Place du Forum (Forum Square), Arles

Forum Square stands on the site of what was once the vibrant political and commercial heart of the Roman city of Arelate. Established in the 1st century BC during the urban expansion under Emperor Augustus, the Roman forum served as a grand public space lined with temples, administrative buildings, and arcades where citizens gathered to debate politics, conduct business, and participate in public life. Although the ancient structures have mostly disappeared beneath centuries of urban development, the square remains an important reference point for understanding the early formation of Arles.

Today, Forum Square preserves only a small but striking architectural fragment from its Roman past: the “Two Columns.” These Corinthian shafts, built into the corner of a later building, provide a reminder of a former temple dedicated to the Roman Emperor Augustus. Their weathered surfaces contrast with the lively cafés and restaurants that now animate the square, particularly in summer, when terraces spill out beneath the Provençal sun.

Nearby, charming narrow streets lead visitors deeper into the Old Town, emulating the compact street plan established during the Roman period. The square also carries cultural significance through its association with artists such as Vincent van Gogh, who painted scenes of the neighborhood during his time in Arles.

Forum Square continues to serve as a social hub — a place where locals meet, visitors pause, and the history of Arles quietly supports the life unfolding above it. Put on your Provence glasses and you might witness the hayday of this lively square.