Tragic Doorway in Arles

The scars of World War II are still not erased from parts of Provence.  This doorway in the city hall in Arles is kept as a reminder of the brutal past of World War II.  Citizens of Arles were imprisoned behind these doors before being shipped off to the Nazi German concentration camps.

Boutique Hotels

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Boutique hotels are often the way to go when visiting Provence.  This one in Arles called Le Calendal has a spa, restaurant, cafe and free computers and Internet.  It is just steps away from the amphitheater and Colosseum built by the Romans.

Ruins of a Roman Amphitheater in Arles

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At the height of the Roman Empire, the Romans build cities, aqueducts and bridges all through Provence.  They built a huge Colosseum in Arles, and just steps away, they built this amphitheater.  This is the entrance part that archaeologists are reconstructing.  I stood on the stage in the theater part where the seats are, and I clapped my hands.  The acoustics are perfect.  The early Romans were certainly magnificent engineers.

Irises of Arles

Vincent Van Gogh painted in Arles and in St. Remy-de-Provence.  One of his most famous paintings is of the irises.  This iris was photographed near St. Remy-de-Provence, which is the birthplace of Nostradamus.