Are you planning a trip to Arles, in the heart of Provence? Founded by the Romans on the banks of the Rhône, this city will charm you with its ancient amphitheater, its Roman theater, and the landscapes that inspired Vincent van Gogh. Here’s what you’ll find in this article:
- Our tips on the best neighborhoods to consider when choosing where to stay in Arles,
- Our list of the best hotels in the city, sorted by category, featuring our personally tested picks and other great options.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Best Hotels in Arles: Our Top Picks
Housed in a historic building on Place du Forum, the Hôtel du Forum features a garden with an outdoor pool—a rare find in the historic center at this price point. We enjoyed the pool after a day of sightseeing, and we noticed that the hotel offered good value for the price. The hotel is ideal for both couples and families, thanks to its triple rooms.
See photos, prices and availability.
Where to Stay in Arles: Best Neighborhoods + Map
Why stay in Arles?
Arles is one of the cities in Provence with the richest cultural heritage. The Colosseum and the Ancient Theater, dating back to Roman times, stand alongside medieval alleyways and sites associated with Vincent van Gogh, who painted some of his works there. We recommend staying at least one night to enjoy the city outside of peak hours when tour groups are passing through.
We found that the city is just as well suited for a short cultural getaway as it is for a stopover on a longer trip to the Camargue or the Alpilles. Arles remains, however, a very popular summer destination, especially during the Rencontres de la Photographie festival.
Map of Arles and Its Neighborhoods
Here is a map to help you locate the two areas we highlight below:
1. Where to Stay in Downtown Arles
Most of the sites worth visiting are concentrated in Arles’ historic center: the Arena, the Ancient Theater, the Place du Forum, and the Vincent van Gogh Foundation are all within walking distance of one another. This is also where most of the restaurants and shops are located. We enjoyed being able to do everything on foot, even in the evening, without having to rely on a car.
Benefits:
- All monuments and restaurants are within walking distance
- Wide selection of hotels, ranging from 2 to 5 stars
Disadvantages:
- Parking is limited and often requires payment
- Streets that can get crowded on market days or during peak season
Hotels we’ve reviewed: Hôtel Jules César, Hôtel Maison Volver, and Hôtel du Forum
2. Staying in Trinquetaille
On the other side of the Rhône, the Trinquetaille neighborhood offers a more residential setting that is less frequented by visitors. The historic district remains accessible on foot via the bridge, just a few minutes’ walk away. This area is ideal for travelers looking for a quieter setting without straying too far from the main attractions.
Benefits:
- Quieter, residential neighborhood
- Some establishments have a garden and a pool, which are rare in the city center
Disadvantages:
- You must cross the bridge to reach the historic district
- Fewer restaurants and shops in the immediate vicinity
Our address to remember: Hotel Mireille
Alternative: the Camargue
You can also stay in more natural settings not far from Arles. Hotels in the Camargue are 15 to 30 minutes from the city of Arles. It offers a completely different experience!
We really enjoyed our stays at the Mas de Peint Hotel— check photos and availability—and at the Un Nid en Camargue Hotel— check photos and availability.
Other useful tips to keep in mind
Arles is particularly popular in the summer, especially during the Rencontres de la Photographie festival: we recommend that you book your accommodations several months in advance for a stay between June and September. Parking in the historic district is limited: check with your hotel about parking options before you arrive.
In addition, a lively market is held every Saturday morning in the city center and may cause traffic delays near certain hotels until early afternoon.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Remember to take outcomprehensive insurance (some roads are winding and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Our curation: best hotels
To help you find the accommodations that best meet your needs, we’ve organized our recommendations by category. Below you’ll find our tried-and-true recommendations, along with other options that inspire us.
Best Luxury Hotels in Arles
Booking.com currently lists only one 5-star property in Arles that meets the strictest rating criteria.
The one we reviewed: Hotel Jules César
The Hôtel Jules César is housed in a former17th-century Carmelite convent, right in the heart of Arles’ historic center. The interior design, by Christian Lacroix, blends colorful murals with contemporary furniture, creating a look that is both refined and unique.
What sets this hotel apart is the blend of the building’s monastic past and the comforts of a 5-star hotel. We were delighted by the breakfast served in the shade of the cloister, and we enjoyed the gourmet restaurant Lou Marquès, renowned for its Provençal cuisine. The staff was very helpful throughout our stay.
- Neighborhood: Historic Center, Boulevard des Lices
- Price range: 5 stars
- Restaurant: Yes, Lou Marquès gourmet restaurant, serving Provençal cuisine
- Family rooms: no extra beds; please check with the hotel
- Heated outdoor pool, open seasonally, in the heart of the cloister gardens
- Amenities: Cinq Mondes spa (hot tub, sauna, steam room), fitness center
- Parking: private parking with valet service, for an additional fee
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
Our curation of other excellent luxury options
- L’Hôtel Particulier Hotel
An18th-century mansion in the city center, featuring a garden, a heated outdoor pool, and a spa area. An intimate, residential atmosphere, just a few minutes’ walk from the main landmarks.
Check photos and availability
Best Boutique Hotels in Arles
Arles is home to several charming establishments, often located in historic mansions in the old town.
The one we reviewed: Hotel Maison Volver
Located in the historic Cavalerie district, which dates back tothe 11th century, the Hôtel Maison Volver is housed in a downtown building about 30 meters from the bullring. The decor, designed by the owners, has a bohemian and vintage feel: each of the property’s 18 rooms offers a unique atmosphere, blending vintage finds with the colors of the South.
We found the welcome to be particularly warm, just like the overall atmosphere of the place. We also enjoyed the terrace, where the restaurant serves regional cuisine from brunch through to the last drink of the evening. From this location, you can walk to the train station, the arena, and the Vincent van Gogh Foundation.
- Neighborhood: La Cavalerie, historic center
- Price range: 4 stars
- Restaurant: Yes, regional cuisine, patio open for lunch and dinner
- Family rooms: Some suites have multiple beds; please check with the hotel
- No swimming pool on site
- Amenities: Eclectic decor unique to each room, shared lounge, art gallery
- Parking: nearby public parking lot
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
Our curation of other excellent charm options
- Le Cloître Hotel
A small boutique hotel designed by India Mahdavi, featuring an inner courtyard and a rooftop terrace. Located in the historic center, near the ancient theater.
Check photos and availability - L’Arlatan Hotel
A historic hotel with artistic décor designed by Jorge Pardo, featuring 41 rooms. An outdoor pool is located in a colorful courtyard.
Check photos and availability - Mireille Hotel — Trinquetaille neighborhood
A family-run hotel located on the other side of the Rhône, featuring a garden and a beautiful outdoor pool. The historic district is accessible on foot via the bridge.
Check photos and availability - Museum Hotel
Located in a former mansion organized around two patios, right next to the Réattu Museum and the banks of the Rhône.
Check photos and availability
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in Provence a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Arles
This selection focuses on properties that actually offer triple, quadruple, or family rooms—not just the option to add an extra bed.
The one we reviewed: Hôtel du Forum
The Hôtel du Forum is housed in a historic building on the Place du Forum, right in the heart of Arles’ historic center. Its garden, laid out around an outdoor pool, is a rare asset for a hotel in this price range located so close to the sights. The rooms, which come in several categories, include triple-occupancy configurations with one king-size bed and one single bed, or three separate beds.
We enjoyed being able to alternate between cultural sightseeing and relaxing by the pool without leaving downtown. We also noted the hotel’s good value for money; it remains affordable for families despite its central location.
- Neighborhood: Arles Center, Place du Forum
- Price range: 3 stars
- Restaurant: ask at the establishment
- Family rooms: Yes, triple rooms (one double bed and one single bed, or three separate beds)
- Outdoor pool in the garden
- Amenities: garden, patio
- Parking: ask at the hotel (limited parking in the historic center)
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
Our selection of other great options for families
- Le Calendal Spa Hotel
Located between the Arena and the ancient theater, with a garden and wellness area. Several family rooms can accommodate up to 4 people in multiple beds.
Check photos and availability - Brit Hotel Acacias
A 33-room hotel near the train station, offering twin, triple, and quadruple rooms. Some rooms offer an unobstructed view of the city.
Check photos and availability - La Muette Hotel
A boutique hotel housed in a historic home, parts of which date back to the12th and15th centuries, located about 100 meters from the Arena. Triple and family rooms are available.
Check photos and availability
Best 2- or 3-star hotels in Arles
Arles also offers several more affordable options, all conveniently located in the historic center.
- The Regency
A 2-star hotel located near the waterfront and the train station. Some rooms offer a direct view of the Rhône.
Check photos and availability - Hôtel de l’Anglais Amphitheater
A 3-star hotel housed in a17th-century building, featuring an interior courtyard and a decor that blends antique and contemporary elements. The Arena is just a short walk away. Triple and family rooms are also available.
Check photos and availability
Other Types of Accommodations in Arles
You can also find:
- B&Bs
- apartments for rent
- guest houses
See the top-rated rated in Arles.
SHE MADE THE TRIP Sèverine
