Arles in a day: a journey through art, history and flavors

Les combats de gladiateurs sont organisés les mardis et jeudis de l’été à 15h, 16h30 et 18h.

Arles, pearl of Provence, is a city that enchants the senses. Between contemporary art, Roman ruins and Provençal traditions, it offers a journey through time and space. But then how to organize your day to discover this exceptional city ?

Spend the morning at the heart of contemporary art at the Van Gogh Foundation

Start your day with an immersion in the artistic universe at the Van Gogh Foundation. The exhibition, designed as a cosmic journey, invites you to stroll through several rooms with contrasting atmospheres. One of the rooms is entirely dedicated to astronomy, a field that deeply fascinated Van Gogh. Here, collectibles, scientific instruments and period documents provide a better understanding of the artist's interest in the stars and the mysteries of the universe. Throughout the visit, the visitor is invited to reflect on universal notions: the cosmos, eternity, lights, spirals…

“Taharqa and the night” #14, dating from 2019 by photographer and videographer Juliette Agnel.

Each work, each room, is an invitation to an inner journey. The exhibition highlights the close links between Van Gogh's work and contemporary art. Works by painters such as Jansson, Carlo Carrà and more abstract creations rub shoulders with the paintings of the Dutch master.
For a total immersion, the exhibition is accompanied by sound drawings by Fritz Hauser. Mariko Mori's private collection, Miracle, further enriches the exhibition. These contemporary works, with their organic shapes and vibrant colours, offer a unique vision of the universe and nature.

35 Rue du Dr Fanton, 13200 Arles, 04 88 65 82 93 / https://www.fondation-vincentvangogh-arles.org/

Continue your morning in the footsteps of the Romans

After this dive into contemporary art, go back in time by visiting the Roman theater. Imagine the grandiose shows that used to take place there. Arles is home to one of the oldest stone Roman theaters in Europe: the ancient theater. Built at the end of the 1st century BC, it bears witness to the grandeur of ancient Rome and its influence on Gaul.

The Arles Theatre is one of the Arles monuments listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The remains of this glorious past are still visible today: The monumental stage, although partially destroyed, gives an idea of ​​the richness of the sets and shows that took place there. The stands, the rows of seats, dug into the mass, offer a breathtaking view of the stage. The galleries and vaulted rooms that supported the stands bear witness to Roman engineering. The Arles theater is one of the Arlesian monuments listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is therefore a site of exceptional universal value.

1 Rue du Cloître, 13200 Arles, 04 90 18 41 20 ​​/ https://www.arlestourisme.com/fr/d%C3%A9tails.html?=Th%C3%A9%C3%A2tre + Antique & ident = 5538494

Watch a gladiator show in the arena

Arles is a veritable gold mine for lovers of Roman history. Its amphitheater, one of the largest and best preserved in the Empire, is a exceptional testimony to the grandeur of Rome. But Arles is not only an open-air museum; it is also a place where history comes to life.
Every Tuesday and Thursday in the summer, the Arles Arena offers a unique spectacle: reenactments of gladiatorial combats. For an hour and a half, visitors are transported to the Roman arena, the time to witness clashes, discover the history of these legendary warriors and interact with the actors. Before each show, a historical and artillery presentation allows you to better understand the context and the stakes of these fights.

The gladiator fights are organized on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the summer at 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
In addition to the gladiatorial spectacles, the Arles amphitheater is a monument in its own right. Built in the 1st century AD, it could accommodate up to 21,000 spectators. Its ingenious architecture, with its circular galleries, passages and staircases, bears witness to the know-how of the Romans. The Arles Arena is one of the eight monuments in the city listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, alongside the Alyscamps, the Baths of Constantine and the ancient theatre.

1 Rdpt des Arènes, 13200 Arles, 04 90 49 36 36 / https://arenes-arles.com/

Eat an ice cream while walking through the gardens summer:

Located in the heart of Arles, the Summer Gardens are a veritable green lung. Laid out in the 19th century, this garden was designed to showcase the recently unearthed ancient theatre. It thus bears witness to the urban evolution of Arles. With its century-old trees, flower beds and fountains, the garden offers a bucolic and soothing setting. Bd des Lices, 13200 Arles / http://www.patrimoine.ville-arles.fr/index.php?obj=edifice&idx=109&quartier=14&site=0

Then head to Le Muséon Arlaten

As soon as you enter, you will be captivated by an immersive video projection that will transport you to the heart of Arles at different times. The images scroll by, tracing the evolution of the city, from its emblematic monuments to its daily life.

The Museon Arlaten, departmental museum of ethnography, has a collection of over 37,000 objects.
The museum houses archaeological collections of great richness. Among the key pieces is the famous Venus of Arles, an ancient statue that testifies to Greek aesthetics. The Warrior of Vachères, another iconic figure, will give you an insight into the life of Roman soldiers.
The venue also highlights the region's linguistic heritage. Explanatory panels, accompanied by photos and audio recordings, will allow you to discover the langue d'oc, a Romance language still spoken in the south of France.

The temporary exhibition is available until September 29.

A temporary exhibition dedicated to pétanque
For lovers of Provençal sport and culture, a temporary exhibition on pétanque is not to be missed. “Aiming right: pétanque and the Provençal game through Hans Silvester's lens” will immerse you in the world of this popular sport. This exhibition, which runs until September 29, 2024, presents photographs taken by Hans Silvester in the 1970s. These images, of great beauty and profound humanity, capture the essence of pétanque and the moments of sharing it generates. Through superb photos, reports and objects, you will discover the history of pétanque, the stages of manufacturing the balls and the most prestigious trophies. 29 Rue de la République, 13200 Arles, 04 13 31 51 99 / https://www.museonarlaten.fr/

Go and taste some Gin

To end your day in style, head to the Bigourdan distillery. Discover the secrets of making artisanal gins and taste original cocktails. You can also find other local products, such as olives or aromatic plants.

The Bigourdan distillery offers a Gin with the flavors of Provence.

Thomas (left) is the founder of the distillery, he works during the summer with William (right) who is a seasonal worker.

The distillation is done in small quantities in a copper still, thus guaranteeing exceptional quality and authentic flavors. The plants used come from local producers, thus offering a gin with aromas typical of Provence. 12 Rue Frédéric Mistral, 13200 Arles, 09 81 42 00 42 / https://bigourdan.com/

Strolling through the streets of Arles

After this busy day, take the time to get lost in the alleys of Arles. Admire the typical architecture of the city, stroll along the banks of the Rhône or sit on a terrace to enjoy a glass of wine. Each alley, each square is a living tableau where Roman heritage, medieval remains and traces of the impressionist Van Gogh mingle. Under your feet, the stones resonate with centuries gone by.

If you stay for a weekend, here are some other ideas for visits: the Baths of Constantine, the tower of the Luma Foundation, the Alyscamps, the cryptoporticos of the Forum, the church and cloister of Saint-Trophime…