On Wednesday we visited Arles, a colorful city in Provence that was important to the Romans back in 123 B.C. and then later to Vincent Van Gogh in the late 1880s.

Today Arles is famed for its Roman arena – smaller but as well-preserved (or better) than the Colosseum in Rome.  

We started our trip to Arles with a stroll through their market, then checked out the arena. Once inside the arena, it was easy to picture gladiators battling it out in front of a raucous Roman crowd. They still use the arena today for events, including bull fighting.

  
 

  

  

       

After touring the arena, an ice cream break was needed before learning more about Van Gogh’s time in Arles.

Van Gogh moved to Arles in 1888 for some serious inspiration. Over the course of a year, he painted 300 pieces including many of his most famous paintings (Starry Night and Sunflowers to name a few). Unfortunately, Van Gogh’s stay in Arles also drove him to madness as this was the town in which he famously cut off part of his left ear. 

Arles commemorates Van Gogh’s stay with little “easels” throughout the town that showcase his works and the scenery that inspired them. 

While the sights of Arles may not have made a lasting impression on Lizzie, she did enjoy a quick break in the park to “wrestle” with Mommy and Daddy!

   

  

  

 

We ended our day with a stop in Saint Remy to visit a local chocolatier that inspired my Sissy during her travels abroad 10 years ago. And we couldn’t leave without a ride on the carousel for Lizzie!