Arles

Arles is a Roman and Van Gogh town in the Bouches-du-Rhône department of Provence, about 37 km southwest of Avignon on the Rhône. The TER train from Avignon-Centre takes roughly 20 to 35 minutes and costs about EUR 8-10 (~$9-12), running roughly hourly, which makes rail the best transport; drivers pay about EUR 1.5-2 per hour for parking. The station is a short walk from the old centre, so a car is unnecessary. A good day begins at the Roman Arena (Arènes d'Arles), a first-century amphitheatre still used for events, where the tower climb gives a view over the terracotta roofs. From there the Théâtre Antique and the old streets lead toward the Place de la République and the cathedral cloister. Van Gogh lived in Arles in 1888 and 1889, and the Fondation Vincent van Gogh shows contemporary art in dialogue with his legacy, while signposted sites around town mark places he painted. Lunch can be taken in the old centre at one of the brasseries and cafés on the squares. In the afternoon the Alyscamps, a Roman and medieval avenue of tombs lined with trees, offers a quiet walk on level ground, and the riverside promenade along the Rhône gives a restful end. On Saturday mornings the market on Boulevard des Lices fills the street and is among the best in the region, so planning the trip for a Saturday adds local food shopping and picnic supplies; the market is usually finished by early afternoon. The total walk is light but covers cobbled streets and takes four to six hours. The best months are April to October, though summer can be hot and the arena hosts events that affect access. Return trains to Avignon run into the evening, but the last departure should be checked on SNCF Connect.