Arles, Provence: Where Rome Meets Van Gogh 🏛️🎨

Nestled in southern France (72km NW of Marseille), Arles (pop. 50,000) is a living museum of Roman heritage and Van Gogh’s inspiration. Founded as a Roman veterans' colony in 46 BC, it earned the nickname "Little Rome of Gaul" with its UNESCO-listed arena (1st century AD), Saint-Trophime Church, and charming Provençal lanes. ✨ Quick Tips: Must-see: The Roman Arena (small but mighty!) and Théâtre Antique 🏟️🎭 Hidden gem: Alyscamps necropolis—a spooky-cool ancient cemetery ⚰️ Van Gogh spots: Stand where he painted "Starry Night Over the Rhône" 🌌 Pass hack: The €19 monuments pass covers 6 UNESCO sites 📜 Time it right: Summer = longer hours + festivals 🎪 Though compact (yes, the arena’s smaller than Rome’s!), Arles packs 2,000 years of drama—from gladiators to Gauguin. Don’t miss the Saturday market for lavender and olives! 🌿🧺 #WorldHeritage #Provence #TravelFrance #VanGoghTrail #HiddenGems 🗺️🇫🇷