The Provençal city of Arles in the south of France might not seem like much at first glance, but its small size belies its significance. The city dates back to the Roman Empire, and has since changed hands numerous times. As a result, the ethos of the city contains elements of Spanish, Provençal and Italian cultures, so even though the city is relatively far from a beach (the main attraction of cities along the Côte Azur), Arles still holds its own as a cultural and historical hub. The small town center, which is easily walkable, has a quaint historical feel with many ancient ruins and museums. Arles also offers the rather unique and popular spectator sport of Provençal bull fighting.
