Arles
Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage
Site, is situated on the banks of the River Rhone, just north of the
Camargue and the Mediterranean. Its medieval buildings, Roman arena and
treasure trove of other antiquities have drawn visitors here for
centuries.
In the first century BC, Julius Caesar conquered Marseille and designated
Arles a Roman colony. It quickly became a wealthy commercial centre and
one of the main cities in the region. Arles continued to profit from its
position on the river, which was a main trade route through France.
However, once the empire had disintegrated, the city gradually became
less important, which is perhaps one reason why its monuments remain so
well preserved.
The ancient theatre was once able to hold 20,000 spectators, and nowadays
is used as a concert venue. The Venus of Arles, now housed in the Louvre,
was found here. The real splendor is the Roman arena, Les Arenes, which
can still hold about 12,000 people, and dates from the end of the first
century. In the eighth century it was turned into a fortified village,
but its towers are virtually all that remain from that period. Today it
is used for the bullfights and races that are put on in summer.
The Romanesque church of St-Trophime is a marvelous example of
twelfth-century sculpture. The Last Judgment frieze around the doorway is
internationally renowned, and beautiful Gobelins tapestries hang in the
chapter house. The cloisters should not be missed – each carved column is
a gem.
Try to visit during the summer
and see the races and bull fights put on in Les Arenes, the Roman arena.
You can travel by train from Avignon, Marseille, Montpellier and Nimes.
