Arles, ancient Roman city in Provence

Arles enjoyed a period of glory as one of the imperial cities of the Western Roman Empire. The time of its Roman splendor is long past, but Arles is one of the important cities of Provence with an exceptional architectural heritage dating back to the ancient times: the Roman Arena, the Roman theater, the Alyscamps cemetery reflect the magnificence of "Arelate" the Roman Arles and the prosperity of Provence "Provincia Romana." The Museum of Roman Antiquities contains archaeological treasures.

Arles remained an important city into the Middle Ages. Romanesque art reached a peak of refinement at the church of Saint-Trophime, where the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa was crowned King of Arles. It was later supplanted by Aix-en-Provence and Marseille in political and economic affairs. Today, Arles is a sub-prefecture of Bouches-du-Rhone. It is the largest municipality in metropolitan France, its territory covers a good part of the Camargue.

This historical legacy plays a role in the Provençal cultural revival of the late 19th century and early 20th century, the Félibrige. Arles was a centre of Provençal traditions, celebrated by Frédéric Mistral. In Arles, the Provencal traditions are proudly brandished: the election of the Queen of Arles is an important occasion for the inhabitants, Easter Fest continues taurine and bullfighting tradition, the international exhibition of santons (crib figurines) is the largest of its kind, the Museon Arlaten museum of Provençal culture founded by Frédéric Mistral.

Arles' contemporary cultural influence extends beyond Provence, the city and the surrounding landscape inspired some of Vincent van Gogh's masterpieces during his stay in Arles. Today, the photography festival held in July enjoys international recognition.

The Arena is the largest and most remarkable monument of ancient Arles. This is a large Roman amphitheater, oval measuring 136 meters long and 107 in width, it is a little larger than the amphitheater of Nîmes (133x101 meters). It could accommodate up to 26,000 people. During the Middle Ages, The amphitheater was transformed into a fortified medieval district containing 200 houses and two chapels. Three towers, still visible today, were built in the 13th century. Arenas were cleared and restored in the 19th century and they resumed their original function as a place of entertainment. The arena hosts regular concerts and is a major venue for bullfighting in France during the Easter feria.

Accommodation in Arles and nearby

Large choice of Guest houses around Arles on the site of B&B in Provence

•Arles tourist office web site : www.arlestourisme.com

Coming to Arles

Arles is in the Bouches du Rhone (13), between the Alpilles and the Camargue.

GPS coordinates N 43°40'36'' - E 4°37'39''

• Arles location : altitude 12 metres above sea level, 54000 inhabitants, 10 km from Fontvieille, 20 km from Baux de Provence, 20 km from Tarascon, 34 km from Nîmes, 35 km from Avignon , 37 km from Saintes Maries de la Mer, 87 km from Marseilles.