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ARLES 101
• Arles itself is very walkable—you can walk from one edge of town to the other in about 20 minutes. • If you want to visit some of the restaurants in the nearby countryside (you should!), rent electric bikes from Taco and Co, located at the Arles train station. They’re efficient and affordable! • Arles has become a destination particularly for the Rencontres d'Arles photography festival, an amazing show that transforms the city with exhibitions, installations, and events spread across historic buildings and industrial spaces. It runs from July through October—go at the beginning for the most events and pop-ups, or later in the season for cooler fall temperatures. • It can get hot in summer. It’s not a reason not to go, but mentally prepare, and bring lots of light clothing. • Book hotels and restaurants in advance if you’re traveling during Rencontres—places book up! • For more insider Arles recs, follow our Local Expert Charlie Frau.
WHERE TO STAY
Arles is a bit of a tricky hotel city. The best stays comfortable but not overly pampering, and for the most part don’t have a lot of amenities. The plus side is that most of the hotels are also quite affordable, with our favorite in-town options being Grand Hôtel Nord-Pinus (a recently refreshed Arles icon) and L’Hotel Particulier (a quiet oasis).
If you’re staying for more than two nights, or simply want more space, the better route is to book a villa or apartment. In the town center, Arles Pool Suite is a hot one to book, so reserve in advance to secure the stylish one-bedroom apartment that comes with its own pool. We also love Maison Sul, a chic two-bedroom townhouse with a small rooftop and plunge pool just near the Arles Amphitheatre. If you have a car and want to be in the countryside, Mas Céleste is a beautiful three-bedroom villa set in a former 1840s farmhouse, with modern decor and a large pool. Last but not least is Casa Ideale, a 1970s modernist masterpiece of a villa, just 10 minutes from Arles. In 2026, it was transformed into an ephemeral cultural space, hosting an exhibition from Carla Sozzani's personal collection. The villa is available to book exclusively by the week for most of the season, but during a one-week pop-up hotel residency, you can also reserve individual rooms.
If you want a hotel that’s a bit more pampering, you’ll have to accept being a 30-minute drive from Arles, and stay at Le Mas de Peint. The Camargue cattle ranch–turned-hotel has been run by the same family for decades and has 15 elegant suites, plus a fantastic restaurant and beautiful pool area. It’s a unique stay, with a really authentic feel (it’s still a working horse and bull ranch!).
WHO SHOULD GO
Anyone who appreciates art or—more specifically—photography, needs to visit Arles at least once for Recontres. Beyond that, Arles is perfect for travelers who have an appreciation for cities on the rise, places with an exciting creative spirit. It’s also a quite affordable destination, and a great long weekend from Paris that offers both culture and phenomenal dining.
EDITORS’ PICKS
Le Relais du Castelet · Avignon
Le Relais du Castelet
Set in the countryside about a 20-minute bike ride (our preferred mode of transport!) or drive from Arles, this was the best meal of our trip, a phenomenal farm-to-table experience. Everything is sourced from the restaurant’s farm, and incorporated into such dishes as zucchini flower tempura with sweet and sour sauce (our favorite bite), dry-aged mullet with watermelon aguachile, and glazed pork belly with ratatouille and plum ketchup. It’s a must for a leisurely lunch.
Fonds Bustamante Arles · Arles
Fonds Bustamante
One of Arles’ most exciting new openings is this contemporary art museum in the city center. Opened on July 9, Fonds Bustamante comes from French artist Jean-Marc Bustamante. Set in the beautifully restored 12th-century Église Sainte-Croix, the foundation intentionally puts artists first, with thrilling contemporary exhibitions that are coupled with talks and educational programming.
Chardon · Arles
Chardon
Right in the heart of Arles and from the same restaurant group as Marseille institutions Livingston and La Mercerie, Chardon offers a chef in residence concept, with visiting chefs from some of the best establishments in Europe taking over the kitchen for a month or two. Menus obviously change, but the common threads are local, seasonally-driven produce, great natural wine, and warm service. We particularly loved a surprisingly delicious dish of finely chopped green beans in an herby vinaigrette.
Couthure · Arles
Couthure
Opened last year, Couture has upped the fashion game in Arles, a destination more known for its art than shopping. Owned by a husband-and-wife duo, this gallery-boutique sells limited edition (only 10 of each garment), splurge-worthy pieces that are inspired by Arles. Alongside the fashions are a curation of beautiful design pieces ranging from tables to sculptural objects.
Inari · Arles
Inari
Mention you’re going to Arles, and nearly everyone who knows the city will tell you to eat here. Run by chef Céline Pham, Inari is rightfully renowned for its seasonal set menus and beautiful location in a former chapel. The menu changes according to the chef’s whims and seasonal produce, but will hopefully include our best dish: a spring roll stuffed with anchovy, soba, and vegetables and served with a sweet dipping sauce.
Le Bistrot du Paradou · Avignon
Le Bistrot du Paradou
If you want to escape the city for an hours-long meal, this is the place to do it. You won’t be spending hours here because it’s a long, drawn-out meal, but because Le Bistrot du Paradou is a place to come with friends and enjoy a taste of authentic Provençal-French life—with unlimited wine and a massive cheese plate that can and should be snacked on until it’s finished. It’s an institution in the Alpilles region (a 30-minute drive from Arles), with welcoming, super friendly service, and a set menu that includes a big salad, a main that changes depending on the day of the week (we like the weekend lamb special), dessert, and the aforementioned unlimited wine and huge cheese platter. Come hungry!
Ou Arles · Arles
OU Arles
A great find, from Simay Demirel's Arles recs. Run by photographer and antique dealer Julie Barrau, this beautiful interiors shop sells the unique items she sources from flea markets and antique shops around the world. Think everything from Jacques Grange for Yves Saint Laurent side tables to oversized Italian chrome lamps.
De Cosmi · Arles
De Cosmi
Just next to Ou is this beautiful shop from artist Catherine Servel de Cosmi. Come to invest in a delicate, sculptural piece made with sterling silver or 18k gold.
VAGUE ARLES · Arles
VAGUE ARLES
One of the more cutting-edge destinations in Arles is Vague, a cultural hub and the second outpost of a gallery of the same name in Kobe, Japan. The space is undeniably zen, with a gallery with rotating exhibits, selection of beautiful Japanese pottery, and a cafe with particularly delicious Japanese-inspired ice creams (like pumpkin and amakaze). Come for the art and stay to linger at the cafe.
La Chassagnette · Arles
La Chassagnette
As has probably become clear by now, the countryside surrounding Arles has many special restaurants. Perhaps the most famous of them all is La Chassagnette, a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement. The one-Michelin-starred spot is set on an organic farm and a can’t-miss for a special occasion lunch. You can choose from two tasting menus (one is vegetarian), all of which are made using ingredients from the garden.
LUMA Arles, Parc des Ateliers · Arles
LUMA Arles, Parc des Ateliers
Created by Luma Foundation founder Maja Hoffmann, this sprawling arts and culture complex is Arles’ shimmering attraction (literally—the Frank Gehry–designed building is a puzzle of stainless steel blocks). Set in former railway factories, the complex showcases rotating exhibitions alongside site-specific works. Don’t miss the double-helix staircase, the slide, or the 13-meter high pink sculpture by Austrian artist Franz West.
LEE UFAN ARLES · Arles
LEE UFAN
A truly peaceful oasis in the city, this art foundation is set in a restored mansion from the 16th century and home to the works of Lee Ufan, a Korean painter, sculptor, poet, and philosopher.
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