Walking Tour in Arles

The city of Arles has a charming Old Town with different sites dating back to the Roman era. Walk around the narrow streets and then enter and visit one of the most important treasures, the Amphitheatre, in French the Arènes d'Arles, inspired by the colosseum in Rome! This Roman monument dates back from Ancient Rome (90 AD), can hold 20,000 spectators who enjoyed chariot races and bloody hand to hand battle shows. Fun fact: in the Middle Ages, a real city was built inside the ramparts of the colosseum that was not until the 18th century that it was cleared to protect its status of historical monument. Nowadays it is used for concerts the Feria d'Arles and plays.

Continue your walking throughout the charming old town and then reach the city's ancient theatre which reveals a lot of interesting facts about its architecture. “Les Deux Veuves” (The Two Widows), two columns behind the scene a worth your admiration! Also, visit the Alyscamps, the large Roman necropolis just outside the walls of old Arles. It was in fact one of the most famous necropolises of the Ancient World later eternalized in the paintings of Gauguin and Van Gogh!

Learn more about Van Gogh's art and life by visiting the Van Gogh Foundation which promotes his artistic heritage and artworks from other contemporary artists. You will get to see the famous Café Terrace at Night, The Night Café, and Van Gogh’s Chair. Or if you like more contemporary art visit the Luma Foundation inaugurated on June 26, the route imagined by Frank Gehry for the Luma Foundation in Arles opens several exhibitions and works made especially for the place. It was created by Maja Hoffmann, Swiss art collector, patron and documentary maker, to support artists and their projects, particularly in the field of photography. Finally don't miss the 12th century  Saint Trophime Church and its amazing cloister.