Arles, the largest municipality in France with 75,000 hectares, is the city with the most Roman monuments… after Rome. It has been inscribed on the World Heritage List since 1981. Populated by 50,500 inhabitants, it is surrounded by exceptional natural spaces: the banks of the Rhône, the plain of the Crau, the Camargue and the Alpilles. And this summer, in addition to enjoying the summer pleasures of the region, going to Arles will be an opportunity to attend the 50 th edition of the «Rencontres d 'Arles», a world famous contemporary photography festival.
Metropole of Roman Gaul
The one that once was metropolis of Roman Gaul is not greedy in breathtaking visits. First, direction the Arenas, visibly inspired by the Coliseum of Rome, which made Arles proud for almost four centuries. This temple of games could host up to 21,000 people, eager to admire the fights to death of gladiators or the reconstructions of hunting scenes. At the fall of the Empire, the arenas transformed into fortress with the construction of four towers, nearly two hundred houses and even two chapels. Finally, at the initiative of the writer Prosper Mérimée, this unique place is classified as a historic monument in 1840. Its primary vocation, the hosting of great shows, is still topical: The Roman games of the Ier century leave room for organized bullfights at the two annual holidays.
Then you have to visit the Antique Theater just across the street. It dates from the I century BC and is of Augusteen style. It is part of a large urbanization project with two other constructions: the Arc du Rhône and the Forum. It deploys over 102 meters in diameter and consisted of 33 rows of stands, many of which have disappeared. Its exterior enclosure possessed 3 rows of arcades richly decorated with monumental statues, including the statue of Augustus preserved at the antiquic Arles and Provence Museum and the Venus d 'Arles which is in the Louvre museum. Fortified in the Middle Ages, witness La Tour de Roland, he sees the development of parasitic houses as well as the Jesuit College and a convent of the sisters of mercy. Looted for its materials, it is rediscovered only in the xviie, but the real excavations begin only in 1828. Completely restored, the site is much more functional and offers new attractions: Summer, Tuesday and Thursday morning, Roman games demonstrations, very nice for children. And always the hosting of many festivals such as the International Meetings of Photography, the Suds Music Festival or the film Péplum.
Finally, the thermes of Constantin must not be missed. Dating back to the fourth century at the time the Emperor Constantine resided in the ancient Arelate, these thermes are only partially released. Particularly noteworthy is the hot water room, caldarium, and its underground furnace, the hypocaust. Many other rooms, buried under the surrounding houses, surely remain to be discovered. A further proof of the importance of the city to the Romans…
Balade in Camargue
After enjoying the shadows of the shadows of the Boulevard des Lices, you will discover the surroundings. And, once in the corner, how can you not go to taurine land? Because leaving to Arles, as much go to discover the Camargue, this landscape of water and land beaten by the hooves. What a unique experience to venture into these panoramas that change according to the winds, the sea and the rivers! And as the water tries to take the step on the land, this struggle of the elements makes up raw tables that are breathtaking.
This nature, surrounded by man, is also the scene of wild fauna, protected at Camargue's regional natural park. Over 86,000 hectares have been developed to preserve and observe this ecosystem. Shared between hundreds of mansions, they make the country proud. And here it is the bull who reigns supreme! Some would dare to defy her vitous look and smoking nostrils… but he shares the star with the horse that assures him a "diplomatic" link with men. Whether he proudly wears the guards or ducks without restraint, the robust white horse embodies the ruination, power and flirtation of the country. Black bulls, white horses: There would be a few pink touches… And then the flamants, the funny pink frogs mounted on two clips, are drawn into the distance, in these swamps over the years a ornithological reserve.
Arles Encounters, live contemporary photography!
Through more than sixty exhibitions located in various exceptional heritage places of the city (sometimes accessible only on this occasion), the Arles Encounters contribute each summer since 1970 to transmit the world's photographic heritage and want to be the crucible of contemporary creation. But the Arles Encounters are also projections at the Antique Theater, conferences and discussions with artists and the possibility to practice photography in the framework of internships. In 2019, Arles will celebrate the 50 th edition of its Encounters and invite the same occasion «to a space-temporal experience, to a journey through eras, sideways and staggering.» " Once again, beautiful discoveries will be made all summer. " An unfailing event if you're around!
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When is it? We can go to Arles all year round, even though from May to late September, life is more beautiful under the sun! And, above all, to attend the 50 th edition of the «Rencontres d 'Arles», visit the Vienna city between July 1 and 22 September 2019.
Go there. Everything is possible. By plane (via Marseille, Montpellier, Avignon or Nîmes), by train or by car.
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