Arles, France – Roman Ruins, Van Gogh’s Inspiration, and Provencal Charm

Interesting Facts about Arles, France Map

We were onboard a Viking River Cruise (click here to view our Trip Overview Page or click here to view the Viking River Cruises Avignon & Provence information) and Arles was the first stop after Avignon. The ship moved from Avignon, south to Tarascon at 5AM (approximately 30 kilometers), so that the day's tour to Arles could begin from there. The tour to Arles was via tour bus, so moving the ship closer made the bus route shorter.

The town of Arles is a charming community located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France (click the map link above to view a larger Google Map). Located near the Mediterranean coast, it is a popular destination for tourists drawn to its rich history, vibrant culture, and proximity to scenic seaside landscapes. Arles was originally founded by the Ligurians and later flourished during Roman times as an essential port and commercial hub along the Rhône River.

Arles Coat of Arms Image is the property of Manassas

The town is renowned for its well-preserved Roman monuments, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visitors can marvel at the grand Arènes d'Arles, an ancient amphitheater that still hosts performances and events today, as well as remnants of the Roman aqueduct and the Thermae of Constantine.

In addition to its historical treasures, Arles boasts a thriving arts scene and is famously associated with Vincent van Gogh, who produced some of his most iconic works during his stay here.

Click here to go to the Arles Wikipedia page.

When was Arles Founded ?
The Ligurians were in the Arles area from about 800 BC. Later, Celtic influences have been discovered. The city became an important Phoenician trading port, before being taken by the Romans early in the first century BCE.
Is Arles a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes, the Roman and Romanesque Monuments of Arles were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1981.
Did Vincent van Gogh live in Arles?
Yes, Vincent van Gogh lived in Arles from 1888 to 1889 and created some of his most iconic paintings there, including “Starry Night Over the Rhône” and “The Yellow House”.
What other cities is Arles twinned with?
Arles is twinned with: Pskov, Russia; Jerez de la Frontera and Cubelles, Spain; Fulda, Germany; York, Pennsylvania, United States; Vercelli, Italy; Sagné, Mauritania; Kalymnos, Greece; Wisbech, United Kingdom; Zhouzhuang, Kunshan, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China; Verviers, Belgium & George Town, Penang, Malaysia.
Isn't Arles a Major Center for Photography?
Yes, Arles hosts Les Rencontres d’Arles, one of the most prestigious international photography festivals in the world, attracting artists and audiences every summer since 1970.
Is Arle's climate comfortable?
Yes, Arles enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year, which was part of what drew Van Gogh — and continues to draw visitors seeking Provençal warmth and light.
What is the population of Arles?
As of the most recent data (2021), the population of Arles, France is approximately 49,000 residents.
Isn't Arles one of the largest communes in France?
Yes, Arles is the largest commune in France in terms of territory.
What are the major Industries in Arles?
Arles has a diverse local economy, with industries rooted in agriculture, tourism, culture, and small-scale manufacturing, as well as its proximity to natural resources and regional infrastructure. The major French publishing house Actes Sud is also situated in Arles. It was founded in 1978 by author Hubert Nyssen.

The Arles Roman Amphiteatre Map

Arles Roman Amphitheater

Amphitheater Interior

Amphitheater Passageway

Amphitheater Gate

Amphitheater Seating Area

This was our first group exploration stop. This two-tiered Roman amphitheatre is probably the most prominent tourist attraction in the city. The pronounced towers jutting out from the top are medieval add-ons.

Built in 90 AD, the amphitheatre was capable of seating over 20,000 spectators, and was built to provide entertainment in the form of chariot races and bloody hand-to-hand battles. Today, it draws large crowds for bullfighting during the Feria d'Arles as well as plays and concerts during the summer.

Amphitheater Arena Area

Today, the Arles Roman Amphitheatre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of the enduring legacy of Roman civilization. It continues to captivate visitors with its historical significance, architectural splendor, and the cultural events it hosts, such as concerts and bullfights, making it a must-visit attraction for those interested in the rich history of the Roman Empire.

Amphitheatre History

The building measures 136 meters (446 ft) in length and 109 meters (358 ft) wide, and features 120 arches. It has an oval arena surrounded by terraces, arcades on two levels (60 in all), bleachers, a system of galleries, drainage system in many corridors of access and staircases for a quick exit from the crowd. It was obviously inspired by the Colosseum in Rome (in 72-80), being built slightly later (in 90). The amphitheatre was not expected to receive 25,000 spectators, the architect was therefore forced to reduce the size and replace the dual system of galleries outside the Colosseum by a single annular gallery. This difference is explained by the conformation of the land. This "temple" of the games housed gladiators and hunting scenes for more than four centuries.

With the fall of the Western Empire in the 5th century, the amphitheatre became a shelter for the population and was transformed into a fortress with four towers (the southern tower is not restored). The structure encircled more than 200 houses, becoming a real town, with its public square built in the centre of the arena and two chapels, one in the centre of the building, and another one at the base of the west tower.

This new residential role continued until the late 18th century, and in 1825 through the initiative of the writer Prosper Mérimée, the change to national historical monument began. In 1826, expropriation began of the houses built within the building, which ended by 1830 when the first event was organized in the arena – a race of the bulls to celebrate the taking of Algiers.

Click here to read the complete Wikipedia Article.

Image # 6 (arena interior) is the property of Jmalik via Wikimedia Commons. All other images are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC unless otherwise noted.

Arles Hospital

Hospital Interior Garden

This site, now known as "L'espace Van Gogh," was once the hospital where Vincent van Gogh stayed during December 1888 and January 1889 after the infamous incident in which he mutilated his ear. Though no longer a functioning hospital, the building and its courtyard remain well-preserved, and the grounds are as beautiful as ever, with vibrant flower beds that echo the colors van Gogh captured in his paintings.

Arles was a profound source of inspiration for van Gogh. The town’s unique architecture, bustling streets, and surrounding landscapes offered endless material for his work. He immortalized the Rhône River, the charming cafes, the vibrant marketplace, and, of course, the iconic fields of sunflowers that stretch beyond the horizon.

Despite the creative explosion he experienced in Arles, van Gogh faced significant personal struggles, including his deteriorating mental health and a turbulent relationship with fellow artist Paul Gauguin. Yet, this challenging period yielded some of his most groundbreaking pieces, including "The Night Café," "Bedroom in Arles," and "Starry Night Over the Rhône."

During his 15 months in Arles, van Gogh completed over 200 paintings and more than 100 drawings and watercolors, making it one of the most prolific and influential chapters of his career.

Events leading up to Van Gogh's stay at the Arles Hospital

Van Gogh's mental health deteriorated and he became alarmingly eccentric, culminating in an altercation with Paul Gauguin in December 1888 following which van Gogh cut off part of his own left ear. He was then hospitalized in Arles twice over a few months. His condition was diagnosed by the hospital as "acute mania with generalised delirium". Dr. Félix Rey, a young intern at the hospital, also suggested there might be "a kind of epilepsy" involved that he characterised as mental epilepsy. Although some, such as Johanna van Gogh, Paul Signac and posthumous speculation by doctors Doiteau & Leroy have said that van Gogh just removed part of his earlobe and maybe a little more, art historian Rita Wildegans maintains that without exception, all of the witnesses from Arles said that he removed the entire left ear.

In January 1889, Van Gogh returned to the Yellow House where he was living, but spent the following month between hospital and home suffering from hallucinations and delusions that he was being poisoned. In March 1889, the police closed his house after a petition by 30 townspeople, who called him "fou roux" (the redheaded madman). Signac visited him in hospital and van Gogh was allowed home in his company. In April 1889, he moved into rooms owned by Dr. Félix Rey, after floods damaged paintings in his own home. Around this time, he wrote, "Sometimes moods of indescribable anguish, sometimes moments when the veil of time and fatality of circumstances seemed to be torn apart for an instant." Finally in May 1889 he left Arles for the Saint-Paul asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, having understood his own mental fragility and with a desire to leave Arles.

Click here to view the complete Wikipedia Article.

Arles City Hall

Obélisque d'Arles

The 50 foot obelisk in front of the building, was first erected under the Roman emperor Constantine II in the center of the spina of the Roman circus of Arles. After the circus was abandoned in the 6th century, the obelisk fell down and was broken in two parts. It was rediscovered in the 14th century and re-erected on top of a pedestal soon surmounted by a bronze globe and sun on March 26, 1676.

Back to the Viking Heimdal

Viking Heimdal

We had a light snack while hoofing about Arles, because we knew that lunch aboard the ship was going to be another great meal! The tour bus returned us to the ship for lunch, and we decided to not take the optional afternoon tour to St. Remy and instead hung out and worked on further jet-lag removal (AKA "nap").

Some Useful Links for Arles

Just Traveling Thru European Travel Tips
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Arles History on the 'Britannica' Site
Things to see & do see in Arles on the 'Crazy Tourist' Site
The Top 10 Things To Do And See In Arles on the 'Culture Trip' site
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Wikipedia Article for Arles
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The creation of some portions of this page's narrative text were assisted by OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT [Large language model].

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