Rory ’26, describes a rich and vibrant exploration of Arles.
After a long two days of traveling, today was the group’s first full day in Arles! We started the morning off at Arles À La Carte with a quick orientation sharing the things we found different or strange from the United States. There was a consensus among the group that the thing we found the strangest in France is that, for most, dinner time is at 8pm, rather than 6pm, like we are used to.
Afterwards, we continued to explore the rich and narrow streets of Arles, starting off in the Roquette neighborhood and arriving at Le Place Voltaire just in time for lunch. Le Place Voltaire is a beautiful square right in the city center with a few outdoor bistros. Walking tours passed by as we ate veal, hamburgers, and pasta carbonara at the Café Pitchounet. After a long and filling lunch we walked to the outskirts of the city to Arles’ Antique Museum or, by the locals, musée bleu because of its vibrant blue exterior. The museum contains the complex history of the origins of Arles during the Ancient era when it belonged to the Roman Empire. Natalia Puglia, one of our professors at Arles À La Carte, joined us and gave us a very detailed tour of the museum. After a packed day of activities we were set free into the city for an hour of free time, before returning to our homestay families for the night.
