Arles: Where Ancient Grandeur Meets Artistic Spirit

Arles offers a collection of hotels, each providing a distinct sanctuary that reflects the city's rich layers.

• L'Arlatan: This truly compelling hotel dazzles with its art-filled rooms and chic restaurant, all housed within a former 15th-century palace. Revamped by Cuban-American artist Jorge Pardo, its flamboyant, color-rich interior offers a joyous mix of patterns and textures—an artwork and mood booster in itself.

• L'Hôtel Particulier: A haven of charm and calm, this beautiful hotel is set within an oasis of greenery in the very heart of Arles. Its spacious, tastefully decorated rooms provide a peaceful refuge, making it an ideal base for exploring the city on foot.

• Hôtel du Cloître: Situated near Arles' magnificent Roman amphitheater, this India Mahdavi-designed hotel features charming rooms, modern art, and playful colors. It offers a distinctive stay for those seeking something intimate and affordable, perfectly positioned for discovering the historic center. Its on-site wine bar, L'Épicerie du Cloître, is a must for guests and visitors alike, serving Mediterranean bites in a peaceful alleyway

• Hôtel Les Cabanettes: For a cinematic and architectural experience, check into Hôtel Les Cabanettes, a family-run 1968 motel just a 10-minute drive from Arles. The property exudes Lynchian character, offers personal service and a picturesque swimming pool, and features a restaurant that has become a notable dining destination in the area.

Arles' tables celebrate both Provencal tradition and compelling contemporary interpretations.

• Le Gibolin: A classic small-menu-written-on-a-chalkboard experience, Le Gibolin’s daily changing menu features three starters, mains, and desserts, offering simplicity at its best. Expect no-fuss, French-inspired plates full of flavor, natural wines, and a warm, lively atmosphere best enjoyed at an outdoor table.

• Inari: An unmissable address for curious palates, Inari serves inventive and flavorful cuisine that offers a genuine gastronomic journey—slightly elevated, yet full of heart. Be sure to book in advance, as this is every foodie’s favorite spot in Arles.

• Le Relais de Castelet: This farm-to-table gem, a 15-minute drive from Arles, is housed in a restored hunting lodge surrounded by olive trees and cornfields that feel straight out of a Van Gogh painting. Chef Jean-Baptiste Bert crafts dishes using vegetables and herbs from the kitchen garden, alongside select ingredients from local producers.

• La Chassagnette: In the rural Camargue near Arles, La Chassagnette is an India Mahdavi-designed, Michelin-starred sanctuary for organic, garden-to-plate cuisine. Led by Chef Armand Arnal, the restaurant is renowned for its unparalleled freshness, much of what’s served is grown directly in their own potager, offering a pure taste of the Camargue's bounty.

• Levain: Opened just a year ago, the épicerie by fermentation experts Pascale Brevet and Eugenio Mailler has quickly become a local favorite—not only for its sourdough breads, natural wines, and beers, but also as a trusted supplier to many of the city’s best restaurants.

• Le Sauvage - Pain & Fleurs: Part of the elegant Arlatan establishment, this artisan bakery offers sourdough breads, brioches, fougasses, and fresh flowers, all presented on marble counters against the backdrop of a spectacular wall fresco.

• Fringe: A local outpost of the Parisian specialty coffee institution, Fringe is the perfect place to refuel after a stroll through the weekly market. It also occasionally hosts photography exhibitions and chef residencies.

Arles breathes art and history, serving as a profound source of inspiration for centuries of artists and thinkers.

• Luma Arles: A spectacular contemporary art institution, LUMA Arles is a must-visit. Its iconic Frank Gehry-designed tower and expansive exhibition spaces host innovative works spanning art, technology, and sculpture—including large-scale installations by major artists such as Philippe Parreno, Carsten Höller, and Franz West. The surrounding park was designed by Bas Smets, while the cafés and restaurants reflect the creative touches of Rirkrit Tiravanija and Kerstin Brätsch.

• Lee Ufan Arles: Housed in a historic Arles building and redesigned by Tadao Ando, this foundation showcases the works of Korean artist Lee Ufan. Minimalist in style and meditative in presence, his sculptures, installations, and paintings are spread across several floors, with the top level reserved for temporary exhibitions in dialogue with the artist’s universe.

• Fondation Vincent Van Gogh: Dedicated to exploring Van Gogh’s legacy and ongoing influence, this foundation presents compelling exhibitions that often pair his works with those of contemporary artists. Be sure to look up at the glass rooftop—a captivating, permanent installation by Swiss artist Raphael Hefti.

• Musée de la Mode et du Costume - Fragonard: Opened in July 2025, Fragonard’s new Museum of Fashion and Costume in Arles offers a rich exploration of Provençal attire, especially the iconic Arlésienne dress. Set in a space designed by renowned architecture firm Studio KO, the museum provides a fascinating journey through local textile and fashion history.

• Roman Heritage: Immerse yourself in Arles' UNESCO World Heritage Roman monuments, including the impressive Amphitheatre (Arènes d'Arles) and the Ancient Theatre.

Arles offers a curated selection of unique shops, reflecting its artistic and local spirit.

• Librairie Offprint: Just around the corner from Hôtel L’Arlatan, this bookstore—colorfully designed by Jorge Pardo and curated by LUMA Arles—supports independent and experimental publishers. It offers a thoughtful selection of works spanning art, architecture, design, human sciences, and visual culture, making it a unique destination for print lovers.

• OU Arles: Former antique photography dealer Julie Barrau now makes a living sourcing and selling exceptional vintage furniture, as well as decorating spaces with her distinctive eye. In her small shop in central Arles, she exhibits and sells a curated selection of her trouvailles from the 1930s, 1950s, and 1960s.

• Fauteuil Fleuri: Run by Arlesian interior architect and decorator Fanny Fontaine, this second-hand boutique specializes in antique objects, ceramics, furniture, and household linens, with each piece chosen for the story it tells.

• For unique local finds, explore the many small boutiques throughout the old town that specialize in Provencal fabrics, local pottery, and artisanal goods.

Arles is more than a destination; it's an experience—a city where every street whispers tales of its past, and every corner holds a new artistic discovery. It's a place to linger, to learn, and to be inspired, reflecting the authentic soul of Provence.

84 Rooms recommends: Where To Eat In Provence, and Aix-en-Provence: A Provencal Masterpiece.