Day 48 Arles

Arles 

We left home very early on Saturday morning to catch the 09:02 train to Arles. As usual, we walked up to the tram stop across the road from Lidyl and got onto a tram that was fairly empty, so we were quite unprepared for the number of people getting onto the train at Montpellier. 

It was already very full, with people standing in the aisles and hanging on. We squeezed on to join a crush of people and the doors were only just able to close, we were packed in so tight. Barb was very worried that she might have to stand for the whole journey at this rate.

The crush of people on the train - not
unlike the London Underground said John

At the next stop, there were still more people waiting on the platform to get on, but only a few getting off. It's getting ridiculous now! Luckily a seat was freed up and the man in front of us .... a rough but gentlemanly South African offered it to Barb.

When we reached Nimes, the situation became dire. Loads of people waiting on the platform, but few getting off. It was clear they simply were not going to fit!

At this point an announcement was made in rapid French which none of us English-speakers fully understood .... blah blah blah thank you for your understanding. The train didn't leave the station. We waited and waited .... getting hotter and hotter in the stuffy train. Finally Barb asked a lady in front of her to open a window. The young Frenchman sitting beside Barb, after hearing her try to speak French suddenly became friendlier and interpretted the announcement for us. They were bringing some extra carriages to hook up to this train. It delayed us for nearly an hour .... but we got to Arles in the end.

On arrival we immediately headed in the direction of Centre Ville to look for somewhere to have a cup of coffee and try to find an Information Centre.

The old town gates

We walk down some very charming and picturesque streets

One of our reasons for coming - the Arena in the distance 

On the way to the Arena we spot a very cute
cafe hidden behind this greenery. In we go.

Once Barb has had a coffe and rather good
citrus tart .... we feel ready to tackle the Arena

It's a bit like the Arena in Nimes, but less intact

Still very impressive

Obligatory selfie at the Arena

We make it all the way up to roof level

The views over the city from up here are lovely!

It's amazing that these structures are still standing at all!
And how skilful the Romans really were.

We're actually pretty close to the Rhone river from here

We walk on and find this lovely Cathedral in a square

There's a Roman obelisk and a fountain right in front
of the town hall. Barb checks the map

We have a quick visit to the Roman amphitheatre .... still in use today
(as is the Arena) judging by the stage and modern lighting and sound system

Just step around the Roman ruins folks ....

We set off down some back streets and find
some beautiful diversions along the way

These beautiful doorways take Barb's fancy

And this one too .... they're in varying states of disrepair

We finally find the art gallery we were looking for!

The art is colouful and modern

Barb tells the security guard he looks like the model for this work
Fortunately he was very amused!

Not for this one .... it's a van Gogh

As is this one! Barb is happy!

This definitely isn't a van Gogh!

After our date with art, we head to the water. John does love boats and Barb knows there's some Roman baths near there somewhere ....

Ah .... boats and bridges .... John is happy!

A new-ish bridge across the Rhone

Oh and here are the Roman baths

Sadly they are very much in ruins and unsafe to enter...

Never mind .... we have been charmed by
Arles and its many beautiful buildings

It's been a very warm day .... 30 degrees! One parting photo.

We reluctantly head for home. It's been a very exhausting day of walking in the heat and we have to pack up the apartment and our bags ready for an early departure on Sunday.