The Provence is synonymous with lavender fields, intense and colourful nature, villages and ancient cities. But it is also the land that has inspired great artists, just to name 3: Cézanne, Van Gogh, and Gauguin. That's why there are several itineraries to follow, to fully discover a land so fascinating, that smells of summer.

A trip to Provence is a unique experience to live, even better if combined with the Camargue, a place where different cultures meet.

One of the unmissable stops among the itineraries in Provence is certainly the city of Arles, with its ancient Roman monuments that still make it a must-visit.

Arles, however, is not only ancient art but also the home of one of the world's leading contemporary photography festivals: Rencontres d'Arles. This festival, since 1970, animates various locations in the city between early July and late September, attracting nearly 100,000 visitors each year.

Les Rencontres d'Arles hosts exhibitions of artists who have made the history of photography, such as David Bailey, Lucien Clergue (founder of the Festival), Sid Grossman and Walker Evans, along with young and emerging artists. Not to mention that the exhibitions are all within unique locations, not to be missed for those who discover the city for the first time. Visiting Arles through the festival itinerary is one of the most beautiful trips that you can make, especially if you are lovers of art and photography.

The Rencontres d'Arles festival is a perfect stop for a holiday in Provence and the Camargue, maybe combining it with a bit of nature and a nice bicycle ride in the south of France, fully experiencing all the beauty of this unique land.

You can start directly from the city, maybe planning to arrive a few days earlier than the first bike stage, so as to have time to take advantage of the photography exhibitions, in addition to unique treasures: let yourself be captivated by the beauty of the Roman amphitheatre, the ancient theatre, the church and cloister of Saint Trophime and the Espace Van Gogh, the former hospital where the great artist stayed after cutting his ear, which is now one of the preferred venues for staging exhibitions at Les Rencontres d'Arles.

Or you can choose to make your entrance to Arles from another iconic city: Avignon, capital of Provence, ancient papal court, city of art and culture surrounded by the wonderful landscapes of the Luberon Park and the Mont Ventoux, also the venue of another famous festival held every year in July: the Avignon Festival, during which the city becomes a large theatre and is populated by theatrical, musical performances and street artists.

Have you marked all the appointments? Now all you have to do is choose your itinerary and depart!