Arles, located in the heart of Camargue's wild nature, is classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage of Humanity site.
It owes this amazing honor to:
- Its ancient city center, as well as its amazing Roman monuments
- The Chemin de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle (as well as the CHemin de Rome et de Jérosalem). The Chemin d'Arles, since the Middle Ages, is one of the four roads crossing France and Europe towards Saint-Jacques
- Its natural space and the inscription of Camargues into the Worldwide Network of Biosphere Reserves
Camargue, One of the Most Beautiful Natural Sites in Europe
The Rhône Delta sits at the doors to the city, making up the Camargue, one of the most beautiful sites in Europe. The Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue protects an amazing range of flora and fauna.
Parc Naturel Régional des Alpilles
At the north of the city lays the Parc Naturel Régional des Alpilles, the second natural park in the Pays d'Arles, made up of agricultural fields and Mediterranean forests, where over one hundred rare or protected species call home. Today, the name Arles is inherently linked to the name Van Gogh - the artist's stay in Arles was one of his most prolific periods, producing over 300 paintings and drawings in the span of 15 months. Arles is a true Southern French city, full of bon vivre and where visitors can savor local products, flavors, and landscapes all through the year.
Must-See Sites in Arles
- Roman heritage: the roman arena, the antic theater, the cryptportiques of the forum, the baths of Constantine, the Alyscamps
- Romanesque and classical heritage: St Trophime's church, St Trophime's cloister, l'hôtel de ville, les hôtels particuliers
- Arles, town of museums: the Arles arhceological museum, the Réattu museum, le musée de l'Arles antique (archéologie), le musée Réattu (art contemporain), the Arlaten museum (ethnography)
- Arles, in the light of Van Gogh: Van Gogh walking tour, Van Gogh fondation
- Arles, capital of the Camargue: the Vigueirat swamps, Domaine de la Palissade, The Camargue museum, la Capelière
Seasonal Events
- The Easter Feria
- The Gardian Festival (May 1st)
- The Election of the Queen of Arles (May 1st, every 3 years)
- The Festival of Arles (June)
- Les Rencontres d'Arles (International Photography Festival) (July, August, September)
- Les Suds, World Music Festival (two weeks in July)
- "Arelate, Roman Days" and Peplum Festival (August)
- Rice Feria (September)
- Camargue gourmande (September)
- Rice Festival (September)
- Provence Prestige salon (November)
- The International Santonniers' Salon (from November to january)
- Drôles de Noëls (Chritsmas Fun) (December)
Access
Train: SNCF station Arles
Airports Marseille Provence, Montpellier Méditerranée, Avignon Caumont, Nîmes Garons
Highways: A7 - A8 - A9
Contact
Office de Tourisme d'Arles
Espanade Charles de Gaulle - boulevard des Lices
13200 arles
Tel: +33 (4) 90 18 41 20 - Fax: +33 (4) 90 18 41 29
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