Arles

Arles (Arle in Provençal) is a city in the south of France, in the Bouches-du-Rhône département, of which it is a sous-préfecture, in the former province of Provence. Population (1999): 50,513.

Miscellaneous

The Arlésiens (citizens of Arles) were noted for distinctive traditional dress which is now worn publicly at certain festivals and occasions.

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A famous photography festival takes place in Arles every year, and the French national school of photography is located there. The major French publishing house Actes Sud is also situated in Arles.

Related Topics:
Photography - Actes Sud

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The film Ronin was filmed partially in Arles.

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Bull fights are conducted in the Roman amphitheater, including Provencal-style bullfights (courses camarguaises) in which the bull is not killed but rather a team of athletic men attempt to remove a tassle from the bull's horn without getting injured. Every Easter, Arles also holds a Spanish-style corrida (in which the bull is killed) with an encierro (bull-running in the streets) preceding each fight.

Related Topics:
Bull fight - Corrida - Encierro

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People

• The Provençal poet Frédéric Mistral (1830-1914) was born near Arles.
• Jeanne Calment (1875-1997), the oldest human being whose age is documented, was born, lived and died in Arles.
• Christian Lacroix, fashion designer, was born in Arles.
• Current French international football star Djibril Cissé was born in Arles.

Twin towns

Arles is twinned with:

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• Pskov, Russia
• Fulda, Germany