Ancient Arles

Saturday 26th April 

Today we have had a lovely day out in Arles. The same sort of distance away as Avignon and les Baux de Provence, but a much easier drive. And the weather was finally pleasant without the cold wind.

Streets of Arles.

Our first aim was the amphitheatre. This was built in 1st century AD and is still in use for bull fights. (Yeah, nah!) The romans certainly know how to build stuff that lasts. Interestingly many of our arenas seem to use the same sort of plan eg marvel stadium in Melbourne. On to the ancient theatre. This was even older - 12 century BC. It's amazing to sit there on the 'seats' and wonder how many other bums have sat here, and how many other feet have climbed the steps and worn them away.

The ancient theatre- 12 century BC.

View from the top of the amphitheatre (arena).

Kerry and I tried to eavesdrop on the tour guide with the group of Americans next to us.

Odette at the arena.

Rob climbed to the top of the arena - far right in red shirt.

Arles was a village where van Gogh lived and did a lot of his paintings. Rob was keen to walk around the town last time we were here but we were a bit time poor then, but this visit he did the walk and visited some of Van Gogh's sites. Kerry and I just wandered some of the village streets and lane ways, checking out the shops, and enjoying the village feel. 

Found the Cafe Van Gogh.

A contrast - this very modern building in Arles.

Interesting sculpture - I've searched online and can't find anything about it.

Inside Saint-Trophime Church in Arles.

Arles market.

River cruise boat on Rhone River.

The Santiago de Compostela walk passes through Arles. 

Forum square - lots of people dining out and enjoying the sun.

It's market day. One of Rob's favourite things to do is browse the local markets. This market was food and the usual soaps, clothes, leather goods, hats, bags. Very crowded market and we only bought some strawberries and Chinese food for lunches. 

Arles is also on the Rhone River (as is Avignon). We only saw one river cruise ship in town. Arles was certainly not as crowded with tourists as Avignon - made for a much more enjoyable day. I'm certainly not busting to go back to Avignon. 

Saint-Trophine Church.