NEWS | Hotel Le Relais de Poste, Arles Centre Historique

Cloître Saint Trophime 

The Cloître Saint-Trophime, built in the 12th century and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an invaluable gem of Romanesque and Provençal architecture.

Located just a five-minute walk from our hotel, this iconic site is a must-visit for all history and art enthusiasts !

The cloister is renowned for its magnificent columns and sculpted capitals, depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, as well as stories deeply rooted in Arlesian culture. As you stroll through this historic site, you will be transported back in time, discovering biblical tales and local legends carved into the stone.

This pearl of Romanesque art also offers access to a rooftop terrace. From there, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Saint-Trophime Church bell tower and the Town Hall, providing a unique perspective to enhance your visit.

Arles : a culinary experience

Arles, with its rich cultural and artistic heritage, also offers an exceptional culinary experience. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Provençal cuisine or in search of new flavors, here are five restaurants not to be missed during your visit to this charming town in the south of France.

La Table de Manou

Located just downstairs from our hotel! The restaurant offers a soothing, intimate atmosphere in the heart of the historic former coaching inn. Inspired by the colors and flavors of Provence, the restaurant menu is full of surprises. Taste local specialties that change with the seasons, with delicious tarts, salads and dishes. The terrace offers a sunny space surrounded by greenery, ideal for relaxing in a typical Provencal atmosphere.

L’épicerie du Cloître

The cuisine here is dynamic, good and simple. Regional products, local wines: a menu that travels with the seasons!

Le Gibolin

Nestled in a picturesque street in Arles, Le Gibolin is a small family-run restaurant renowned for its warm atmosphere and inventive cuisine. The menu changes regularly to highlight seasonal produce, guaranteeing a culinary experience that’s always surprising.

La Charcuterie

If you’re looking for a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, La Charcuterie is the place to be. This bistro offers a selection of simple but delicious dishes, featuring high-quality local produce.

Easter in Arles

Arles celebrates Easter like nowhere else. Every year in April, for 4 days straight, the city comes to life as the bullfighting season begins.

The Easter Feria in Arles is celebrated throughout the streets with equestrian shows and musical entertainments. It is a must to find yourself a spot at the Arena of Arles and experience a bullfight! During the day, be prepared for thrills with an “Encierro” where locals test their courage by running with bulls chasing them in the city’s square. At night, the celebration is still on going with flamenco dances and sangrias.

Don’t miss out Gardiane de Taureau or the Daube camarguaise, a traditional Arlesian bull stew marinated in local red wine served on its well-known locally grown Camargue rice. You can find this unique dish at nearly every local restaurants.

This year the Easter Feria in Arles will be held from April 7-10, 2023. The festival is free and open to all.

Vincent van Gogh

An admirer of art ? Wander the street of Arles in the ambience of Van Gogh. The great artist spent some time in Arles in the 19th century, where he was inspired to paint over hundreds work of art.

Come and explore the footsteps of Van Gogh along the river banks of Rhône, an inspiration for the Starry Night Over the Rhône painting, stop by and enjoy a drink at Le Café Van Gogh that was featured in the piece Café Terrace at Night, and stroll around many other remarkable locations.

From our hotel, you can take a 5 minute walk to visit the Foundation of Vincent van Gogh and appreciate his spectacular creations and legacy.

MONTMAJOUR ABBEY

Be inspired by this abbey founded in 948 by Benedictine monks, just as Van Gogh and Alain Kirili were inspired for their works. Located on the outskirts of Arles, it is a true monument testifying to eight centuries of Provençal history and architecture, as well as the only vestige in Western Europe of pre-Roman architecture. 

Come and discover this incredible Roman structure built on an îlot rocheux that is part of the UNESCO heritage, from which you can admire Arles, Tarascon, the plaine de la Crau et les Alpilles, but not only: the abbey also hosts exhibitions within the framework of the Rencontres de la Photographie d’Arles, shows and concerts. 

The parc des ateliers

In the heart of the Parc des Ateliers, stands the Tour Luma and his fondation, a building whose twisted geometric structure will leave a lasting impression. This cultural center hosts exhibition halls, art galleries, artists’ studios and several research centers.

The surrounding gardens, park and lake are inspired by the landscapes of the Camargue and bring vegetation to the center of the city.

The Parc des Ateliers, located 10 minutes’ walk from our hotel, will open its doors on Saturday, June 26, 2021 and will surely become a major cultural attraction to visit during a stay in Arles.