"Great Roman Center" Arles by rexvaughan

Arles Travel Guide: 292 reviews and 789 photos

View of Arles from the Amphitheatre - Arles

Another breathtaking old city

Arles made the smart choice in the struggles of the first century by backing Julius Ceasar in his defeat of Marseille. They then became an important port city and center for Roman commerce. There are still some amazing sights from that period including the Amphitheatre from which I took this photo. That is, of course, the Rhone in the background. I had trouble with the terminology as there is an ancient theatre called "Theatre Antique" and this "Amphitheatre" which I would call an arena or colloseum. Both are well worth a visit.

"Spaghetti Street Plan"

You can't get lost

One travel book (Rick Steves) uses this term to describe the streets of Arles. They are quite narrow and twisting. However, there are ample signs directing you to the major sights and hotels and part of the charm of the city is wandering the old, but now bustling streets.

Great view for a break

Coffee & pastry break

I love sidewalk cafes even back home in Decatur, but we don't have any with a view of a 2000 year old arena. There are lots of little shops and cafes along the street beside the Amphitheatre which are great for shopping or a good cup of coffee. We pace ourselves with morning coffee and pastries and afternoon beer or wine and snacks and this is a great place for both!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Great architecture and good museums
In a nutshell:Charm and history

Last visit to Arles: Oct 2002
Intro Written Aug 4, 2004
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Reviews (8)

St. Trophime Cloister sculpture Things to Do (7)

This is one of the most interesting and attractive cloisters I have seen. This figure almost seems to breathe and is a... more travel advice

One of the best cloisters around Things to Do (7)

This cloisster is a lovely example of 12th Century Romanesque columns as well as 14th Century gothic columns. Walk... more travel advice

St. Trophime Church Things to Do (7)

What an entrance into this 12th Century church! As usual the stone reliefs tell the story in pictures. Above is Christ... more travel advice

Just 2 columns left Things to Do (7)

These two Corinthian columns are the only one left of the original theatre. However I think they lend great character to... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Trains, trams and feet

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Comments (7)

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nicolaitan May 25, 2007 at 6:21 AM

Avignon and Arles - these are the kind of cities I love. Your tips and photos are so enticing. Re arches - I learned somewhere they are stronger and support better than just stones one on top of the other. Interesting thought. N.
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olja1234 Feb 24, 2005 at 2:14 PM

Beautiful photos and tips of Arles. Looks like an interesting place. Txs.
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Djinn76 Feb 10, 2005 at 12:41 PM

I love the picture with the Rhone in the background!! Worst thing is that I've visited the city when I was a kid and now your pictures barely ring any bell :( well, I guess I'll have to go back!!
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JetlagCity Nov 24, 2004 at 8:40 PM

Indeed, it seems like we can't manage to build anything now that won't start falling apart after 10 yrs, let alone 2000 yrs! Arles looks wonderful!
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rwlittle Sep 26, 2004 at 9:49 PM

Arles is a great place, and we hope to return some day! Thx for the photos and tips!
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Bwana_Brown Aug 28, 2004 at 5:32 PM

An excellent page with beautiful photos and great commentary! Yes, a good point - how come the things the Romans built are still here and ours are rotting away as we look at them?!
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sue_stone Aug 16, 2004 at 2:02 PM

I have heard so many great things about Arles - gotta get there one day! : o)