Arles is an ancient city with roots dating back to the 1st century. Its impressive Roman ruins make it a UNESCO world heritage site, counting the amphitheater, the Constantine baths, and the Romanesque cloister of St. Tromphime among its famous monuments. Van Gogh arrived here in 1888, after a long stint in Paris, looking for a calmer and less stimulating environment. He flourished in the laid-back Provencal environment, creating his famous “Night Terrace” painting after one of the Cafes in town. I definitely felt the peace and calm of the quiet city and was concerned that it was too dead to enjoy, but I quickly discovered that its ancient roots gave way to a distinctive and unique culture — a gem of a city with just the right amount of flair.