Savoring Two Days in Arles, Reminiscent of "Little Rome in Provence", as Recommended by Our Lifestyle Editor
In the picturesque coastal commune of Arles, France, the renowned photography festival, Les Rencontres d'Arles, is currently underway, attracting over 100,000 visitors from around the world. But there's more to this Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region than just the festival.
Arles, originally founded by the Greeks and later a Roman settlement, boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. Its architecture bears the influence of Ancient Rome, with churches, the Baths of Constantine, and the Arènes d'Arles being prime examples.
One of the key historic monuments is the Théâtre Antique d'Arles, a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre dating from around 90 AD, now used for concerts and bullfights. Another significant structure is the Roman Theatre of Arles, offering a glimpse of the city's ancient past and architecture.
The Musée Départemental Arles Antique houses significant Roman artifacts, providing insight into the city's ancient history. For those interested in religious and medieval heritage, a visit to Montmajour Abbey or the Saint-Trophime Church and Cloisters is a must. The latter is a UNESCO site, featuring medieval religious art and a cloister.
Arles' connection to Vincent van Gogh is undeniable. The Espace Van Gogh and Fondation Vincent Van Gogh are museums and art centers dedicated to the life and work of the famous artist, who was inspired by Arles and created many famous paintings there.
Outside of the festival, food enthusiasts will find delight in Chef Celine Pham's first-ever permanent restaurant, Inari, offering a fusion of Vietnamese and French cuisine in a historic chapel. Another popular dining destination is Inari, while VAGUE Café, located in a former chapel, is part of the Japanese interdisciplinary collective Teruhiro Yanagihara Studio's base in Provence.
For those seeking a vegetarian-focused, worldly inspired cuisine, La Chassagnette, a Michelin-starred restaurant in the Camargue Regional Nature Park near Arles, is an excellent choice. WE ARE ONA, which has taken over La Villa Bank during Les Rencontres d'Arles, offers an exclusive food experience with a menu by American-Thai chef Dalad Kambhu and design by India Mahdavi.
The Camargue Regional Nature Park, located near Arles, is a 85,000 hectare reserve known for its diverse wildlife and surreal landscapes, ideal for outdoor activities and wildlife watching.
Art lovers can immerse themselves in contemporary art at LUMA Arles, an arts center designed by Frank Gehry. The center hosts a calendar of exhibitions by contemporary artists, including permanent installations like Philippe Parreno's Danny / No More Reality. Lee Ufan Arles, another arts center, showcases a dialogue between the works of Michelangelo Pistoletto and Lee Ufan.
Le Réfectoire, a restaurant at LUMA Arles, serves as a patchworky, retro-fueled all-day canteen, while L'Épicerie du Cloître, a restaurant at Le Cloître, serves local delicacies within a colorful, welcoming setting and also has a terrace for outdoor dining.
Beyond the festival, walking tours following Van Gogh’s footsteps, visiting the Van Gogh Café, and day trips to nearby scenic villages like Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Les Baux-de-Provence with immersive art shows like "Les Carrières de Lumières" are highly recommended for a full cultural experience.
Lastly, the boutique hotel Le Cloître, designed by Iranian-French architect and designer India Mahdavi, and the mesmerizing L'Arlatan, featuring terracotta murals, over 1,300 examples of handcrafted mid-century modern furniture, and creature-like pendant lamps, offer unique accommodations for visitors to this historic city.
[1] Les Rencontres d'Arles Official Website [2] Official Website of Arles, France [3] Arles Tourism Office [4] Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Tourism [5] Van Gogh Museum
- The ancient architecture of Arles, like the Théâtre Antique d'Arles and the Roman Theatre, exhibits a texture of Roman influence, providing a trendsetting fusion of history and modernity.
- Tiles adorn the floors of some of the historic buildings in Arles, complementing the rustic furniture and artwork, creating a lifestyle reminiscent of the past.
- For travelers seeking a unique decor, the boutique hotel Le Cloître features a sophisticated, colorful design, blending contemporary and rustic elements.
- The contemporary arts center LUMA Arles, with its installations like Philippe Parreno's Danny / No More Reality, is a trendsetting hub for art and decor enthusiasts visiting Arles.
- Food enthusiasts can find a rustic-chic dining experience at Le Réfectoire, a restaurant within LUMA Arles, where the decor beautifully complements the worldly-inspired cuisine.
