ARLES: IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF VAN GOGH
At The Place de la République in the center of Arles, the obelisk points to the Heavens, by the stunning Church St Trophime, a silent acknowledgement of a wedding in progress.
Like a chameleon, the city and commune that is Arles has morphed and transitioned over time, blending with, into, through various societal changes and historical adaptations. Footsteps everywhere, people on the move. Zigzagging, narrow streets in the core of the city, life is in a perpetual hub of activity with a little bit of this, a little bit of that. I'm much more interested in Van Gogh's presence here than in the historical stamp although both intertwine, intersect, and weave seamlessly. Posted signage around the city give the viewer a vantage point of where Van Gogh set his easel as the viewer considers the current day setting in juxtaposition. Flanked by the Rhone River, it's a beautiful setting, easy to meander, and to bump into sights along the way or just sit in a local café and watch the world pass by.
Local color: painted shutters down an alley, placards on a museum exterior, pink and blue play peek-a-boo.
Sunset lighting highlights the interior corridors of the Roman arena and amphitheater while youths play soccer and a kid rests.
Travellers ponder their next move; colorful signage; looking through a restaurant window.
Our hotel terrace; painted wall mural in town; a busy street scene.
A town entry point welcomes with a symbolic plaque; Van Gogh's yellow café at Place de Forum looks almost identical as in 1888; rooftops and flowers.
ORANGE
The Roman theater at Orange, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its intact rear wall continues to impress. Performances are still presented in its ample stadium seating area.
Photos inside Orange theater and a staircase scene.