Arles, France - Hôtel le Calendal

Arles is a city of the ages - Roman Arles provided grain for most of the western empire and was one of the major ports for trade and shipbuilding. Under Constantine it became the capital of Gaul and reached its height as a world trading centre in the 5th century.  Medieval Arles can be entered through the doorway of the Cathédrale St-Trophime on the central place de la République. One of the most famous examples of 12th Century Provençal stone carving in existence, the entrance depicts the Last Judgment, trumpeted by angels playing with the enthusiasm of rock musicians. The cathedral was started in the 9th century on the spot where, in 597 AD, St Augustine was consecrated as bishop.

There are other, less inspiring Provençal cities where you may find a quaint hotel room with a small terrace overlooking a beautiful courtyard garden - but most request payment in gold bullion. It's said the soul of Provence is Arles, and soulfully on a quiet square, between the famous amphitheater and Roman theater, the Hotel le Calendal keeps the unique appeal of Provence alive- for a very reasonable price.

Friendly service and an "at home" atmosphere make a stay at the Calendal a relaxing treat. Rooms have high ceilings and are decorated in bright Provençal colors.  Many overlook the hotel's wonderful inner courtyard filled with palms and palmettos. Enjoy a leisurely Provençal morning over a sumptuous breakfast in the lush courtyard gardens.

Excursion Tip:  Arles offers numerous excursions.  A walk around the old city reveals many of the scenes van Gogh painted, which remain basically unchanged. He left Paris for Arles in 1888, and painted some of his most renowned works here - Starry Night, The Bridge at Arles, Sunflowers, and L'Arlésienne.

Reading Tip:  Last Seen in Massilia - In this mystery set in Marseilles in 49 B.C. Roman detective Gordianus the Finder is on a quest to learn the truth about his missing son, Meto in the midst of the bloody Roman civil war at the Gaulic city Massilia.

 

Last Seen in Massilia by Steven Salyor -  In this mystery set in Marseilles in 49 B.C. Roman detective Gordianus the Finder is on quest to learn the truth about his missing son, Meto in the midst of the bloody Roman civil war at the Gaulic city Massilia.

Arles France
Arles France Photographic Print
 Buy at AllPosters.com