Your stay — Auberge des Plaines
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The Property — Auberge des Plaines
Auberge des Plaines is a straightforward, unfussy three-star on the outskirts of Arles. The lobby is clean, tiled and quiet, with a small reception desk, a few armchairs and a noticeboard advertising local bull-running dates. It suits independent travellers who want a decent bed, free parking and easy ring-road access rather than Provençal charm or a pool.
Chronicles of Arles
Arles was founded by the Greeks as Arelate and became a major Roman port under Augustus, with its arena and theatre still used for shows today. By the 4th century it was a key Christian centre, hosting church councils, and later a strategic medieval bridgehead. The city’s architectural mix comes from Roman stone, Romanesque cloisters and Renaissance hôtels particuliers. Since Van Gogh painted here in 1888–89, Arles has traded on its artistic heritage, now hosting the annual Rencontres photography festival.
Best Time to Visit
Full Arles guide →Best months
April–May and September–October: mid-20s °C, light crowds, lavender visible in June but not yet peak tourist.
Peak / festival surge
July–August, especially for the Feria d’Arles (early July bull-running) and Rencontres photography festival (July–September). Hotel prices in Arles double in July; advance booking essential.
Budget shoulder season
Late September–October: still warm (22–26°C), far fewer tourists, hotel rates drop 30–40%, and the light is excellent for photography.
Weather & packing
Arles gets the Mistral wind — sudden, strong and dry — which can drop temperatures 10°C in minutes. Pack a windproof jacket and layers, regardless of the forecast.
Live City Briefing — Arles
- The Rencontres d’Arles photography festival runs from 5 July to 27 September 2026 — expect extra crowds and higher restaurant prices in the city centre.
- The Arles–Avignon railway line is partially closed for track renewal until late 2026; direct TGV services are replaced by buses between Arles and Avignon TGV.
- All municipal car parks near the arena now require advance online booking during the Feria period (first weekend of July).
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Auberge des Plaines, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the first floor or higher, facing the inner courtyard rather than the street. The inner courtyard rooms are noticeably quieter and often have a small terrace or seating area, which is a real bonus for a 3-star hotel in the city centre. Upper floors are brighter and catch the morning light if you prefer an early start to explore Arles.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms at all costs. They can be dark, stuffy, and prone to noise from the reception area and guests coming and going. Any room marked as 'street side' should also be avoided – the Rue de l'Hôtel de Ville and surrounding streets have lively bars, restaurants and foot traffic until late, and the single-glazed windows (common in older buildings here) won't block the chatter or the garbage collection at dawn.
Best views
Ask for a room overlooking the inner courtyard. You’ll get a peaceful view of potted plants, possibly a small fountain or olive tree, and the ochre tones of the old building. The street view is just other facades and the occasional glimpse of the Saint-Trophime cloisters – fine for a quick look, but not worth the noise trade-off.
Quietest floors
First and second floors are the quietest – far enough from the street noise below, but not so high that you hear the roof vents or lift machinery. The building has no lift, so these floors also mean a manageable climb with luggage.
🔊 Noise notes
Arles is compact and this hotel sits on a pedestrianised or semi-pedestrianised street in the old town. Expect church bells nearby (the Saint-Trophime belfry chimes every quarter hour, and at full volume on the hour, even through the night – locals are used to it, but if you're a light sleeper, earplugs help). The street noise is from bars spilling onto the pavement until midnight in summer, and delivery trucks squeezing into the service alley behind the hotel around 6am.
Insider tips
Parking: The hotel has no private parking, but the public car park 'Parking des Lices' (Avenue des Lices) is about a 5-minute walk. It costs around €12 for 24 hours, but in summer you can reserve a spot online a day ahead – street parking is a nightmare and often for residents only. Request a room with a fan in summer. The building is old, thick-walled and doesn't always have air-conditioning in every room – a fan makes a huge difference in July and August, and the hotel will happily put one in if you ask at booking.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Auberge des Plaines
Free WiFi, no tiers; typical speed 30 Mbps. Login via password card at check-in, one device per room.
Small lift serves all four floors; no stairs-only sections in public areas.
Digital version of local daily La Provence on lobby tablet; no physical papers or PressReader.
Standard check-in: 15:00-22:00; late arrivals by prior arrangement only. Early bag-drop from 09:00. Late check-out available until 13:00 for €30 (subject to availability).
Free for same-day storage, secure luggage room behind reception. No cost.
Step-free entrance via side ramp; lift fits standard wheelchair but one step into the breakfast room limits full access. No adapted bathrooms.
No on-site parking. Nearest public car park: Parking Chabert (60 spots, €18 per night). No EV charging on property.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €1.10 per person per night (applies to adults, paid on arrival)
Deposit & card hold: First night charged as deposit on booking; at check-in a €50 card hold for incidentals
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Use local bank ATMs for the best rates; avoid exchange bureaux at Gare d'Arles or tourist offices as they charge high fees.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and hotels; contactless is common; Amex less so; smaller markets and some cafés may be cash-only.
Service is included in restaurant bills – rounding up to the nearest euro is common; taxis round up a euro or two; hotel staff appreciate €1-2 for baggage help.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Standing at a bar counter espresso – around €1.20.
Formule déjeuner (set lunch) at a café or brasserie – typically €12-15 for starter+main or main+drink.
Pizza or plat du jour in a neighbourhood bistro – main dish about €10-15.
Market days (Wednesday/Saturday) along the boulevards offer food stalls with sandwiches, socca, and pastries.
Super U and Carrefour are common budget supermarkets in Arles.
Affordable chain stores (H&M, Kiabi) at the shopping area around Rue de la République.
Walking is best – Arles is compact; for longer trips, a single bus ticket is €1.00; no airport shuttle – take train from Avignon TGV station (about €6-8) then local bus.
Eat at lunch for set menus (much cheaper than dinner). Skip pricey tourist restaurants on Place du Forum; head a street or two away for better value. Buy produce at the Saturday market instead of supermarkets.
Good to know — Arles
Type C/E · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.88 · EUR
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Arles, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Auberge des Plaines
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Arles city centre (Place Lamartine) → Mas du Prieur (stop: Mas du Prieur)
💡 Tickets from the driver or Envia app. Bus 1 runs along Route de Crau; the stop is literally outside the hotel. Avoid Sundays when service is reduced.
Marseille Provence Airport → Arles city centre
💡 Buy tickets at the airport kiosk—cheaper than online. The bus drops you at Place Lamartine; from there, it's a 15-minute walk or quick cab to Mas du Prieur.
Avignon TGV station → Arles train station
💡 If flying into Paris, take a TGV direct to Avignon TGV (2h40), then connect. From Arles station, Mas du Prieur is a 10-minute taxi ride (€12–15).
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) → Mas du Prieur, Arles
💡 Book ahead with a local company like Taxi Arles for a fixed rate; avoid airport touts. The drive via A54 is straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Auberge des Plaines?
Request a room on the first floor or higher, facing the inner courtyard rather than the street. The inner courtyard rooms are noticeably quieter and often have a small terrace or seating area, which is a real bonus for a 3-star hotel in the city centre. Upper floors are brighter and catch the morning light if you prefer an early start to explore Arles.
Which rooms should I avoid at Auberge des Plaines?
Avoid ground-floor rooms at all costs. They can be dark, stuffy, and prone to noise from the reception area and guests coming and going. Any room marked as 'street side' should also be avoided – the Rue de l'Hôtel de Ville and surrounding streets have lively bars, restaurants and foot traffic until late, and the single-glazed windows (common in older buildings here) won't block the chatter or the garbage collection at dawn.
Is Auberge des Plaines noisy?
Arles is compact and this hotel sits on a pedestrianised or semi-pedestrianised street in the old town. Expect church bells nearby (the Saint-Trophime belfry chimes every quarter hour, and at full volume on the hour, even through the night – locals are used to it, but if you're a light sleeper, earplugs help). The street noise is from bars spilling onto the pavement until midnight in summer, and delivery trucks squeezing into the service alley behind the hotel around 6am.
Which rooms have the best views at Auberge des Plaines?
Ask for a room overlooking the inner courtyard. You’ll get a peaceful view of potted plants, possibly a small fountain or olive tree, and the ochre tones of the old building. The street view is just other facades and the occasional glimpse of the Saint-Trophime cloisters – fine for a quick look, but not worth the noise trade-off.
What are insider tips for staying at Auberge des Plaines?
Parking: The hotel has no private parking, but the public car park 'Parking des Lices' (Avenue des Lices) is about a 5-minute walk. It costs around €12 for 24 hours, but in summer you can reserve a spot online a day ahead – street parking is a nightmare and often for residents only. Request a room with a fan in summer. The building is old, thick-walled and doesn't always have air-conditioning in every room – a fan makes a huge difference in July and August, and the hotel will happily put one in if you ask at booking.
What time is check-in at Auberge des Plaines?
Check-in at Auberge des Plaines is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Auberge des Plaines have Wi-Fi?
Free WiFi, no tiers; typical speed 30 Mbps. Login via password card at check-in, one device per room.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Auberge des Plaines?
€1.10 per person per night (applies to adults, paid on arrival)
Where can I eat cheaply near Auberge des Plaines?
Formule déjeuner (set lunch) at a café or brasserie – typically €12-15 for starter+main or main+drink.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Auberge des Plaines?
Walking is best – Arles is compact; for longer trips, a single bus ticket is €1.00; no airport shuttle – take train from Avignon TGV station (about €6-8) then local bus.
When is the best time to visit Arles?
April–May and September–October: mid-20s °C, light crowds, lavender visible in June but not yet peak tourist.
Top Attractions in Arles
💡 Sit at Café Van Gogh (Le Café la Nuit) – it’s the one from his painting, but prices are high for drinks. For a cheaper coffee, try Bar de la Rue behind it.
💡 Open 24/7, but best at sunset. Bring water – no shade late afternoon. Few tourists know about it.
💡 Buy a combined ticket with the Théâtre Antique for €12, valid 2 days. Go early morning to avoid crowds and heat.
💡 Free to view from the rue de la Calade steps outside. If entering, the best spot is the top row of seats for a city view.
💡 Visit late afternoon for cool shade and good light for photos. Combined with the Musée de l’Arles et de la Provence antiques for €6 total.