Approximately 35km north along the N106 is the town of Arles. Dubbed the ‘soul of Provence’, Arles is perhaps most famous for being the one-time home of Vincent van Gogh who moved here in 1888 and from where he painted some of his most renowned works of art.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Arles is also well known for its Roman attractions and is commonly referred to as the ‘little Rome of the Gauls’ after Julius Caesar established a Roman Colony here in 46 B.C.

For an easy-to-follow route around town, simply take the designated UNESCO World Heritage Trail, which takes you past all of the major sites. Along the way you will discover the first century Les Arenes d’Arles (Roman Ampthitheatre), which is arguably the most formidable of all and is of course, the subject of Van Gogh’s famous “Les Arenes” painting of 1888.

Famously painted by Gauguin, the Roman necropolis Les Alyscamps - a continuous avenue of ancient tombs and mausoleums - demonstrates Arles’ unbroken link with its past.  Originally designed as a burial ground for well-off Romans, the site was also used by later Christians, becoming a highly sought-after resting place in the Middle Ages.

The town’s notable history is also celebrated by the many excellent museums in the locality. Of these, visit la Musee D’Arles et de la Provence Antiques, which includes model replicas of Roman buildings, genuine Roman household items as well as some impressive pagan and early Christian sarcophagus’.

Arles’s 12th century cathedral (St. Trophine) is also an important calling point, thanks to its famous entrance marked by an incredible stone-carved Bible, archaic cloisters and ornate, decorated interior.