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You may discover its magic on the banks of the river Gardon or in the majesty of the Garrigues. Be transported to a more pastoral time in these peaceful surroundings amid the trickle of streams that meander through the astonishing Mediterranean landscape.

Alpilles is also known for its rich flora and fauna, with nearly 1,000 plant varieties, several species of protected bats and more than 90 species of bird including Bonelli’s eagles and rare vultures.

At the heart of the natural park lies the charming village of Saint-Rémy de Provence, made famous by tortured Expressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh in the late 19th century. Among the 15 other towns in the Alpilles pregion is Les Baux-de-Provence, whose medieval houses, squares and cobbled streets huddle together under the photogenic ruins of a château perched among bizarre rock formations.

The eastern arm is called the Grand Rhône and the western one is the Petit Rhône. Camargue was designated a "Wetland of International Importance" on 1 December 1986.

Its vast expanses give it a special atmosphere to be found nowhere else. It is paradise for migratory birds, a nesting area for flamingos, and home of bulls and horses.

Beauduc Beach
Close to the Beauduc lighthouse, Beauduc beach is located twenty-five miles south of Arles. It can be reached from a track which begins at Salins-de- Giraud. The hour-long journey is a true adventure in itself, a route along a bumpy trail that cuts through the marshes.

Piémanson Beach
“Piémanson” is an exploration of daily life on the last wild beach in France. The beach’s history began in the 1970s when locals set up camp there with no rights or deeds. Nowadays, thousands of campers from all over Europe get together every summer season, looking for a freedom that they can’t find anywhere else.

Construction was started in 1335 and completed in less than twenty years under the leadership of two builder popes, Benedict XII and his successor Clement VI. The Popes’ Palace is the biggest Gothic palace in all of Europe (15,000 m2 of floor space, which is the equivalent of 4 Gothic cathedrals).

• The Tower and the exhibition spaces are open everyday, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• The public park is open every day from 7.00 a.m to 8.30 p.m.

More information: luma.org/arles

Inaugurated in April 2014, the Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles pays due homage to the work of Van Gogh while at the same time exploring his impact upon art today.

This relationship with contemporary art was enshrined within the principles of the Fondation right from its conception. By presenting the painting of the Dutch master in the context of works by contemporary artists, the Fondation aims to stimulate a fruitful dialogue centred on interrogation and reflection.

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Thus, this former sheep barn nestled in the heart of the Camargue, 12 minutes away from Arles, kept its values of simplicity and authenticity while joining the very popular list of French gastronomy best places.

Its Chef, Armand Arnal, finds in this exceptional environment the inspiration to pay tribute to the land, taste and products of the Mediterranean. He cooks without gluten, magnifies the 180 varieties of vegetables and herbs freshly picked in the organic vegetable garden of the restaurant, and elaborates a contemporary menu, incisive, acidulated, renewed in accordance with the rhythms of nature.

The restaurant is open from Thursday to Monday for lunch and for dinner.

La Chassagnette
Mas de La Chassagnette
13200 Arles

+33 (0)4 90 97 26 96

www.chassagnette.fr

It is also a small grocery store offering a fine selection of gourmet products and home-made tin cans such as sardines and mackerel.

Some music, a choice of drinks that goes well beyond regional wines (beer, sake), excellent dishes... and the “aperitif” subtly turns into dinner.

Open from Tuesday to Sunday, noon to 9:30 p.m.

L’Épicerie du Cloître
22 rue du Cloître
13200 Arles

+33(0)4 88 09 10 10

The bar & restaurant welcome you every day from 11 a.m. to 10.30 p.m.

L'Arlatan
20 rue du Sauvage
13200 Arles

+33 (0)4 65 88 20 20

www.arlatan.com

Le Réfectoire
Parc des Ateliers
33 avenue Victor Hugo
13200 Arles

Le Nord-Pinus
Place du Forum
13200 Arles

+33 (0)4 65 88 40 40
www.nord-pinus.com

The Drum Café is inspired from artist residencies and welcomes chefs from around the world. It aims at offering a free space of research and creation applied to hospitality.

Chef Ella Aflalo is the current chef in residence.