Passage obligatory, visitors throng into the Roman amphitheater built in the 1st century after Jesus Christ, emblematic monument of Arles nicknamed "the little Rome of the Gauls". Close by, the obelisk of the old hippodrome, erected in the 4th century, stands opposite the town hall. Much later, Van Gogh wandered the alleys of Arles, but he did not immortalize the Roman Forum or the amphitheater, preferring to paint sunflowers and taverns. On the museum side, we visit the Museon Arlaten, dedicated to the popular arts and traditions of Provence, created by Frédéric Mistral, thanks to his Nobel Prize in Literature. Then we go to the Arles antique museum to admire the 31-meter long barge that emerged from the Rhône in 2004, one of the masterpieces exhibited here, next to a bust of Caesar, and the finest collection of Christian sarcophagi afterwards. that of the Vatican.
An arty and lively city
Like Van Gogh in the past, Edouard Baer and Sabine Azéma frequent the terraces of Place Voltaire. The latter adjoins the Réattu museum, which exhibits works by Picasso and Miró, among others. Maja Hoffmann, art collector and patron, who wants to make Arles a capital of contemporary art, will soon inaugurate the new buildings of the huge LuMa foundation, whose tower designed by Frank Gehry now dominates the city. The foundation already hosts temporary exhibitions, events, concerts … (luma-arles.org). At the market, boulevard des Lices, next to the oysters of Bouzigues, tellines and violets, the sellers offer clothes at discounted prices.
Birds, horses, bulls …
Flamingos and swans feed in the Vaccarès pond and in the reed beds of Pont de Gau ornithological park. Created by the Rhône, shaped by man, this wetland is home to some 350 species of birds, as well as horses and bulls from the Camargue. At Saintes-Marie-de-la Mer, the arenas face the Mediterranean, bordered by 18 km of beaches. Famous the world over for its pilgrimages, its 11th century fortified church protects the relics of Marie-Jacobé and Marie-Salomé, as well as a statue of Sara venerated by the gypsies. Until November, aficionados throng the arenas where raseteurs try to grab the strings, tassels and cockades worn by the bulls. "We are looking for bravery, agility and longevity," explains Alexandre Clauzel, who breeds these rosy bulls. Known to the public, their careers can last around ten years, because during the Camargue races, it is the man who puts himself in danger.
Convenient travel
Stay
- In Arles. The Arlatan. Cheerful and stylish. Swimming pool. Double room from € 99. arlatan.com. The Amphitheater. Pleasant and central. Double room from 81 €. hotelamphitheater.fr
- In the Camargue. Le Mas du Ménage. Roulotte and ch. hosts in a herd. Double room from 110 € with breakfast. manadeclauzel.com
Enjoy
- In Arles. Beside. The bistro of the earthy double star Jean-Luc Rabanel. Impeccable formula at 34 €. bistro-acote.com
Circuit
- Visit a herd. Caroline and Alexandre Clauzel offer to discover their bulls and horses. 25 € the visit and 45 € the day with meal. manadeclauzel.com
Info
arlestourisme.com, saintesmaries.com
Read also :
⋙ Visit the Camargue: a land of lagoons and bulls
⋙ Zoom on the wild setting of the Camargue Regional Natural Park
⋙ All you need to know about Camargue character cuisine