Arles

Once a destination associated with haystacks, sunflower fields and Vincent Van Gogh, it has become one of Provence’s most charming, exciting cities. During the ferias —a celebration of the seasonal bullfights that take place around Easter and in September—held in the spectacular Roman amphitheater, the entire city comes alive: giant pans of fresh paella, cooked outside in the streets, are served in makeshift cafés in the squares, and even the shops are transformed into bars after closing time. If you’re interested in bullfighting, be sure to have an aperitif in the retro hotel bar of Hotel Nord-Pinus, which is decorated with lots of memorabilia. There are also several museums not to be missed in Arles, including the Musée Réattu for works by Leger, Dufy and Gauguin; the Musée d’Arles et de la Provence Antique for regional history and folklore; and Museon for local fashion and rural objet. For a guided tour, contact the Indagare Bookings Team.