A unique experience of living in a work of art.
Harper's Bazaar, June 2026L’Arlatan, right in the heart of Arles, is as much an art installation as a hotel. A stunning custom-made mosaic floor by artist Jorge Pardo runs throughout the 15th-century building, alongside copious original art. But there’s much more to this place than originality; it’s classy and comfortable and service is excellent.
The Telegraph, May 2025The Ultimate Travel Guide 2026
The Harper Bazar team share their favourite hotels around the globe for the year.
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Hotels Own Introduction
A Living Work of Art in Arles
Set in the heart of Arles’ historic centre, L’Arlatan occupies an extraordinary position among picturesque alleyways, Roman monuments and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Once considered one of the city’s grandest mansions, the historic townhouse has been transformed by artist Jorge Pardo into an immersive celebration of colour, light and contemporary art. The result is a hotel where history and creativity exist in constant conversation.
A Gesamtkunstwerk in Colour
Pardo’s vision extends throughout the property, turning every room, doorway and passage into part of a larger work of art. Some 6,000 square metres of mosaic cover the hotel in an exuberant composition of colour and light, with almost two million individually handmade fragments used in its transformation. Unusual volumes, vivid surfaces and playful perspectives give L’Arlatan an energy that feels both warm and distinctly contemporary.
History at Its Heart
The hotel’s collection of interconnected historic buildings centres around a magnificent courtyard, where a majestic staircase and atmospheric lounges retain the elegance of the property’s past. The central section is listed as a Monument Historique, adding another layer to a setting where centuries of Arlesian history meet Pardo’s boldly modern intervention.
The Art of Southern Living
From sunrise over the terracotta rooftops to evenings spent exploring the Camargue, L’Arlatan captures the distinctive rhythm of life in southern France. Its bar and restaurant unfold through a series of spaces conceived by Pardo, from a shaded patio and vibrant dining rooms to an atmospheric bar open throughout the day. Each setting invites guests to linger over a drink or meal while taking in the hotel’s ever-changing visual landscape.
Where History Meets Contemporary Creation
More than a hotel, L’Arlatan is an immersive artistic experience rooted in the character of Arles. Its historic architecture, exuberant mosaics and distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere create a rare sense of place—one where the city’s ancient past provides the canvas for an extraordinary work of contemporary art.
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