Arles, A Roman City in Provence, Roman Ruins in the South of France
Arles in Eastern
Provence is designated a
UNESCO World Heritage
Site because of its well-
preserved Roman ruins.
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.
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.
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.
Arles Events and Festivals
Arles, Provence,
Vacation
Rentals Amidst
Roman Ruins
Arles, an Ancient Roman City in
Provence, The South of France
For a Villa Rental in Arles, the South of France, for hotels in
Arles, or hotels Avignon, check the Venere listing.  They
offer Gites in the South of France, discount hotel rates, and
luxury hotels in Arles.  Renting a House or Vacation Rental In
Provence for Hiking, Biking, and the Culinary Vacation amidst the
Roman Ruins of the South of France.
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.
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.
Arles was once an
important Roman
City in Provence.
The coliseum is
still in use.
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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
Rotary
with yield
to traffic in
rotary
Road
showing
right of way
Intersection
with right
of way to
right
Highway or
Expressway
No
Passing
zone ends
No Passing
for
commercial
vehicles
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.
Information for those renting a vehicle in France
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