Friday morning, awake early, I listened to the rain falling outside and hoped that it would clear. I was looking forward to the afternoon in Arles… lunching and exploring this Roman beauty with Heather. Heather writes the wonderful blog, Lost In Arles and the thought of spending time with her and seeing a place that I love through fresh eyes was an exciting prospect.
Provence smiled for me and by the time I reached Arles the sun was shining and any thoughts of grey clouds and inclement weather had disappeared. Heather is fabulous company… gorgeous, intelligent, charming and so knowledgeable about Arles… Her passion for architecture is infectious and as we strolled the small cobbled streets she recounted the history of many of the houses and buildings on our walk. That was my joy on Friday… to walk… I know Arles.. it’s a regular stop for me… I frequent the Saturday morning market regularly… I visit the Roman ruins and the museums often… but I rarely have time to meander through the lesser known streets and to absorb the smaller details. Arles, like many French towns, is full of secrets… hidden courtyards, beautiful statuary and architectural details that are a celebration of past life. It’s all about knowing where to look… ‘eye spy’ without the guesswork.
Arles is a tourist town… it’s crowded and popular yet once you leave Les Arénes or the Place Forum it’s almost deserted… just Arlesians going about their day to day life.
Sometimes I think the best discoveries and the most memorable are the least well known… xv
When in Arles
Les Alyscamps… if Roman ruins are your thing… a little away from the centre but fascinating and worth the walk.
Avenue des Alyscamps, 13200 Arles
feeling hungry
Le Galoubet… off the beaten path and deliciously simple… inside or outside, the ambience is adorable.
18, rue de Docteur Fanton, 13200 Arles
+33 90) 4 90 93 18 11
Hotel Nord Pinus… superb decor and a not to be missed bar and dining room.
14, Place du Forum, 13200 Arles
+33 (0) 4 90 33 44 44
Jean Luc Rabanel’s Atelier or try one of his more casual restaurants next door… Iode or A’Cote
7, rue des Carmes, 13200 Arles
+33 4 (0) 90 91 07 69
