Arles, a picturesque city in the heart of Provence, boasts a rich tapestry of history, art, and culture that captivates visitors from around the world. This ancient Roman town, nestled along the banks of the Rhône River, offers a unique blend of architectural marvels, artistic heritage, and natural beauty. From its well-preserved Roman monuments to the vibrant landscapes that inspired Vincent van Gogh, Arles presents an array of captivating sights and experiences for travellers. As you explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll discover a city that has seamlessly woven its past into the fabric of modern life, creating an atmosphere that is both timeless and dynamic.
Roman amphitheatre: architectural marvel of ancient arles
The Roman Amphitheatre, also known as the Arles Arena, stands as a testament to the city’s rich Roman heritage. This impressive structure, built in the 1st century AD, dominates the cityscape and serves as a focal point for visitors. With its elliptical shape and towering stone arches, the amphitheatre exemplifies the grandeur of Roman engineering and architecture. Today, it continues to play a vital role in the cultural life of Arles, hosting various events and spectacles that echo its ancient purpose.
Gladiatorial combat and entertainment in the arena of arles
In Roman times, the amphitheatre was the epicentre of public entertainment, capable of seating up to 20,000 spectators. Gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and theatrical performances drew crowds from across the region. The arena’s design, with its complex system of underground chambers and passages, facilitated the staging of elaborate spectacles. These subterranean spaces, known as the hypogeum , allowed for the dramatic entrance of gladiators and wild beasts, adding to the excitement and suspense of the events.
Conservation efforts: UNESCO world heritage site status
The Arles Amphitheatre’s exceptional state of preservation has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status, recognizing its outstanding universal value. Ongoing conservation efforts ensure that this ancient monument continues to stand as a living link to the past. Visitors can explore the various levels of the structure, from the arena floor to the upper tiers, gaining insight into Roman engineering techniques and the social dynamics of ancient spectator events.
Comparing arles amphitheatre to rome’s colosseum
While smaller than Rome’s Colosseum, the Arles Amphitheatre shares many architectural features with its more famous counterpart. Both structures showcase the Roman mastery of opus quadratum stonework and the use of arches to distribute weight. However, the Arles Arena’s unique adaptation during the Middle Ages, when it was transformed into a fortress with four towers, sets it apart. This medieval modification has left an indelible mark on the structure, creating a fascinating blend of Roman and medieval architectural elements.
Van gogh’s arles: tracing the artist’s footsteps
Arles holds a special place in the history of art as the city where Vincent van Gogh produced some of his most celebrated works. The Dutch post-impressionist painter spent a pivotal period in Arles from February 1888 to May 1889, during which time he created over 300 paintings and drawings. The vivid colors and intense light of Provence had a profound impact on Van Gogh’s artistic vision, leading to a prolific and transformative phase in his career.
The yellow house: van gogh’s studio on place lamartine
One of the most iconic locations associated with Van Gogh’s time in Arles is the Yellow House, which served as his studio and living space. Although the original building no longer stands, having been destroyed during World War II, visitors can still see the site where it once stood on Place Lamartine. The Yellow House was the subject of one of Van Gogh’s famous paintings and represented his dream of establishing an artists’ community in the south of France.
Café terrace at night: iconic painting location on place du forum
The Place du Forum is home to the café immortalized in Van Gogh’s “Café Terrace at Night.” Today, visitors can sit at the very spot where the artist set up his easel to capture the warm glow of the café against the deep blue of the night sky. The café, now known as Café Van Gogh , has been restored to closely resemble its appearance in the painting, offering a unique opportunity to step into one of Van Gogh’s most beloved works.
Langlois bridge: inspiration for “the drawbridge at arles”
Just outside the city center, the Langlois Bridge provided inspiration for several of Van Gogh’s paintings. This drawbridge, which the artist depicted multiple times, showcases his fascination with the interplay of light and shadow on the Provençal landscape. Although the original wooden bridge has been replaced with a concrete structure, the site still evokes the atmosphere that captivated Van Gogh over a century ago.
Espace van gogh: former hospital and cultural centre
The Espace Van Gogh, formerly the Hôtel-Dieu hospital where the artist was treated after his famous ear incident, now serves as a cultural center. The courtyard garden has been meticulously recreated to match Van Gogh’s painting “The Hospital Garden in Arles.” This tranquil space offers visitors a moment of reflection and a tangible connection to the artist’s experiences in the city.
Alyscamps necropolis: ancient roman cemetery
The Alyscamps, a Roman necropolis located just outside the old city walls, is one of Arles’ most atmospheric sites. This ancient burial ground, which translates to “Elysian Fields” in Provençal, was used from Roman times through the Middle Ages. Today, it offers visitors a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into the burial practices and beliefs of ancient Arles.
Sarcophagi and tombs: exploring Gallo-Roman burial practices
Walking along the tree-lined allée of the Alyscamps, visitors encounter a remarkable collection of stone sarcophagi and tombs. These ancient burial containers, many elaborately carved with Christian and pagan motifs, provide insight into the funerary customs of Gallo-Roman society. The variety of styles and decorations reflects the evolving beliefs and social structures of Arles over centuries.
Church of st. honorat: romanesque architecture within alyscamps
At the end of the Alyscamps’ main path stands the Church of St. Honorat, a fine example of Romanesque architecture. This 12th-century church, built on the site of an earlier Christian basilica, serves as a focal point for the necropolis. Its simple yet elegant design, with a distinctive bell tower, complements the solemn atmosphere of the surrounding burial ground.
Van gogh and gauguin’s artistic interpretations of alyscamps
The Alyscamps also left its mark on the art world, inspiring both Van Gogh and his contemporary Paul Gauguin. In the autumn of 1888, the two artists painted several views of the necropolis, capturing its melancholic beauty and autumnal colors. These works, with their vivid hues and expressive brushstrokes, offer a unique perspective on this ancient site through the eyes of two post-impressionist masters.
Cryptoporticus: underground roman galleries
Beneath the streets of modern Arles lies a hidden marvel of Roman engineering: the cryptoporticus. This network of underground galleries, constructed in the 1st century BC, once served as the foundation for the ancient forum. Today, visitors can descend into these cool, vaulted passageways to experience a unique aspect of Roman urban planning and architecture.
The cryptoporticus consists of three parallel galleries forming a U-shape, each approximately 90 meters long. These subterranean spaces were designed to level the uneven terrain and provide a stable base for the forum above. In addition to their structural purpose, the galleries likely served as storage areas and offered respite from the intense Provençal heat.
Exploring the cryptoporticus offers a fascinating glimpse into the ingenuity of Roman builders. The precision of the stonework and the clever use of arches to distribute weight demonstrate the advanced engineering skills of the time. Informative panels throughout the site provide context and historical details, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the significance of this underground wonder.
Musée réattu: contemporary art in a 15th-century priory
The Musée Réattu, housed in a former 15th-century priory of the Knights of Malta, presents a unique blend of historical architecture and contemporary art. Named after Jacques Réattu, a neoclassical painter born in Arles, the museum boasts a diverse collection that spans centuries and artistic movements.
One of the museum’s highlights is its collection of Pablo Picasso’s drawings and paintings, including a series of works donated by the artist himself in 1971. This generous gift sparked a renewed focus on contemporary art within the museum, leading to the acquisition of works by other modern masters.
In addition to its permanent collection, the Musée Réattu hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase cutting-edge contemporary art. The juxtaposition of these modern works against the backdrop of medieval stone walls creates a thought-provoking dialogue between past and present. Visitors can explore the museum’s winding staircases and intimate rooms, discovering unexpected artistic treasures at every turn.
Camargue regional nature park: wildlife and landscapes
Just a short distance from Arles lies the Camargue Regional Nature Park, a vast wetland delta where the Rhône River meets the Mediterranean Sea. This unique ecosystem, known for its diverse wildlife and dramatic landscapes, offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of southern France.
Flamingo watching at étang de vaccarès
The Étang de Vaccarès, the largest lagoon in the Camargue, is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Here, visitors can observe flocks of pink flamingos in their natural habitat. These elegant birds, which have become emblematic of the Camargue, can be seen wading through the shallow waters, their vibrant plumage contrasting beautifully with the muted tones of the surrounding landscape.
Camargue horses: indigenous breed and equestrian traditions
The Camargue is home to a unique breed of horse, known for its distinctive white coat and hardy nature. These semi-feral horses have adapted to the harsh conditions of the wetlands and play a crucial role in local culture and traditions. Visitors can observe these majestic animals roaming freely across the marshes or take guided horseback tours to explore the region’s hidden corners.
Salt flats of Salin-de-Giraud: pink waters and salt production
The salt flats of Salin-de-Giraud offer a surreal landscape of pink-hued waters and towering salt mountains. This area has been an important center of salt production for centuries, and visitors can learn about the traditional methods of harvesting sea salt. The striking colors of the salt pans, which range from pale pink to deep crimson depending on the concentration of algae, create a mesmerizing visual spectacle that photographers will find irresistible.
Exploring the Camargue provides a perfect counterpoint to the historical and artistic attractions of Arles. The vast open spaces, abundant wildlife, and unique cultural traditions of this region offer visitors a chance to connect with nature and experience a different facet of Provençal life. Whether on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback, discovering the Camargue’s hidden treasures is an unforgettable addition to any visit to Arles.