Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Arles & the Camargue Highlights
Discover Roman Arles (
Click here
)
, trail Van Gogh and enjoy some of
Provence's finest restaurants
Watch rose-pink flamingos at the wondrous bird park, Le Parc Ornitholo-
gique du Pont de Gau (
Click here
)
Spot local flora and fauna from the trails around La Capelière (
Click here
)
and Salin de Badon
Pick a fine restaurant to try in Le Sambuc (
Click here
)
Gallop like the wind on a horse trek at Domaine de la Palissade (
Click here
)
Bike along the edge of the world to a 19th-century lighthouse on the Digue à
la Mer (
Click here
)
Birdwatch on the Étang de Vaccarès (
Click here
)
then dine with lighthouse
keepers at legendary Le Mazet du Vaccarès (
Click here
)
Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims to Stes-Maries de la Mer (
Click here
)
and its hallowed church
Arles
POP 54,088
Roman treasures, sultry stone squares and a festive atmosphere makes Arles a seductive
stepping stone into the Camargue. And if its colourful sun-baked houses evoke a sense of
déjà vu, it's because you've seen them already on a Van Gogh canvas.
Long before the Dutch artist captured starry nights over the Rhône, the Romans had
been won over by the charms of the Greek colony Arelate. In 49 BC Arles' prosperity and
political standing rose meteorically when it backed a winner in Julius Caesar. After Caesar
plundered Marseille, which had supported his rival Pompey the Great, Arles eclipsed
Marseille as the region's major port. Soon its citizens were living the high life with gladi-
ator fights and chariot races in magnificent open-air theatres. Still impressively intact, the
12,000-seat theatre and 20,000-seat amphitheatre now stage events including Arles' fam-
