The commune of Arles is characterized by its extent since with a surface of 72,000 ha. it is largest of France. Its population is distributed between the central urban area and eleven villages of which most distant is located at nearly 40 km of the downtown area.

Its territory includes three remarkable natural spaces: Alpilles in north, the Camargue in the south and Crau in the east. It was strongly marked by the presence of the Rhone which crosses the downtown area and whose delta forms the Camargue.

This point of meeting between a terrestrial road connecting Italy to Spain and a waterway, the Rhone, did not have escaped with the Greeks who, as of the VI ^E front century J. - C., undertook to be established in ligure territory. Julius Caesar sent front in September 46 J. - C. the veterans of the VI ^E legion which founded a colony of Roman law equipped with an immense territory. Very quickly thrives, the city grows rich by superb monuments: forum, temples.

To the XII ^E century are built the canonic primatiale Saint-Trophime and buildings, around a cloister. In full economic advancement and geographical, Arles accommodates the pilgrims who move towards Saint-Jacques-to-Compostelle. The city knows in the middle of the XVI ^E century, one moment of prosperity where can open out an impregnated Rebirth all ancient culture.

The period of rebuilding of the XVII ^E and XVIII ^E centuries gave to Arles its current image: the Town hall, most private mansions, of the houses, bordering the streets of the safeguarded sector going back to this time.

Arles is also a place of imaginary. By the splendor of the natural elements - the Rhone, the light, wind - it did not cease attracting artists. The city turns today, by its projects, to modernity. The Museum of Arles and Provence antiques builds by Henri Ciriani marks the XX ^E century.