the period when Arles was an important city within the Roman province of Gallia Narbonensis, and have been recognised by their listing as a U.N.E.S.C.O. World Heritage Site.
The Roman monuments of Arles are one of the main attractions and include the 1st century arena, amphitheatre and cryptoporticus (subterranean galleries of the Forum), and the 4th century baths of Constantine, the obelisk and parts of the original fortified walls. There is also the necropolis of Alyscamps, and at Fontvielle just outside Arles is the Barbegal aqueduct and mill. Located within the necropolis of Alyscamps is the medieval Chapel of Saint Honoratus, the remains of whom are said to rest in the Church of St Trophime which can be found in the Place de la Republique. The 12th century Church of Saint Trophime is built in the Romanesque style of architecture and is known for its decorated western portal, bell-tower and picturesque cloisters. Across the square from the church visitors can see the 17th century Hotel de Ville with its 16th century bell-tower. Arles is home to three interesting museums. The Museum Arlaten is an ethnographic museum and houses exhibits focussed on all aspects of life in Provence, including folk art, furniture, costumes and ceramics. The Reattu Museum is a fine arts museum which exhibits works by Jacques Reattu and Antoine Raspal as well as drawings by Picasso and other artists, and includes a collection of photographs. The Museum of Ancient Arles is an archaeological museum and exhibits interesting models of the Roman city and its monuments, and many artefacts which reflect the history of Arles from prehistory to the Christian period.
Arles is located in the department of Bouches-du-Rhone in the region of Provence-Alps-Cote d’Azur in south-eastern France. The town stands at the northern extremity of the Camargue delta region and within close proximity to the Regional Nature Park of the Camargue which is known as a major birdlife sanctuary. The Camargue is also well known for its beautiful grey horses and its famous black bulls which are used for bullfighting. Arles is located approximately 35 kilometres south-west of Avignon and 70 kilometres north-west of Marseille, and has an estimated population of over 50,000.
|