About Arles, France

Arles lies in southern France, in the region where Van Gogh created some of his most beautiful paintings and yet where he also fried his brain in the hot, hot sun. It's different - it's hard to explain. The hot, dry mistral funneling its constant air over the deep purple fields of lavender seems to cast a spell over the entire region... everyone appears to be always on vacation. Everywhere, Roman ruins pop up - the wall around Arles itself, the coliseum, the phenomenal aqueduct to Nimes. And the geology is right out of the moon - jagged rocks jam out of the earth to spectacular heights, and ancient towns, like Les Baux, sit perched on top of them.

Arles is also Provence at its best. Art and tourism combine with friendly people and a Spanish influence (complete with cowboys and bull fights) to create a melange that appeals to all who visit this town.

It has only 60,000 people, but has always avoided provincialism. The Club de Jumellages (Twining Club) celebrated its 50th year last summer. They exchange students and family visits with towns in the States, Germany, England, Spain, and Japan. Their people are keenly interested in other languages and cultures. Groups from Arles have visited us here at Dartmouth and taken English courses from the Rassias Foundation.

Don't let the hot weather deceive you though... where we start (in the Pyrenees) can have snow in July! And the heat of Arles resembles that of Arizona, where humidity is rarely a factor, the shade of a palm tree provides a cool respite and evening temperatures lower into the 70s.

Vacationers from around the world come to Arles. In the summer, it is the home to the famous International Photographic festival, and in the winter local artisans who make beautiful figurines called Santonnes build elaborate winter scenes. It is a cosmopolitan town, because of its location, weather, and amazing sunlight, and in spite of its size. Arles was also the final home of Vincent Van Gogh - connect here to view some of his paintings done during his years in Arles.

Most Arlesian families who welcome our students each summer are well-versed in accepting foreign visitors. As mentioned, the Club de Jumellage has been bringing in guests for 40 years. As you walk down Arles' busy streets the owners of the small shops and cafes, the bakeries and florists will all recognize you, the American students, here to visit their town once more. Our family placers there are, like all our programs, old family friends. Among them they own the two best bakeries, are president of the Club, and have taught at Dartmouth.