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