Place Du Forum

Introduction

Place du Forum in Arles, France, is a captivating destination where the echoes of ancient Rome meet the vibrancy of Provençal life. Originally the civic and commercial center of Roman Arelate, this square has evolved into a lively hub, renowned for its archaeological wonders, artistic significance linked to Vincent van Gogh, and bustling café culture. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Place du Forum’s history, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, nearby attractions, and essential travel tips—ensuring you make the most of your visit to one of Arles’ most iconic sites. (Lonely Planet; Arles France Tourist Guide)

Roman Origins and Foundation

Place du Forum stands on the ancient Roman forum, constructed in the 1st century BCE as the heart of Arelate. This grand rectangular plaza, measuring approximately 89 by 59 meters, was lined with colonnaded porticoes, temples, and administrative buildings, reflecting Arles’ prominence as a provincial capital following Julius Caesar’s victory over Pompey and the city's elevation to a Roman colony in 46 BCE (Lonely Planet; Wikipedia - Forum d'Arles).

The forum functioned as the epicenter for public gatherings, legal proceedings, religious ceremonies, and commerce, anchoring the city’s grid plan at the intersection of the Cardo maximus and Decumanus roads.

The Cryptoportiques: Subterranean Marvels

Beneath the modern square lies one of Arles’ most remarkable archaeological features: the cryptoportiques. These subterranean, horseshoe-shaped galleries were built in the 1st century BCE to stabilize the forum’s superstructure on uneven terrain. Carved directly into the rock, they provided cool storage spaces and foundations for above-ground monuments. Today, visitors can explore sections of these galleries, marveling at the ancient engineering that underpins the vibrant life above (Lonely Planet; Wikipedia - Forum d'Arles).

Medieval and Modern Evolution

As the Roman Empire waned, the forum’s original structures gave way to medieval development. The square evolved into a civic and religious gathering space, flanked by new buildings and adapted for changing urban needs. By the Renaissance, Place du Forum was the focal point for social life in Arles, surrounded by elegant townhouses and, later, bustling restaurants and cafés that continue to energize the square today (Lonely Planet).

Van Gogh’s Legacy and Artistic Heritage

Place du Forum achieved global artistic fame thanks to Vincent van Gogh. In September 1888, Van Gogh painted “Café Terrace at Night” from the northeast corner of the square. The café, now known as Café Van Gogh, remains a pilgrimage site for art lovers, its terrace recreated to evoke the painting’s nocturnal ambiance (Arles France Tourist Guide; Finestre sull’Arte; Wikipedia - Café Terrace at Night).

The square is a highlight of the “Van Gogh circuit,” a walking trail through Arles’ most picturesque locations, and frequently hosts exhibitions, open-air concerts, and cultural events, especially during the renowned Les Rencontres d’Arles photography festival (theartnewspaper.com).

Archaeological Significance and Preservation

Excavations have uncovered remnants of the original Roman forum, including the cryptoportiques and two Corinthian columns with a half entablature on the façade of the Hôtel Nord-Pinus. The forum and its underground galleries have been classified as historical monuments since the late 19th century (Wikipedia - Forum d'Arles; PlanetWare). These layers reveal the continuous adaptation of the square, making it a living chronicle of Arles’ urban evolution.

Visiting Place du Forum: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Visiting Hours

• Place du Forum (Square): Open 24/7, free access.
• Cryptoportiques: Typically open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (April to October); closed on Tuesdays and select holidays. Seasonal variations may apply (Nomads Travel Guide).

Tickets

• Place du Forum: Free.
• Cryptoportiques: Ticket required (approx. €5; discounts available for students, seniors, and groups). Combined tickets for multiple Roman monuments are often available and can be purchased onsite or online.

Accessibility

• The square is flat and paved, accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
• The cryptoportiques have limited accessibility due to their ancient design—contact the Arles Tourist Office in advance for details (Arles Tourist Office).

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

• Best Times: Early mornings and late afternoons offer a quieter atmosphere; evenings are lively and evocative of Van Gogh’s paintings.
• Dining: Numerous cafés and restaurants line the square; Café Van Gogh is iconic but pricier.
• Events: Place du Forum hosts open-air concerts, markets, and cultural festivals—check local listings or the Arles Tourist Office for schedules.
• Nearby Sites: Roman Amphitheatre, Théâtre Antique, Museon Arlaten, Fondation Vincent van Gogh, and Les Alyscamps—most within a short walk (PlanetWare).
• Getting There: The square is a 10–15 minute walk from Arles train station; parking is available outside the historic center (Nomads Travel Guide).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Place du Forum open all day?
A: Yes, as a public square, it's accessible 24/7. Adjacent sites like the cryptoportiques have specific opening hours.

Q: Do I need a ticket to visit Place du Forum?
A: No ticket is required for the square; tickets are needed for entry to subterranean and archaeological sites.

Q: Is the square accessible for people with limited mobility?
A: Yes, the square is accessible, though some surrounding streets are cobbled. The cryptoportiques may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided and self-guided tours focusing on Roman history and Van Gogh’s legacy can be arranged through the Arles Tourist Office.

Q: Where can I find restrooms and tourist information?
A: Facilities are available in most cafés; the main Tourist Office is a short walk away at Place de la République.