Arles

Town in Bouches-du-Rhône département, southwest France, on the Arles canal and the left bank of the Rhône, at the head of the Camargue delta; population (1990) 52,600. Its main economic activities are tourism and agriculture, and it is in an important fruit- and vine-growing district. Roman relics include an aqueduct, baths, and a 21,000-spectator amphitheatre now used for bullfighting and plays. The Romanesque-Provençal church of St Trophime, formerly an archiepiscopal cathedral, has fine cloisters and a notable 12th-century portal. The Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh lived here 1888-89, during which time he painted some of his major works.

History and features Originally a Greek settlement and later the Roman town of Arelate, in the 4th century Arles became the chief city of Gallia. At the beginning of the 10th century it became the capital of the kingdom of Arles, which was formed from the kingdoms of Provence and Burgundy. In 1378 it passed to the Dauphin, afterwards Charles VI. Arles has picturesque, narrow, winding streets. Its museums contain collections of pagan and Christian sarcophagi.

The town manufactures chemicals, food products, paper, and machinery. Its port is used mainly by oil tankers.