Hôtel Le Calendal is a mid-range hotel at 5 Rue Porte de Laure in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The hotel occupies a historic building in the heart of Arles's UNESCO-listed Roman monuments district, positioned between the Roman amphitheatre (Les Arènes) and the ancient theatre (Théâtre Antique), two of the best-preserved Roman structures in France. The setting gives the hotel a rare intimacy with ancient history: the curved exterior wall of the amphitheatre is visible from the hotel's upper garden terrace.
The hotel's private garden, enclosed within the old town's dense urban fabric, is one of its defining features. In warm months the garden serves as the main venue for breakfast, light lunches, and evening drinks, and its combination of shade and privacy makes it a popular retreat from the heat of Provençal afternoons. A small library and lounge area adjacent to the garden caters to guests who prefer quiet time between sightseeing.
Accommodation comprises Standard Rooms, Superior Rooms, and Garden Rooms that open directly onto the garden. All rooms are decorated in Provençal style, with local textiles, warm colours, and regional craft furniture. Superior rooms are larger and some have views toward the Roman amphitheatre. Bicycle hire is available from the hotel.
The restaurant serves Provençal cuisine including local specialities from the Arles culinary tradition. The wine list features bottles from the Costières de Nîmes and the Baux-de-Provence appellations.
The Fondation Vincent van Gogh, dedicated to the artist who produced over 300 works during his time in Arles, is three minutes' walk from the hotel. The Musée Départemental de l'Arles Antique, housing the finest Roman collection in Provence, is a 15-minute walk west.
Room types
- standard room
- superior room
- garden room
Amenities
- garden
- restaurant
- bar
- WiFi
- bicycle hire
Location
5 Rue Porte de Laure, 13200 Arles, France
43.6762, 4.6303 View on map
Highlights
- Historic location between the Roman amphitheatre and the Théâtre Antique in Arles's UNESCO heritage district
- Private enclosed garden serving as an al fresco breakfast and dining space in warm months
- Garden rooms opening directly onto the courtyard garden with views of surrounding Provençal planting
- Three-minute walk from the Fondation Vincent van Gogh and the Les Arènes amphitheatre entrance
- Bicycle hire enabling day trips to the Camargue and the Alpilles from Arles
Tips for visiting
- Request a Garden Room or a Superior room facing the Roman amphitheatre for the most atmospheric views
- Breakfast in the garden runs until mid-morning; there is no need to rush — the shaded terrace is at its best around 09:00
- The Roman amphitheatre hosts bullfighting events (corridas) during the Feria d'Arles in April and September; reserve tickets in advance if interested
- Bicycle hire is the most efficient way to reach the Camargue's nature paths, beginning about 15 km south; the route to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer (40 km each way) is achievable for experienced cyclists
- Parking in the Arles old town is restricted; guests arriving by car should use car parks at the city walls and walk the short distance to the hotel
Accessibility
The hotel is within Arles's historic Roman monument district, where streets are partially paved with ancient stone and cobbles that can be difficult for wheelchair users. The hotel building has a lift. Some accessible ground-floor rooms are available; guests with mobility requirements should confirm arrangements directly with the hotel before arrival.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Roman amphitheatre in Arles accessible from the hotel on foot?
Yes, the Les Arènes amphitheatre entrance is approximately 100–150 metres from the hotel, a two-minute walk through the pedestrian streets of the old town.
Does Hôtel Le Calendal have a restaurant?
The hotel has a restaurant and bar serving Provençal cuisine. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are available; the garden terrace is the primary dining space from spring through autumn.
Is bicycle hire available at the hotel?
Yes, the hotel provides bicycle hire for guests. This is one of the most practical ways to explore the flat terrain of the Camargue and the Crau plain from Arles.
Is there parking available near the hotel?
The hotel is within Arles's pedestrian zone and cars cannot park at the building. Paid car parks are available on the edges of the old town, near the Porte de la Cavalerie and the Thermes de Constantin.
When does the annual Feria d'Arles take place?
The Feria de Pâques (Easter) takes place in April and the Feria du Riz in September. Both events fill the town with bullfighting, flamenco, and processions; accommodation books out quickly for these periods.