Top 10 Things to do in Arles

By Wolfgang Staudt – wikimedia

Top 10 Things to do in Arles

Arles is strategically situated over the Rhone River south of France. It is a major stop if you are heading to Italy from Spain. It was one of the most respected cities in France having been a provincial capital of ancient Rome.

The city is known for inspiring famous masterpieces such as the Yellow house by modernist artist Vincent van Gogh who moved there in 1888. Arles is full of historical footprints such as museums, amphitheater, and is a tourist favorite city to visit while in France Provence region.

The city is full of life and fun and one would get to see and understand why the city captivated artists such as Van Gogh.

From the restaurants to the open farmers market that blooms with colorful fresh flowers and organic vegetables in the weekends with no car traffic to vibrant sun-kissed house.

The amphitheater arena can almost tell its tales through the ancient stones that set its foundation still standing firm, it seated more than 20,000 spectators. You could almost hear the roar and thunderous applause from the full arena during gladiator fights, imagine that.

There is so much that this Provence has to offer, from ancient architecture, famous paintings by famous artists and if you happen to be there in October, experience the fête votive- 11 days of merrymaking, bullfighting at the amphitheatre, bull running and a brass band parade.

1. Travel Back in time at the Amphitheatre

By Vincent – wikimedia

Built over 2000 years ago, the amphitheatre is still in its pristine state, allowing unlimited imagination on the activities that took place there. It is still used for concerts, bullfights and other arrays of spectacles.

The arches on the amphitheatre were added to build a small fortified city; it had over a hundred homes squeezed within its walls, there were two chapels in the tiny city. Three of the medieval towers still stand to date.

The amphitheatre was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage along with many other buildings in the city.

2. Van Gogh’s Art-see tour

By Vincent van Gogh wikimedia

For the lovers of ancient art, paintings to be precise, Arles is the place to be. The modernist painter Vincent van Gogh was inspired by the city and the genesis of his love for the color yellow.

There is a Van Gogh walking tour map that can be used to trace his artwork. This walk will make stops at various sites where he painted. There are reproductions of his work at each stop, making the walk a mini-treasure hunt.

Some of his famous paintings that can be found are starry night over the Rhone and café Terrace on the Place du Forum, at night.

3. Give To Caesar by Exploring the ruins of the Roman theater, Le Theater Antique

By Finoskov wikimedia

Built in the late 1^st century BC, this theater is one of the first phase of urbanization in the Roman Empire.

It was built by Julius Caesar himself. Although it stood on a hillside, the seating was completely built on vaulted substructures.

The stage-building, now largely ruined, had a central doorway projecting from a curved Exedra, but in that location were no surplus at the positions.

4. Take a tour of the Vincent van Gogh Foundation

Though Van Gogh only lived in Arles for one year from 1888-1889, the time proved to be one of his most prolific periods as he completed over 200 paintings and 100 drafts.

It also proved to be dangerous as Arles is where Van Gogh famously cut off his ear and was forced to stay in a hospital.

opened in 2014 to celebrate the artists’ life and employment, a sojourn to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation is a must.

5. Charming Carmargue National Park

It is a lovely French National Park has sights of wild horses, fauna, coypus, and birds. The park has an exceptional photo-taking scene.

The national park is a protected wetland environment that stretches all the way to the Mediterranean Sea.

This parkland is really well-preserved and is a groovy spot to view the rare flamingos in Franc Not to be left out if you are in Southern France.

6. Visit the old and the new at Musée de l’Arles et de la Provence antiques

This museum host a number of archaeological artefacts that were recovered from ancient Rome.

There are numerous sculptures, mosaics, early-Christian sarcophagi and attractive remains from medieval buildings like the theater.

The modern building that houses the museum was designed and built in 1995 by the architect Henri Ciriani, at Arles in the Bouches-du-Rhône département of France.

7. Stroll through the open Air Market

The open-air market is set in a picturesque scene with the Roman ruins acting as its backdrop.

There is an array of products sold from food stalls to fresh vegetables, flowers, spices and cheeses.

The market is divided up into mainly clothes, food and other items. This allows for orderly and fun shopping while mingling with the locals.

8. Take a tour of the ancient Church of St. Trophime

By Bobo11 wikimedia

This majestic church was built between the 12th century and the 15th century. It is in the Romanesque architectural tradition.

There are sculptures over the church’s doorway, the most noticeable one is the Last Judgement. The pillars in the adjoining cloister are considered as premium examples of Romanesque sculpture.

9. Historic Montmajour Abbey

The Abbey is a 10th-century fortified Benedictine monastery just outside Arles, linking Avignon and the Camargue in the South of France.

With some buildings still in ruins, the compound includes fractions of a Maurist monastery, hermitage and chapel, church cloister and a tall tower.

The Montmajour is the oldest abbey in the south of France. It has amazing views and famous artist Vincent van Gogh visited the place numerous times to marvel at the views across the plain.

10. Visit Place de la République

This is a public square in Arles situated on the border between the 3rd, 10th and 11th arrondissements. It is named after the French Republic was called the Place du Château-d’Eau until 1879.

It contains a monument which includes a statue of the personification of France, Marianne. The square is conveniently close to St. Trophime Church with its magnificent Cloisters, St. Anne Chapel, as well as several shops and restaurants.

There are fun activities and places to visit while at the Arles Provance. With sufficient planning, one can enjoy guided walking tours by a local guide that will share the rich tale of the city with its mix of ancient and modern culture.