Arles is the largest city in France with the surface area being 758 km².
It is encircled by an environment of exceptional beauty: the banks of the Rhône river, the arid plains of Crau, the untamed land of the and the .
Once a metropolis of Roman Gaul, then Arles became a symbole of ardent Christianity as can be seen through the arena, the Alyscamps burial grounds, the amphitheater and the Roman baths of Constantin.
Arles is now the gateway to Camargue, pland of the Gypsies and meeting place of the Camargue cowboys. Today the ferias or bull runs and bull fights are held in this very same arena (12,000 seats) that was the scene of the Roman games in the first century !
Van Gogh stayed here with his friend Gauguin. Picasso, a lover of bull fights, was inspired by them to do two paintings and 57 drawings...
Arles is also a center of photography. Each summer the Rencontres Internationales de la Photographie brings many visitors. City of festivals, art, and culture, Arles has never stopped attracting artists. The Roman monuments of Aries are registered with Unesco and should be seen. The houses and private mansions of the 16th and 17th centuries, the cloister of St. Trophime, the Hôtel de Ville, and the shaded terraces of the Place des Lices are all well worth a tour.
What to see:
The arena, amphitheater. Alyscamps burial grounds.
Roman baths of Constantin (4thc.).
The Antique Arles museum (4th c. sarcophaguses) and Arlaten museum (furniture and traditional folk art).
The Reattu Museum, Fine Arts museum.
The Rice Museum.
3 Beaches.
La Capeliere (nature walk of Camargue). Van Gogh Tour. Gypsy mosaics. Many festivals:
Fete des Gardians (May, 1st).
Santon exhibition in December.
2 spacious, air-conditioned guest rooms with king size beds, independent entrance, private terrace in a guest house for lovers of the arts, shows and music, surrounded by nature with swimming pool. Table d'hôtes.
4,5 hectares campsite in the heart of the parc régional de la Camargue
Mobile homes rentals camping pitches from 100 to 130 m²
Heated swimming pool with water slide - Entertainement
The whole city participates in these Camargue traditions where the soul of Arles can be found: election of the Queen of Arles, race of Satin, Lyric Forum, the Pegoulade, the Costume Festival, Golden Cockade Festival.
Centre ville
In Situ est de retour pour une 17ᵉ éditionR
From 28 to 30 June: Demonstration of engraving on marble in the summer garden of Arles by Julien Batifol!
July 1st at 6 pm: Inauguration of the stele!
Until 1 September: Exhibition of the Manifesto
Jardin d'été, Boulevard des Lices
The first photographic event in the world which brings together thousands of professionals and amateurs with nearly 35 exhibitions, conferences, courses...
divers lieux
A panorama of all the musical South with nearly 50 concerts. From reggae to rai, via flamenco, jazz, oriental strings, tango, electro... nearly 40 dance, song and music courses.
Théâtre Antique
One of the big events of the year with bullfights, novilladas and equestrian shows in the bullring, but also abrivado, encierro, bandido, parades and concerts
Arènes d'Arles