Festival celebrates Arles' heritage

The third edition of Monument'Arles, a festival organized by the Direction of Heritage and Culture, runs from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October. This event brings monuments to life with a variety of cultural activities throughout the year.

Monuments as living spaces

Patrick de Carolis, mayor of Arles, and Claire de Causans, deputy for culture and heritage, stress that monuments should be viewed as living spaces rather than just relics of the past. The festival aims to highlight this perspective through various artistic expressions.

Artists across historic sites

Ninety-five artists will showcase their talents in UNESCO World Heritage sites like the ancient theater, cryptoportiques, amphitheater, thermal baths, and Alyscamps. Other locations include the Cour de l'Archevêché, the church of Saint-Blaise, the Place de la République, and the médiathèque.

Diverse artistic expressions

The festival includes new forms of art such as writing, poetry, cinema, and events related to the bicentenary of photography. Poetic and musical meetings, dance, and storytelling moments will be featured over the weekend.

Nighttime illumination

Monuments will be illuminated at night, allowing visitors and residents to experience the city in a different light. Two shows specifically designed for children starting from age 3 will be included in the weekend program.

Opening and closing performances

The festival opens on Friday 16 October at 7 p.m. with "Clap ! by the Ensemble Bande Originale" at the Ancient Theater. The closing performance on Sunday 18 October at 7:30 p.m. will be "L'incandescence du temps" by the Compagnie Cercle de feu at the Amphitheater.

Concerts and musical events

A concert titled "La Hora Francesa" will take place on Saturday 17 October at 4:30 p.m. at the Cour de l'Archevêché with internationally renowned lyrical artists. Another concert, "Fatche d’Eux," will be held on Saturday 17 October at 8 p.m. at the Ancient Theater.

Art exhibitions and residencies

Creation residencies include Sébastien Abot, who will display more than a hundred paintings dedicated to Arles at the Palais de l'Archevêché. Kiki Tonnerre and Sarah Gautier will also present their works at various locations. Their exhibitions can be viewed from 16 October to 15 November.

Admission and program details

Admission to the festival's animations and performances is included in the entrance fee for the monuments. Arlésiens and those under 18 years old can enter for free with a justification, except for the Escape Game "Les Lauriers de César." The full program is available at https://arles.fr/publications/les-monumentarles-2/.