Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
• To see paintings by artists inspired by Van Gogh, find the
Fondation Van Gogh
on your
map (should reopen in spring of 2014; described on page
708
). The easels below are
less central, but easily located and worth the effort for Van Gogh fans
.
Bridge Easels:
The
Trinquetaille Bridge
is on the river walkway toward the
Ancient History Museum (the current bridge is a 1951 replacement). Most famous, the
Langlois Drawbridge
is1.5miles southoftown,along aRhône canal (today'sbridge isa
1926 duplicate of the original).
Knocking on Arles' doorstep, this is one of the few truly “wild” areas of France, where
pink flamingos, wild bulls, nasty boars, nastier mosquitoes (in every season but
winter—come prepared), and the famous white horses wander freely through lagoons and
tall grass. It's a
▲▲▲
sight for nature-lovers, but underwhelming for others. While pos-
sible by public transportation, it's ideal by car. The best route to follow is toward
Salin de
Skip the D-36 turnoff to Salin de Giraud (you'll return along this route). After about 10
kilometers (6 miles), consider a stop at the
Camarguais Museum
. Next, continue along
D-570, then turn left on D-37 and follow it as it skirts the Etang de Vaccarès lagoon. The
lagoon itself is off-limits, but this area has views and good opportunities to get out of the
car and smell the marshes (look for viewing stands, but any dirt turnoff works). Turn right
off D-37 onto the tiny road at Villeneuve, following signs for C-134 to La Capelière and
La Fiélouse.
The best part of this drive (particularly in spring) is the next stretch to and around
La Digue de la Mer,
about six scenic miles past La Capelière. At La Digue de la Mer, a
rough dirt road greets travelers; it's time to get out of your car and stroll (though you can
drive on for about three miles to Phare de la Gacholle). This is a critical reproduction area
for flamingos (about 13,000 couples produce 5,000 offspring annually), so it's your best
chance to see groups of mamas and papas up close and personal.
