Arles

Regional Judicial Palace, Montpellier

Statue of Louis XIV - The Sun-King, Montpellier.

On Sunday night I went for the concert and fireworks in the park as planned.   Montpellier is a gorgeous little city:   very clean and hospitable.  But unfortunately I did not take my camera for the festivities.   I just thought it would be better left at home so I have no pictures.  It wasn't New York harbor on the Fourth but it also wasn't crazy crowded.   The fireworks lasted for a half hour (11P-11:30P- Ugh!) and there was classical music before and Pop music after (which I did not stay for).  Yeah, they were gearing up for a late night/early morning party.

The Arena (Colosseum) in Arles still hosts events today.

Up early today I headed to Arles.  The hour long train ride was packed as people were still moving around for the holiday.

The Forum, Arles.

Arles has all the ingredients for a city I should like (Roman roots and ruins, medieval structures, the Rhone River) but I don't really seem to.  I think it might be Vincent Van Gogh's presence.  I have nothing against him.  I enjoyed the museum immensely.  No, just some of his artsy followers just seem a little filled with themselves.  It's hard to put a finger on it.  But there is something very upper class regarding the visitors here.  It's also very crowded as we move further into summer.  You would never know that Europe is in a financial crisis if you see the filled hotels and restaurants.

Camino Marker - Arles

Camino Marker - Montpellier

Camino Marker - Arles

Speaking of visitors, Arles, like Montpellier, is part of one of the pilgrim routes to Santiago.  I spotted a "yellow arrow" and I had to do everything in my power not to follow it.  There were also more elaborate metal markers.

The Hotel de Ville, Arles

Lastly, it's been hot!   I know it's hot at home.  But there has been a heatwave here too.  It's been in the 90's for about a week.  I have been out in the morning then a break, and then out in the evening.  Thank goodness the French discovered the beauty of AC towards the end of the last century.

The Rhone River, Arles