Les Arénes (Roman Amphitheater), Arles
Rivaled only by the amphitheater in Nîmes, the Arènes (Arena, or Amphitheater) dominates old Arles. It seats almost 25,000 and still hosts bullfights in summer.
The amphitheater's four medieval towers are testimony to its transformation from classical sports arena to feudal fortification in the Middle Ages.
Today, the Arènes' primary function is as a venue for the traditional spectacle of the corridas, or bullfights, which take place annually during the féria pascale, or Easter festival.
The government warns you to visit the old monument at your own risk, since the stone steps are uneven and much of the masonry is worn down.
| Address: | Rond-pont des Arènes |
| Phone: | 04-90-49-36-86 |
| Hours: | Daily 9am-7pm (but hours can be unpredictable) |
| Cost: | 3€ adults, 2.20€ students and youth age 18 and under |
Photos, left to right: public domain; Great Ginkgo under Creative Commons.
