The Forum Square (Place du Forum) remains the most lively and popular square of the city and attracts both Arlesians and tourists. Every May 1st, it is a stop the Festival of Gardians, who come to greet the statue of Frédéric Mistral. It gathers all the aficionados during the Feria and then becomes difficult to cross. In 1888, Van Gogh made it famous by representing the outside of a cafe located on this square. .
A true heart of the city, the place de la république or former Place Royale bears witness to all the eras that have marked the history of the city : monuments from antiquity to the Middle Ages, and facades where a diversity of styles from the 17th to the 19th centuries is represented.
These squares are in the heart of the district of La Roquette, host of many small shops (butcher, fruit and vegetables, grocery, bakery,...) but also restaurants, cafes, which make it a real center of life of the oldest district of the city. They also live to the rhythm of Arlesian events, whether it is photography, music, Christmas or carnival.
Voltaire Square, just a stone’s throw from the bullring, underwent a makeover in 2010. The plane trees and the cafes give it an air of village square, which offers animations and concerts as soon as the summer arrives.
Where Rue Réattu crosses Rue des suisses, you will be caught in a "guinguette" atmosphere. Restaurants and boutiques (decoration, concept stores, clothing...) often organize festive events. Find out more on their Facebook page: Un quartier dans la ville
Nina Berberova Square has become a major cultural hotspot in the city. You willd find there the headquarters of Actes Sud (a famous French book editor) and Cinéma le Méjan.