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Art, Food, and History: A Journey Through Les Rencontres d'Arles
Nestled in the heart of southern France, Arles is a vibrant coastal commune that has become a must-visit destination for visual storytellers. This summer, the town is buzzing with the annual Les Rencontres d'Arles photography festival, running until early October 5.
The festival offers a rich fusion of cutting-edge photography exhibitions and the city’s profound historical and artistic heritage, especially linked to the legacy of Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin.
Festival Highlights
One of the top highlights is Nan Goldin's "Stendhal Syndrome" at Église Saint-Blaise. This European debut of a new slideshow pairs Goldin's intimate photographs with classical artworks, offering a powerful, diaristic experience blending life and high art. Another must-see is the Discovery Award Exhibition at Monoprix, showcasing emerging photographers addressing urgent social and political issues.
Van Gogh and Arles Historic Sites
Visitors can step into the world of Van Gogh by visiting The Yellow House (Place Lamartine), the site of his shared residence with Gauguin, now marked by a plaque. Nearby, the railroad tracks seen in many of his paintings are still present. The café terrace at Café Van Gogh (Place du Forum) invites visitors to experience the scene immortalized in Van Gogh’s famous painting.
Other notable sites include The Old Hospital Courtyard (Espace Van Gogh), where Van Gogh was treated post-breakdown, and the Rhône Riverbank, where he painted "Starry Night Over the Rhône." The Alyscamps Necropolis, an ancient Roman site painted by Van Gogh and Gauguin, offers a serene environment to appreciate the artists’ inspiration.
Arles Beyond Les Rencontres
In addition to the festival, Arles boasts a variety of cultural attractions. The Fondation Vincent Van Gogh Arles keeps the legacy of Vincent Van Gogh alive through a rotating program of solo and collective shows. Arles was originally founded by the Greeks and became a Roman settlement in 46 BC under Emperor Julius Caesar. Today, the Roman Amphitheatre is a must-see historical site, and local markets provide a vibrant taste of Provençal culture and crafts.
Dining in Arles
Arles is also home to a plethora of culinary delights. Inari, a restaurant designed by Philippe Parreno, offers a heartwarming, intimate dining experience that bridges the gap between Provence and Vietnam. Lee Ufan Arles, an arts center housed in a private mansion, showcases a poetic dialogue between the production of Michelangelo Pistoletto and Lee Ufan.
La Chassagnette, a Michelin-starred restaurant in the Camargue Regional Nature Park, offers vegetarian-focused menus with a focus on packing the flavors of its surrounding nature into worldly inspired dishes. For a more casual dining experience, Chardon, a bistro and wine bar, offers three-course set lunch and dinner menus crafted by a rotating cohort of chefs in residence.
Visiting Les Rencontres d'Arles offers an unforgettable journey through art, history, and culture. Whether you're a photography enthusiast, a food lover, or a history buff, there's something for everyone in this charming town.
[1] Les Rencontres d'Arles Official Website [2] Official Tourism Website of Arles [3] Les Rencontres d'Arles 2025 Programme [4] Fondation Vincent Van Gogh Arles
- The rustic charm of Arles is elevated by its vibrant lifestyle, with colorful tiles adorning the flooring of some buildings, adding a touch of texture to the decor.
- Art enthusiasts can find trendy yet rustic furniture in local boutiques, which perfectly blends with the town's historical architecture.
- Travellers can delight in the fusion of food-and-drink options, from heartwarming Vietnamese meals at Inari to the Provençal delights at Chardon.
- Besides Les Rencontres d'Arles, the town's lifestyle extends to various cultural attractions, such as the Fondation Vincent Van Gogh Arles and the Roman Amphitheatre.
- After a day of exploration, visitors can unwind at La Chassagnette, a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a tranquil environment with a star-studded decor.
- To fully immerse in the arts, travelers can plan their visit to coincide with the Les Rencontres d'Arles 2025 Programme.
