Arles is a town that almost everyone feels as if they already know and love it. Used as inspiration for a great number of Vincent Van Gogh’s most popular masterpieces, Arles boasts breath-taking winding streets and cobbled squares with quaint painted house fronts and an atmosphere of true French authenticity. Your Campanile Arles Hotel is only one kilometre from the very centre of Arles, making it the perfect base from which to explore this exceptionally beautiful area. Arles was originally a Celtic settlement as far back in time as the Bronze Age, before being taken over by Romans.

Arles was once a more important port than Marseille , a favourite haunt of Julius Caesar himself. This longstanding history of victory and grandeur has characterized its modern day atmosphere and charm; the city still boasts a 12,000-seat theatre and 20,000-seat amphitheatre that continue to stage events such as bullfighting to this day. With only a 50,000-strong population but a metropolitan area seven times that of Paris , this is a city steeped in heritage but without the hustle and bustle of the country’s capital city.

A two-day break
With only two days in Arles, you’ll need to act quickly to soak up all that the city has to offer. We recommend a trip to the Musée de l’Arles et de la Provence Antique, a unique depiction of Roman Arles that allows you to trace the regions ancient history from 2500 BC to 600 AD. Statues, artefacts and other relics are well-organised and well-presented in this beautiful snippet of ancient French history. For an impression of French food as well as its history, stop off at the Saturday morning market. This market – selling traditional Provencal foods as well as crafts and other objects – lines the whole length of the main street. We can guarantee you will find some delectable treats both for loved ones and to sneak home for yourself. 

A week-long stay
With a little more time on your hands, all manner of Provencal treats and experiences open their doors to you. As the city is world famous for its art and, most importantly, its artists, Arles offers much in the way of discovering all about Vincent Van Gogh and his works. La Chambre de Vincent, for example, is a life-size diorama of Van Gogh’s real bedroom (which was destroyed during World War Two). Painstakingly recreated, this is an unmissable opportunity. If you’re hungry for even more of Van Gogh, your nearest Tourist Information Office can supply you with an English-language brochure by which you can take a self-guided walking trail about the city and see the spots where the artist would have set up his easel. With a week break, it is worth hiring a car to discover some of the towns and cities nearby such as Nimes and Avignon. 

A Family break
Lucky for lovers of the outdoors and families with children who need to let off steam, Arles straddles two magnificent natural parks – the Parc Regional Naturel de Camargue and the Parc Regional Naturel du Luberon. Whichever you choose to explore, the views and scenes are undeniably breath-taking – giving a perfect impression of France’s green space. After a day’s exploration, why not take the kids to the famous restaurant Aux Petits Singes ? Specially designed for children from the seating to the menus, this is an excellent treat for any petit singe (any little monkey !).

Transport
Nimes airport is only 20km from the city of Arles, but unfortunately there is no public transport linking them, so taxi or car hire would be necessary. Luckily there are plenty of alternative travel options for those wishing to visit Arles. Long-haul international bus company Eurolines is one option, and there is also a train station regularly served by trains from major French destinations such as Nimes, Montpellier, Marseille and Avignon. For those travelling in from the UK, why not catch the Eurostar and hop on a connecting train ? Once in the city much of the sights and activities are within easy reach on foot or by bus. Your Campanile Arles hotel makes sure you are close to all the action.

Gastronomy
Provencal cuisine is a delicate and delectable mix of traditional French and Mediterranean ingredients. Vegetables are a prominent ingredient in most Provencal cooking, with fresh local ingredients such as tomatoes, aubergine, onions and asparagus enjoyed both raw in salads and cooked in stews or bakes. Fruit is the most commonly enjoyed desert, and what a refreshing treat after a long day of exploration in the beautiful sunshine. 

Events 
In terms of events in Arles, the city is most famous for its International Photography Festival. This festival has been running for years and has become part of the cultural heritage of Arles. Photographers can exhibit their work in this three-month extravaganza and gain exposure to literally thousands of people (estimated attendees for 2011 were 84,000.) Collectors, curators, publishers, photographers and curious tourists are all welcome to sample some of the best photography from around the globe in this beautiful southern French setting.

Interesting Fact
Did you know that Arles was home to the world’s oldest woman ? According to the Guinness Book of Records, Jeanne Calmert lived to be 121 and died in Arles in 1997. Whether it was due to the nutritious Provencal cuisine, it’s impossible to say, but a holiday in Arles is certainly rejuvenating. 

Useful links
http://www.seeprovence.com/