AOW'S GUIDE TO ARLES
Arles, a small southern city in Provence just a few hours by train from Paris, is another place I go to again and again, particularly for the internationally renowned Les Rencontres d’Arles Photo Festival. But when there, there is plenty more to discover, from amazing eats to artisan shops and quaint villages all around. This is a lovely side trip when cruising through Provence.
Arles is most often known as home to the Arles Amphitheater, a Roman arena dating to the 1st century, and for its connection to Vincent van Gogh, who produced over 200 works here. Also, a town that holds on to traditional Provençal life while attracting a young, creative community of artists, keeping the city full, creative, and alive. This is thanks to Arles, the photo festival, which is a must-see exhibition if you love photography, which happens once a year.
The light in Arles is beautiful too, which I think is what keeps pulling those artists back. When you go, you will know.
Here are some of my fave addresses, skipping what is in most guides.