Feria in Arles

On Saturday, I went to a traditional festival in Arles. I decided to take the bus to Salon-de-Provence at around 11:00 AM and from there another bus to Arles. There was a fair in Salon-de-Provence where sports* and recreation organizations presented themselves.

The city center of Arles was quite crowded. There was a little market with Provencal products in front of the Hôtel de Ville (city hall). I went into a church named Saint Trophime. This former cathedral was built in the 11 and 12 centuries. On my way to the big amphitheatre I went by an old amphitheatre (much smaller). I saw Camargue horses at the Ville du Cheval, which was an event close to the big amphitheatre.

Many tourists come to the Feria du Riz, because there are bull fights in the amphitheatre. You had to pay at least 15.50 euros to get in. I stayed outside and saw a glimpse of the bull and the toreros in a small opening of the amphitheatre. In the evening, my friends told me that the bulls were eventually killed and dragged by 2 horses. I’m glad that I didn’t go!

Continuing my walk in the city center I saw many typical shops with Provencal products. The Rhône river lies in the north of the city center and I stayed there some time to relax. I went to the Espace Van Gogh near the Arlaten Museum. The Espace is a little garden surrounded by a yellow building. Van Gogh painted here the ‘Courtyard of the Hospital in Arles’ in 1889.

After a great sunny day, my friend and I said farewell to Arles and returned to the other Provencal city (without bull fights) called Aix.

* Many sports clubs had their trophies on the table (no information) to show how good they are!