Arles Off The Beaten Path

1 more image

You can stay at a dude ranch in the Camargue or at any of several places emphasizing horse riding. As part of an Elderhostel group spending a week in Arles, we went one afternoon to see the activities at the Domaine de Mejanes. We were treated to riding exhibition of the domesticated ponies of the region as well as to roping, calf-tying and finally to the branding.

The famous French writer Alphonse Daudet was born in Nimes and when successful bought a farm beyond the town of Fontvieille next to a mill which was still in use. This inspired him to write a series of local tales about the decay of rural life in Provence. These were written in Paris in 1865 and published four years later. Today there is a museum in the mill which has been restored. Two km beyond this site are extensive parts of a Roman mill and sections of an aqueduct (we have no pictures).

4 more images

East of St. Remy and just beyond the village of Eygalieres, on the plain just north of the Alpilles. stands the Chapel of St. Sixte (Sixtus). It is on D24B and was built in the 12C. We came upon it while driving toward St. Remy from Aix and Orgon. It sits next to an olive grove , while beyond it are rough white stones fields forming white hills and rocky outcrops.

We believe that every one who visits this part of Provence should try to go to the Pont du Gard, which we feel is one of greatest views in the world. On our second visit we arrived from Arles, then driving oward to Avignon. On this trip the town of Remoulins had put up barriers and there were unpaved parking areas with a fee. Up river there were two camp grounds and there were a few canoes paddling in the upper waters. We could still climb freely upon the bridge.

Tarascon is on the east bank of the Rhone, ten miles north of Arles. It has a fine castle with a tower at each corner. This version of the building was built by Louis II of Anjou in 1400 and finished by his son in 1435. It was the next owner, Good King Rene who enjoyed it and further improved it. This is also the site at which Ste. Martha died, but only after she tamed a Dragon, the "Tarasque", which is celebrated each year at the end of June. Tarascon is also famous for Daudet's hero Tartarin de Tarascon.

4 more images

The Musee de l'Arles Antique is at the south edge of Arles next to the main road. It was opened in 1995 and combines works previously shown in two museums previously housed in no longer used 17C churches near the Pl. de la Republique. It can be quickly reached by taking a local bus for a five minute trip from the Pl. des Lices. The interior contains both collections , many more works and models that make the real treasures more understandable.

4 more images

Its located 60 km meters south of Arles and the area is known for the white horses (not wild but free). The city also offer beautiful sand beeches. Its a small city and interesting shops and restaurants. There is a church with interesting design and a kind of soothing music is being played.

Think of a cluster of Roman ruins situated in the middle of a Van Gogh painting.

Just outside (1 mile south) St. Remy and almost across the road from a hospital where Van Gogh attempted to convalesce, sit the ruins of the Roman city of Glanum. Approx. 2000 years old, many of the sites in Glanum are very well preserved and documented.

The area around Glanum is very beautiful and inspirational. This is a side/day-trip from Arles that is well spent. Anyone interested or fascinated by ancient history and Caesar's conquest of Gaul will love Glanum, Orange, Arles and Nimes.
Here (click below) is some good info:
Roman City of Glanum