 Arles, one of the most beautiful cities of Provence is situated in the South of France 80 kilometers east of Marseille. Arles is situated at the fork of the Rhone River forming the river's delta, a vast, unspoiled wetland area known as the Camargue. This city was established more than 2500 years ago; its architectural heritage is rich in exceptional monuments dating back to the Roman period. Because of this wealth, the city has been registered as one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites since 1981.
For the people of France, Arles and Provence are symbols of a relaxed rhythm of life, of permanent sun, of the country of perfumed lavender fields. An exceptional light bathes Arles and Provence, a quality of light that enticed such painters as Vincent van Gogh, who fell in love at first sight with the city and the welcoming province of Provence.
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"Cafe Terrace at Night" Vincent Van Gogh:
| This small cafe was immortalized by one of Vincent van Gogh's magnificent painting in 1888: Café Terrace at Night. Renewed in 1990, the establishment was completely painted in yellow to stress its resemblance with its representation by the artist. Baptized " Café Van Gogh ", it became a real and inescapable place of pilgrimage for the admirers of the artist. |
Le jardin de l'Hôpital Vincent Van Gogh:
| This is the former hospital where Vincent van Gogh was looked after in 1889. While confined to this room, the painter immortalized it in a painting in brilliant colors. Nothing seems to have changed since then. To appreciate it fully, it is necessary to compare the actual room with the painting by the master. Adding to that experience and in order to experience the fantastic symphony of colors of the hospital's famed flower gardens, a visit in spring is highly recommended . |
Le théâtre antique d'Arles:
The ancient theater of Arles, first built during the reign of the Emperor Augustus, is considered one of the first Roman theaters constructed of stone. It had a capacity of 10.000 spectators. Nowadays, this place remains dedicated to all sorts of entertainments, welcoming in particular the festivities of Arles in which traditional regional costumes are worn--an inescapable attraction for photographers--as well as the Peplum motion picture festival held in February
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Les arènes d'Arles:
The Arena of Arles' Roman amphitheater is the most visited monument in the city. It is the venue for bullfights, Camargue races, musical shows and theater. In summer, reenactments of gladiatorial combats take visitors on a time trip back to the days of the Caesars. The long steps leading to the amphitheater's entrance are taken gradually with many stops by weary tourists slowed by the unyielding Mediterranean sun.
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La Place de La République:
The Plaza of the Republic is certainly one of the most pleasant places in Arles and constitutes the heart of the city. Very much in Italianate style, perpetually sun drenched, its fountain decorated with a Roman obelisk, the plaza offers an oasis of welcome freshness and a playground for the children who splash in cool waters sprouting from the mouth of a sculpted swan. Also to be admired is the magnificent portal of the Romanesque church of Holy Trophime. Do not overlook a visit to its convent, the most famous in all of Provence.
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Les Ruelles d'Arles:
It is impossible not to fall under the spell of the alleys of Arles, often very narrow, they constitute a temporary and welcome refuge from the scorching summer heat. Flowers and climbing ivies roam to profusion across a number of facades. Workshops of craftsmen and typical restaurants give additional color to the street . The heavy doors of the old bourgeois houses are decorated with bronze knockers, heralds through the centuries of news both good and bad. Here and there the inevitable graffiti mark walls and shutters. Linens hung out to dry decorate some windows, for some a sad banner, for others a sign of life within.
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Les Baux de Provence:
| The ruins of an impressive fortress built on a rocky spur dominate this small stony village. It is a magnificent place and full of historic charm but one that must be visited early in the day to avoid the incredible bustle of tourists and the opening of souvenir shops and restaurants. If you are not afraid of heights, climb to the summit of the fortress for an exceptional panorama of Ales and the landscape of Provence. |
Les boutiques à l'ancienne:
"La Cure Gourmande", a colorful chain of shops throughout Europe has a store here in the Leases of Provence. The interesting décor and goods on sale play on nostalgia for the past by offering candies, chocolates and biscuits packaged to resemble fine confitures of the past. Shelves of the store are really worth inspection and present even more of a target for photography.
Also to be discovered is the magnificent facade of an organic bakery of Tarascon which offers the visitor another time trip to the beginning of the century. The baked goods are presented so perfectly as to suggest they are props on a movie set.
Nearby is Saint Remy de Provence, a butcher shop specializing in horse meat, long a staple of French cooking, but fortunately, no longer much appreciated these days.
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Abbaye de Montmajour:
The Benedictine Abbey of Montmajour, founded in 948 and situated four kilometers from Arles absolutely deserves a visit. Vincent van Gogh discovered Montmajour from the first days of his stay and fell under his charm. This abbey contains a magnificent convent dating to the twelfth century. Outside, one can visit the graves of the monks, originally excavated from solid rock. We can only be amazed by the small size of the excavations, giving some idea of the small size of people who lived in this period of history.
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Le moulin d'Alphonse Daudet à Fontvieille:
The novel "Letters from My Windmill" by Alphonse Daudet has immortalized this old mill which became the symbol of Daudet and his work. As for so many of the tourist places of Provence, a morning visit is suggested to take full advantage of the magic and charm of the Provençal countryside accompanied by the insistent but invisible chirpings of the crickets of summer.
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Aigues Mortes:
This fortified town was established in 1240 by Louis IX, King of France as a military port on the Mediterranean Sea. The seventh and the eighth crusades of the Medieval Age began in Aigues Mortes. King Louis led the seventh crusade only to be defeated by the Egyptian army of Ayyubid Sultan. King Louis died in Tunis in 1270, a place with current significance in twenty-first-century Middle East. Aigues Mortes is considered as one of the most beautiful villages constructed in the style of the Gard Region of France.
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Au départ d’Arles:
Once you've enjoyed the charm and the beauty of Arles, memorable excursions are available in the general area to discover the cities of Aix en Provence, Nimes, Avignon, Ste Marie de La Mer and Salon de Provence. Each of them would deserve a complete report. Perhaps another time.
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About the Photographer:
Pascal Mary, resident of Nancy, a city in eastern France, is engaged in two parallel careers: one as an insurance manager and the other as a photographer. He also is a political cartoonist, and since 1980 his cartoons have been published in newspapers and French television under the nom de plume of Gerda Szabo. He has embraced digital photography, dedicating himself to promotional work for Place Stanislas, one of the most beautiful plazas in Europe. His remarkable photos of Place Stanislas may be viewed at www.laplusbelleplacedumonde.com . For three years he has recorded not only the notable architecture of the plaza but also the faces and attitudes of visitors to Place Stanislas. |
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