arles
department: bouches-du-rhÔne (13)
region: provence-alpes cÔte d'azur

ARLES: city of romans and van gogh

The city remained economically important for many years as a major port on the Rhône. But the arrival of the railway in the 19th century killed off much of the river trade, leading to the town becoming something of a backwater. This made it an attractive destination for the painter Vincent van Gogh, who arrived there in February 1888, and stayed with his friend Gaugain. He was fascinated by the Provençal landscapes, producing over 300 paintings and drawings during his time here.

Picasso, a lover of bull fights, was inspired by them to do two paintings and 57 drawings. Arles is also a centre of photography. Each summer the Rencontres Internationales de la Photographie brings many visitors who will be just as charmed by the light as those great artists of yesteryear.

© ATOUT FRANCE/R Cast

The city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, and it is easy to see why. The Roman amphitheatre was built in the first or second century BCE; it houses Corridas at Easter and the Rice Festa in September. Throughout the summer there are various courses camarguaises.

The houses and private mansions of the 16th and 17th centuries, the cloister of St. Trophime, the Hôtel de Ville, and the shaded terraces of the Place des Lices are all well worth a tour.

© ATOUT FRANCE/R Cast