Tourist information:
Arles, labelled "City of Art and History" in 1986 is a diverse city, both historical and modern. During its early years, Arles was Greek. It became Roman in 46 BC when Emperor Caesar decided to install the veterans of the legion. During the Middle Ages, the population concentrated in the current city center around the arena, which became the stronghold of the city.
In the eighteenth century, the city experienced a rich period from which we can still admire today some very beautiful mansions. In the nineteenth century, the city as we know it today was built, made out of the ground of the ancient ruins and the restoration started. All these monuments (one hundred) have subsequently been classified as World Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 1981.
Today, Arles is an active city, which enjoys its tourism potential. Indeed, it is ideally placed on the edge of the river Rhone, in the center of three renowned tourist regions the Camargue region of the Alpilles and Crau.
The Roman amphitheater is a must when visiting Arles. Built around 80 BC, he could at that time accommodate up to 10,000 spectators. In the Middle Ages, it became a real fortress in its midst and greeted the people who took refuge there. There were then 200 houses and two churches. In the nineteenth century, the Arles arena were restored and resumed their original role: hosting bullfights.
For lovers of ancient history, the Museum of Arles and Antique Provence will be an exciting tour. Built on the site of the ancient Roman circus, it houses archaeological collections of the city.
