Bouches-du-Rhône hotels

Founded by the Greeks in 600 BC, Arles then became ‘little Rome’. Roman remains include a remarkably intact arena (now used for bullfights), baths, theatre and a vast necropolis. But this compact city on the Rhône is perhaps best known for its colourful houses and winding streets, depicted in so many of Van Gogh’s canvases during his prolific period here. The excellent Van Gogh Trail is marked by plaques embedded in the footpaths.