The origin of this town dates back to 800 BC.  More importantly though the town was taken by Romans  in 123 BC and as Romans do they build a lot of cool buildings. The Gallo-Roman theatre, the arena or amphitheatre, necropolis, Arles Obelisk and Barbegal aqueduct and mill to name few.  Most of the old Roman buildings are being renovated now so they look very pristine.  Van Gogh also lived and painted in Arles.  During his stay he did almost 300 painting and drawings in the city.  Some of the more famous ones are Cafe Terrace at Night,  The Night Cafe, the Yellow Room, Starry Night Over the Rhone, and L’Arlésienne.