Arles Emerges as Hidden Provence Gem
Travel enthusiasts are buzzing about Arles, France as the perfect Provençal city break, blending Roman ruins, Van Gogh-inspired sites, and vibrant streets. The historic town offers that rare combo of ancient history and artistic creativity that makes for an ideal urban escape. It's getting major attention as an alternative to more crowded French destinations.
The city's collection of Roman and Romanesque monuments has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981. This listing includes the impressive Roman Amphitheater built around 90 AD, a Roman Theater, and the Alyscamps, a large Roman necropolis. Vincent van Gogh produced more than 300 paintings and drawings during his 15-month stay in Arles between 1888 and 1889. Visitors can follow a marked trail to see the real-life locations of famous works, including the "Café Terrace at Night" on the Place du Forum and the tranquil courtyard of the former hospital, now known as Espace Van Gogh. A major contemporary landmark is the LUMA Arles arts campus, financed by patron Maja Hoffmann and her LUMA Foundation. The site, a former industrial rail depot, is dominated by a 56-meter-tall tower designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, which officially opened in June 2021. Gehry's striking tower is covered in 11,000 reflective stainless steel panels, a design choice inspired by Van Gogh's "Starry Night" and the region's rocky landscape. With a reported cost of over 150 million euros, city officials hope the arts center will create a "Bilbao effect," revitalizing the local economy through cultural tourism. Long before the new tower, Arles cemented its cultural status by founding the Rencontres d'Arles in 1970. This prestigious annual event is one of the world's most important photography festivals, taking over various heritage and industrial sites across the city from July through September.
