Arles

Vincent van Gogh painted hundreds of canvases in the 15 months he was in Arles, France, proving what an inspiring city this is. This gem of Provence has a vast and exciting history stretching back thousands of years. From your hostel, take a stroll through the narrow streets and past the archaic and faded buildings, your journey punctuated by bistros and cafés, giving a distinctly French feel to a very Roman city. Visit the impressive 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheatre where gladiator battles once took place. Nearby, you'll find the ruins of a Roman theatre where theatrical shows were held in past millennia. Take a relaxing walk alongside the Rhone River to the Ancient Arles Museum to discover some of the city's most fascinating artefacts. Arles also hosts a yearly photography festival which is perhaps one of the most important festivals of its kind in the world.