Provence

Arles a provence city of art and history with many UNESCO sites.

Arles detailed map and regional map, Google Map.

Arles (52,000 residents) is located in the Provence region, and sits on a low hill where the Rhône river divides itself in two arms forming the Camargue delta. The commune is the largest in France, consisting of about 170,000 acres.  It is perhaps most famous outside of France for inspiring Van Gogh, the legendary Dutch impressionist, who painted over 200 works of art in Arles including the much loved "Sunflowers' and 'Starry Night Cafe'.

Iris in an Arles Garden

On the Bridge of Avignon; We Dance There!

Provence Avignon bridge

Avignon detailed map and regional map, Google Map.

Avignon, Past and Present

Avignon is considered one of the most ancient towns in Europe. Artifacts from the Cardial period (3000 BC) attest to it's ancient past. Since the Neolithic period (2000 BC) large groups have lived at Avignon's current location. Amongst the remarkable pieces are the steles with human characteristics, part of the Megalithic current (e.g. small, human-faced Stonehenges). Also remarkable are the little engraved suns that reflect the already growing artist aspirations of Avignon.

From this period on, Avignon becomes one of the main cities of Europe; one of the 80 cities of the Roman Empire with its own money.

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