Located in the south of France, Arles is one of the most interesting cities in Provence. It was made the second capital of Rome in 306 AD by Constantine the Great, and it has some of the best preserved Roman sites outside of Italy. Arles is also a must visit for fans of Vincent van Gogh, who did some of his most compelling work here.

Travelers appreciate the charming plaza, sidewalk cafes, good restaurants, and hotels. Plus, if you stay in the historic center of town, you can walk to almost everything. Read more…

Arles has something for everyone. Well-preserved ancient architecture, a rich artistic heritage, and plenty of charming restaurants and squares. And Arles hotels make it easy to explore the compact city on foot.

If the surrounding landscape looks familiar, it’s because it’s little changed since van Gogh painted it around 1881. You can see drawings by Picasso, and work by other Provencal artists at the Musee Reattu. And visit Espace van Gogh, the hospital where he was treated. It now contains a small van Gogh museum.

There’s a colorful market on Wednesdays in Boulevard Emile Combes and Saturdays on Boulevard des Lices. It’s a good place to pick up cheese, wine, and other picnic supplies. Read more…