Arles is a city rich with history and culture. Located at the mouth of the Camargue delta which flows into the Mediterranean Sea, it was once an important Phoenician trading port before Roman occupation. This era is still visible throughout the city with existing structures like the amphitheatre, the Roman circus and theatre
A city of artists
Arles has been the inspiration for many artists including Pablo Picasso and Paul Gauguin. It is not uncommon to feel a sense of déjà vu on your first trip as you walk through the city and see places that you feel you have already been. Thanks to Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, Arles already holds a place in our minds as we arrive at locations like the hospital ward or the café terrace which inspired some of his most famous paintings
Take in the city on a walk along the banks of the Rhône river
Spanish influences
Being located so close to the Iberian peninsula, Arles has a significant Spanish influence that has been woven into the city’s rich culture. Upon walking through the city walls, one of the first things that I noticed was a poster for a bullfight in the amphitheater. The Arles style of bullfighting is in the tradition of Spanish toreadors where the bull meets its demise from the matador’s sword. The Iberian influence is also seen through foods like paella and gitano music. Spanish gypsies are common in the Camargue region because many are refugees who fled Spain during the Civil War. Taking the traditional flamenco guitar style and mixing it with more rumba type melodies is what gave Arles natives, the Gypsy Kings, their worldwide fame.
