The remains of a Roman necropolis lie just outside the old town of Arles. Roman graves were positioned along the Aurelian Way to the east of the Roman city. What remains for viewing now is but a small version of the original.
Alyscamps, Arles, France, August 2016
Known as Alyscamps, Provençal for Champs Elysées, it was Arles’ main burial ground for nearly 1,500 years. The St. Honorat Priory was added to the site in the eleventh century, making it a more prestigious place to be buried. It became a top choice for burial across Europe, with filled coffins arriving along the Rhône.
The Alyscamps continued to be used well into medieval times, although the removal in 1152 of Saint Trophime’s relics to the new cathedral, named after him, reduced its prestige. The necropolis suffered further over time, with looting and pillaging. Burial stones were taken for building material and city councillors donated sarcophagi to distinguished visitors. Further damage came in the form of a railway and a canal in the 19th century.
In late 1888 the site received some new and well-remembered attention. Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin chose the Alyscamps as the first site for their painting side by side project.
Alyscamps has now been somewhat restored and is a good place for a quiet wander away from hordes of tourists.
Practical: a short walk from town; full price ticket €3.50, or buy a pass for 4 monuments and 1 museum for €11.00 (2016 prices)
Copyright Debbie Smyth, 2 November 2016
Part of Thursday Special
Travel with Intent 
I wish I had spent time in France – so many interesting places to visit. Oh, well, it is no hardship travelling vicariously with you Debbie 🙂
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The area is incredibly interesting for the abundance of Roman influence. Starts the imagination spinning! Thanks for sharing!
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Such an interesting place, Debs! Trust Sue to have already been 🙂 🙂
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Typical isn’t it 😉
And not many go there it seems. I was there peak season and had the whole place to myself!
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Ah, the Alyscamps…..must be quarter of a century since I was there, and it looked a tad scruffier, I think
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I think they have done a decent job at tidying, but it’s a shame it’s so hemmed in by modern life! I was trying to take a photo to mimic Van Gogh, but there are too many high walls around.
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The past is only present in small pockets now…..
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What would our civilisation look like if it weren’t for ancient Romans!
I can’t believe that you produced this post in such a short time slot 😉 Amazing, Debbie. I had no idea of its existence which is hardly surprising, but am marveled at how well Alyscamp is preserved. You have shown me a real treasure that has moved Arles as a destination to visit close to the first place in my list. 🙂
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Ah, I had seen it was Traces of the Past coming up, so I’d already given it some thought!
Yes, a great place to go – loads to see and do and Camargue nearby 🙂
On Thu, Nov 3, 2016 at 7:09 AM, Travel with Intent wrote:
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The Romans were amazing builders!
janet
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Absolutely!
Sent from my iPhone
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