The Rencontres d'Arles is one of the world's leading photography festivals, held every July and running through September. Since 1970 it has transformed the city each summer, with exhibitions spread across the Roman monuments, deconsecrated churches, warehouses, and outdoor spaces throughout Arles.
The programme mixes established photographers with emerging voices, documentary work with fine art, and always includes at least one genuinely surprising commission — an artist given an unusual venue and free rein. The city fills with photographers, curators, and collectors, and the evening vernissages (openings) are genuinely lively. Attending in July, you can see the exhibitions in the arena, the theatre, the church of Saint-Blaise, and half a dozen other venues all within easy walking distance.