Arles, A Roman City in Provence
Arles in Eastern
Provence is designated a
UNESCO World Heritage
Site because of its well-
preserved Roman ruins.
Provence is designated a
UNESCO World Heritage
Site because of its well-
preserved Roman ruins.
Text and
Photos
David
Hilbert
Photos
David
Hilbert
Arles was first inhabited in the 7 th
century BC as a Phoenician trading
center on the Rhone River, and shows
signs of Greek influence owing to
archaeological evidence and pottery
of Greek design. Arles later became a
Celtic-Ligurian town in the 3rd century
BC and then in the first century BC,
a Gallo-Roman city.
The Roman-era arena similar to
Rome's Coliseum is so well preserved
that it is still the major arena of the city
and is used for bullfighting and other
traditional festivals. The city center
also has the remnants of a large
Roman theatre and a Roman
bathhouse.
century BC as a Phoenician trading
center on the Rhone River, and shows
signs of Greek influence owing to
archaeological evidence and pottery
of Greek design. Arles later became a
Celtic-Ligurian town in the 3rd century
BC and then in the first century BC,
a Gallo-Roman city.
The Roman-era arena similar to
Rome's Coliseum is so well preserved
that it is still the major arena of the city
and is used for bullfighting and other
traditional festivals. The city center
also has the remnants of a large
Roman theatre and a Roman
bathhouse.
History
Arles became a major Roman
commercial outpost with the building
of a canal in 102 BC that ran parallel
to the Rhone and connected to the
sea. By the 4th century AD, Arles was
such a prosperous Roman city that it
was called a second Rome.
When Rome's power waned Arles's
prosperity ended as waves of Goth
invaders devastated the city. Arles
then languished until the empire of
Charlemagne settled the region and
Arles returned to prosperity,
becoming eventually the kingdom of
Arles.
commercial outpost with the building
of a canal in 102 BC that ran parallel
to the Rhone and connected to the
sea. By the 4th century AD, Arles was
such a prosperous Roman city that it
was called a second Rome.
When Rome's power waned Arles's
prosperity ended as waves of Goth
invaders devastated the city. Arles
then languished until the empire of
Charlemagne settled the region and
Arles returned to prosperity,
becoming eventually the kingdom of
Arles.
Arles has Market Day on Wednesday
and celebrates various festivals
throughout the year most notably: a
March Carnival, an April (Easter) bull
event (La Feria Pascale: Corridas).
and a May Jazz festival and a bull and
horse spectacle celebrating the work
of the Guardians (Camargue
cowboys). At this event the women of
Arles dress in costumes of the 17th
century and they elect a Queen of
Arles who will reign for the next year.
In June Les Fetes d'Arles celebrates
with fireworks and in the first two
weeks of July, Arles celebrates
International Photography and the
theatre.
and celebrates various festivals
throughout the year most notably: a
March Carnival, an April (Easter) bull
event (La Feria Pascale: Corridas).
and a May Jazz festival and a bull and
horse spectacle celebrating the work
of the Guardians (Camargue
cowboys). At this event the women of
Arles dress in costumes of the 17th
century and they elect a Queen of
Arles who will reign for the next year.
In June Les Fetes d'Arles celebrates
with fireworks and in the first two
weeks of July, Arles celebrates
International Photography and the
theatre.
Arles Events and Festivals
| Arles, Provence, Vacation Rentals Amidst Roman Ruins in |
| Arles, an Ancient Roman City in Provence, The South of France |
| Arles, Renting a House or Vacation Rental In Provence for Hiking, Biking, and the Culinary Vacation |
Arles, Renting a house or
vacation rental apartment in
Arles would be a good bet for
travelers that will not have a rental
car. Bus service covers all of
Provence and would put Aix,
Marseilles, the Camargue, and
Avignon within reach. The city itself
is spectacular with major Roman
Ruins everywhere.
vacation rental apartment in
Arles would be a good bet for
travelers that will not have a rental
car. Bus service covers all of
Provence and would put Aix,
Marseilles, the Camargue, and
Avignon within reach. The city itself
is spectacular with major Roman
Ruins everywhere.
In early September Arles celebrates a Rice Festival with Camargue horses and bulls running in the
streets and open barbecues cooking vats of Paella. The city again hosts bullfights in the Roman arena.
streets and open barbecues cooking vats of Paella. The city again hosts bullfights in the Roman arena.
Arles was once an
important Roman City
in Provence. The
coliseum is still used
important Roman City
in Provence. The
coliseum is still used
Dave Hilbert's
SoftSeatTravel
SoftSeatTravel
Do You need an International Driving Permit to
Drive in Europe.
In France and Italy you can rent a car and do not need to
show an International Permit, only your drivers license
Italian law, however, requires that..... see Article
Drive in Europe.
In France and Italy you can rent a car and do not need to
show an International Permit, only your drivers license
Italian law, however, requires that..... see Article
No Passing for
commercial
vehicles
commercial
vehicles
No Passing
zone ends
zone ends
| Rotary with yield to traffic in rotary |
| Check Auto Europe's prices and availability, gas or diesel models |
SoftSeatTravel.com is affiliated with Auto Europe because we like their selection, price, and ease of
booking on the web. . Shop online well ahead of your trip and choose diesel (more economical) or gas,
luggage space,(important) standard or automatic,(important) two door, four door and other options. Renting
for more than 17 days; see their options see renting a vehicle in Provence
booking on the web. . Shop online well ahead of your trip and choose diesel (more economical) or gas,
luggage space,(important) standard or automatic,(important) two door, four door and other options. Renting
for more than 17 days; see their options see renting a vehicle in Provence
Speed limits will be clearly marked and the Rotary will be a welcome site with its directions to various
towns. Gassing up is similar to US with credit card and automatic shut-off at modern pumps. Car rental are
available in all large cities and at many TGV Train Stations..
towns. Gassing up is similar to US with credit card and automatic shut-off at modern pumps. Car rental are
available in all large cities and at many TGV Train Stations..
Information for those renting a vehicle in Provence
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Arles Roman Ruins in the city make it a great place for Renting a house or vacation rental
apartment. Bus service from Arles covers all of Provence
apartment. Bus service from Arles covers all of Provence