European tour - Provence, France

2023-05-16

Arles is located in southeast of France, at mouth of Rhone Delta, 72 km northwest of Marseille, and belongs to Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region at mouth of Rhone. Arles became a settled city of retired soldiers under rule of Julius Caesar in Ancient Roman Empire. It was known as "Little Rome of Gauls" and then became an important religious center in the early days of Christianity.

The Arena of Arles is an ancient Roman amphitheater, one of oldest arenas in France. Located in heart of Arles, arena can accommodate over 20,000 people at a time. This is only place in France where you can see bullfighting. Every summer there are theater festivals and concerts.

Arles is also known as city of Van Gogh. Although Van Gogh lived to be only 37 years old, he produced countless famous paintings in his lifetime. In February 1888, Vincent van Gogh got tired of noise and hypocrisy of Parisian art circle and went south to Arles. Abundant sun, magnificent farmlands and fresh air of south of France seem to have allowed Van Gogh to find a new source of creativity. Arles also inspired artist with its unique charm. Van Gogh's brightest creative peak came during time spent here, he left Arles and world over 300 masterpieces of art.

Van Gogh's masterpiece "Open Air Cafe at Night", bright stars twinkle in night sky, lanterns are lit in street, and cafe, decorated in bright yellow, looks even more dazzling under light, and outdoor coffee under eaves So formed pavilion.

Cafe prototype

The cafe has now also been rebuilt after Van Gogh paintings and renamed "Van Gogh's Cafe". This cafe attracts thousands of tourists every year to learn about the history of Van Gogh's famous paintings.

The famous "Sunflower" was created here.

The Yellow House is located in house where Van Gogh lived for some time and, interestingly, painter Paul Gauguin used to live for some time. The house was damaged during World War II and was later demolished. The house on left was to be reconstructed from painting.

Located in south of France, Avignon was seat of Pope in 14th century. In square below Gothic building, Petit Palais and Roman cathedral of clergy of Notre Dame form an exceptional group of monuments that highlight important role of Avignon in Christianized Europe in 14th century.

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Meursault is a famous white wine region located in Burgundy. Here are collected hundreds of vineyards, area of which is 440 hectares. The wines produced here are sold in renowned restaurants around world. Although red wine is legally allowed in region, 95% of wine produced here is white.