Arles

About Arles

The picturesque and historical town of Arles in Provence has a population half the size of when it was under Roman rule but it still retains a rich culture and scenic views.

Arles a UNESCO World Heritage site

Arles has a rich history and dates back to the 7th century BC then it was a Phoenician town called Theline. Its ancient Gallo-Roman heritage is still visible in ruins which are incorporated within the town's architecture.

The Roman amphitheatre (Arènes) is one of the best preserved amphitheatres in the world and dates back to the 1st century. It is surprisingly still in use for bullfighting and if you climb to the very top you can get a great view of the Rhone River which the town runs alongside.

Arles an artist's retreat

Arles was first put on the map as an artist's retreat when Vincent Van Gogh arrived there in 1888. His artwork featured many of the petit yellow houses and the flower covered landscape.

Van Gogh lived in Arles for many years. The town's cultural centre, L'Espace Van Gogh, was named after him and painted in his favourite colours in his honour. Many of the buildings and places he painted are still there and you can follow a trail which is signposted so you can see the places he painted while he was there.

Of the regions in France, Provence is one of the most scenic and it is towns like Arles that give it such a glowing reputation.