“Mom, is this the Colosseum?” It was a Saturday in August when we arrived at the amphitheater in Arles. If a bullfight hadn’t been scheduled, we wouldn’t have been able to enter this well-preserved, 20,000-seat venue. Bullfights aside, the Amphitheater of Arles is open every day, and entry costs just 6 euros.
It’s a fantastic destination and an ideal place to spend a few nights in the ancient city of Arles. Originally a Celtic village colonized by the Greeks, Arles became Roman under Julius Caesar in 46 BC, when the VI legion of veterans settled there. The city is steeped in history and boasts many major attractions, including seven UNESCO-protected monuments right in its center.
Since we’re in Provence, seeing the blooming lavender is a must for any traveler. The colors, scents, and unique atmosphere make this part of southern France truly special.
Not far from Arles is the charming medieval village of Les Baux, which I highly recommend visiting, if only for the Carrières de Lumières show. For those who love technology, the Tracker Monument App is handy when traveling without a guidebook, though it should be used moderately, as it might be slow to download on a smartphone.
By Ina K