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A Stroll Through Arles, Provence

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.

Arles
Fishermen on the Rhone
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Built in 90 AD, the amphitheater is now used for bullfighting, concerts, and plays
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Van Gogh’s rendition of an amphitheatre event in iconic yellow and blue
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“Under the hood” at the Roman baths. Water heated in a central furnace would flow between these risers heating the raised pools above.
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A cross between the Swiss Guard drummers and circus clowns parading through the streets for the Droles de Noel festival
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Preparing for a giant puppet spectacle
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It’s time for lunch! A salad with smoked magret de canard, which tasted like bacon to me
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There is a tradition of making ‘santons’ which started out as clay figures crafted in everyday situations given to children to promote a sober and ‘pious lifestyle’.
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The santon tradition has become a distinctively southern folk art, and santonniers can sell their tiny statuettes for upwards of 30 euro.
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