Arles

I have already made posts on Arles (last year…), especially referring to its long history (Greek, Roman…), to Vincent van Gogh… , but as this was the last place visited during the summer holidays and to make a complete report, before returning to my normal Paris posts, here is a bit more.

It’s logical that Arles offers a - modern - museum to cover its long history. Since recently the museum proposes a collection of what the last years have been discovered in the Rhone River - which crosses the city. The most remarkable find is probably the marble bust of Julius Caesar. Modern techniques allow giving such precise indications that the bust can be dated to 46 BC. It’s supposed to be the only remaining bust of Julius Caesar made during his lifetime.

The Archeological Museum where the bust now is exhibited is situated at the short end of what once was a Roman Circus (see the red arrows). Hardly anything remains of the Circus, contrary to the Roman Arenas, the Theatre, the Baths … still partly there. Among hundreds of statues and other objects exposed at the museum, you may also notice some extremely well preserved mosaic floors.

Arles presents this year for the 41st time its annual International Photography Festival (“Les Rencontres d’Arles”), considered as the world’s most important event on photography. Photos are exhibited in some 30 different spots in the city. Several expositions take place in some old railway workshops which will be further transformed during the next years and to become an International Photo and Image Centre. Frank Gehry is taking care of the architecture. (Photo from the official presentation of the project.)

Some pictures from the Church of Saint Trophime (12th – 15th century). In 1178, the Emperor of the Roman Empire, Frederick Barbarossa, was crowned in the church, then considered as a Cathedral; today just a beautiful parish church.

… and at last some pictures from the city, its inhabitants and visitors.

I wish you a nice weekend!