Location and Historical Background
Geographic Setting and First Impressions
Arles lies in southern France, along the Rhône River at the gateway to the Camargue wetlands. The surrounding landscape is flat, wild, and luminous – marshes, salt flats, rice fields, and open skies dominate the horizon. Today, Arles impresses visitors with an almost reckless coexistence of daily life and monumental antiquity, all bathed in sharp Mediterranean light.
Origins and Early History
Founded as a Greek trading post and later transformed into the Roman city of Arelate in 46 BCE, Arles quickly became one of the most important cities in Roman Gaul. Legend claims Julius Caesar favored Arles as a strategic counterweight to Marseille. With its river access and political backing, Arles flourished early – and built in stone to prove it.
The Three Greatest Blows to Arles
1. The Fall of the Roman Empire (5th Century)
As Roman authority collapsed, Arles lost imperial support and trade networks. Invasions and instability followed, and many Roman monuments were abandoned or repurposed. The city survived by turning amphitheaters into fortresses and adapting ruins into homes.
2. Repeated Medieval Conflicts (10th–14th Centuries)
Arles endured raids, regional wars, and shifting rulers throughout the Middle Ages. Economic stagnation and political uncertainty slowed development, freezing much of the city in time rather than destroying it.
3. Economic Marginalization (18th–19th Centuries)
As Marseille rose as the dominant southern port, Arles faded into the background. Trade declined, population growth slowed, and the city became provincial. Ironically, this neglect preserved much of its ancient and medieval fabric.
The Golden Age of Arles
Arles’ golden age was unquestionably the Roman period, especially from the 1st to 3rd centuries CE. Amphitheaters, forums, baths, and theaters transformed the city into a miniature Rome. Later, in the late 19th century, Arles experienced a quieter renaissance when artists – most famously Vincent van Gogh – rediscovered its light, colors, and emotional intensity.
Why Arles Is Worth Visiting Today
Arles today is one of France’s most intellectually rewarding cities. Visitors can walk through a UNESCO-listed Roman landscape, explore contemporary photography galleries, attend world-class cultural festivals, and experience authentic Provençal life without crowds. The city feels uncompromised – not modernized for tourism, not frozen for nostalgia. Arles is for travelers who want to engage, not consume.
Tourist Information and Key Attractions
Practical Tourist Costs (Estimated Averages)
- Average lunch: 12–15 EUR
- Average dinner: 20–28 EUR
- Hotel (mid-range, double room): 85–140 EUR per night
- Beer (0.5 l): 5–6 EUR
- Coffee (espresso): 2–3 EUR
Most Interesting Areas of the City
The historic center, the Roman monument zone, the Rhône riverbanks, and access points to the Camargue region are the most attractive areas for visitors.
Three Must-See Attractions
Arles Amphitheatre
A massive Roman arena still dominating the city center. Once hosting gladiators, later converted into a fortress, it embodies Arles’ survival instinct.
Roman Theatre and Forum Area
Remnants of civic life from two thousand years ago, integrated seamlessly into the modern city grid.
Van Gogh Sites of Arles
Locations that inspired some of Vincent van Gogh’s most famous works. Walking these spots reveals how deeply the city shaped his vision – and his turmoil.
Final Summary
Arles does not restore history – it cohabits with it. Stones remember, streets adapt, and light does the rest. This is a city that proves neglect can sometimes be the best form of preservation.
Tags: France