Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ROMAN ARLES
One of the region's most charming old towns, Arles was originally founded
by Greek traders but soon gained favour with Caesar and his successors and
flourished into one of the most important provincial cities of the Roman
Empire. Like many cities of the era, it was built to resemble a miniature ver-
sion of Rome. Scattered around the narrow streets are relics of a lost em-
pire, complete with the 4th-century remains of an emperor's palace, the
remnants of a Roman circus and an arena where gladiatorial contests were
staged, but all this gives only a hint of the town's wealth in Roman times.
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1. LES ARENES
One of the most spectacular Roman relics in Provence, this well-preserved arena
has two floors of arches and seats for 12,000 spectators.
Les Arènes • rondpoint
des Arènes • Open daily. Mar-Oct: 9am-6pm (to 7pm May-Sep); Nov-Feb:
10am-5pm; Closed 1 Jan, 1 May, 1 Nov, 25 Dec • Adm €6
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2. MUSEE DEPARTEMENTAL ARLES ANTIQUE
The finest collection of Roman sculpture in Provence. Highlights include a marble
statue of Emperor Augustus, a statue of Venus and a massive Altar of Apollo.
Musée Départemental Arles Antique • ave 1ère Division France Libre • Open
10am-6pm Wed-Mon; Closed as Les Arènes • Adm €8
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3. THEATRE ANTIQUE
All that remains of the Roman theatre - once the hub of Arles - are these two grace-
ful columns, nicknamed the “two widows”.
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