Art and History in Arles, Provence

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For those of you looking for another reason to vacation in Provence–as if you needed any more–or something to do with an extra day, I humbly suggest visiting Arles. You will find the ancient Roman architecture and charming avenues and vacation rentals as inspirational as Van Gogh did, and the traditional bull fights–while not for everyone–will certainly excite even the most jaded spectator.

But Arles’ should be noted for its museums as well as outdoor attractions. There are three major collections in Arles, all worth visiting. Of course there is a fine arts museum exhibiting works by Picasso, Zadkine, Alechinsky and Jacques Réattu, a revolutionary era painter. There is also a very well stocked archaeological museum and a on hundred year old ethnological museum exhibiting the local costumes and artifacts of life through the ages in Provence.

If you tire of the city and its warmth you can make an excursion to the Alps, which border Provence in the east, or to the Rhone river in the west for a little cooler weather and a natural setting, or you can retire to your rented villa–absolutely the best way to be in the heart of it and still retain your privacy–to relax and take in the day.