Arles is the 'third city' in the département of the Bouches-du-Rhône. Compared to its boisterous, historical rival Marseille and its worldly sister Aix-en-Provence, it can be quite sedate, though summer visitors might disagree.
The Roman Ampitheatre is a must visit. Although it and the near-by theatre are not in as good condition as some of the Roman buildings in Provence they are still used for bull fights and concerts which makes them some of our favoutite ancient buildings in the South of France.
Arles is also a great destination for art lovers, Van Gogh spent two years here and in that time created some of his best known works. although none of his paintings are on display in Arles you can stand at the cafe in the place du forum and on the banks of the Rhone under starlight and see for yourself the inspiration for some of the 20th Century's most iconic paintings.
