Boasting a beautifully-preserved historic centre, the city of
Arles is home to one of Europe's best collections of Roman ruins -
which have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Initially a
Celtic city colonised by the Greeks, Arles became Roman after
Julius Caesar distributed the land among some of his most faithful
soldiers in 46 BC. This was the first golden age of the city, which
then came to be known as "Little Rome in Gaul".
Having become a major religious centre during the early
Christian period, the sought-after city was passed to the Kingdom
of Burgundy in the 9th century. In 1032 it passed to the Holy Roman
Empire, before becoming a part of France in 1481. Much of Arles
city centre's street plan dates from about this time, as does a
significant amount of the surviving architecture. Arles is still
known as a major port on the Rhône, though nowadays visitors flock
to the area to see the town's impressive Roman remains.
Impeccable organisation from start to finish. Our Tour Manager, Caroline Bryan, was delightful, friendly and unflappable and was on all shore excursions to look after us. The ship, 'Amadeus Provence' was new and immaculate, wonderful staff, superb food and entertainment. Our ports of call were all fascinating and the good weather was a bonus - as was the fact that we went from and back to St Pancras, with no airports. This was my second river cruise (Danube last year) and I have already booked another for the Garonne and Dordogne next year. Great Rail are the tops!