We were pleasantly surprised by Arles. It is a small town—significantly smaller than Béziers—yet it boasts a diverse cultural scene and a clearly visible alternative vibe and a beautiful, small, historic old town.
This is undoubtedly due to the *École Nationale Supérieure de la Photographie* and the annual photography festival, *Les Rencontres de la Photographie*, which is renowned far beyond the country’s borders.
