TO STAY
Le Collatéral
Behind a discreet façade in the Roquette district is a wonderful place redolent of a long and eventful past. Until the Revolution is was a church; since then it has been a ballroom, a night club, a furniture store and now a "mini-hotel" as the proprietors, Anne-Laurence et Philippe Schiepan, like to call it. They have kept the building's huge, spectacular spaces intact and this gives it a special atmosphere, serene yet full of energy. Le Collatéral is a place for sharing and meeting people. It welcomes creativity and innovation, regularly hosting artists in residence, performances and events such as special dinners by guest chefs.
20 place Joseph Patrat
Tél. 06 58 43 61 69
Hôtel du Cloître
The Roman theatre and amphitheatre are a short stroll from this attractive hotel. Though parts of the building are hundreds of years old, the interior is colourful and modern. The imprint of designer India Mahdavi adds verve and enchantment alongside the owner's contemporary art collection. Said owner is Maja Hoffman, a philanthropist who loves her town.
18 rue du Cloître
Tél. 04 88 09 10 00
DELIGHT YOUR PALATE
Les filles du 16
One daughter works with her dad in the kitchen and the other takes care of the diners. The cuisine is traditional, with some Arlesian specialities such as gardianne de taureau, but mostly from the broader tradition. Their "wine of the month" is a good idea.
16 rue du Docteur Fanton
Tél. 04 90 93 77 36
L’Autruche
This place is all about taste and enjoyment. It's been delighting foodies for the past nine years thanks to Fabien in the dining room and at market and his wife Ouria in the kitchen. "We work out our menus from what we find at the market, paying special attention to pairings with our favourite wines. Many of our chosen wines are from estates that use sustainable vineyard methods. We like their approach and the resulting wines," says Fabien, giving a delightful exposé of the day's chalkboard menu.
5 rue Dulau - Tél. 04 90 49 73 63
Le Galoubet
The atmosphere is friendly, the flames leap in the huge fireplace and a merry feast ensues. The food is bistro fare made from top quality ingredients and Céline, the chef, makes it look very pretty on the plate. Franck, her husband, flits nimbly between the tables and the vast bar.
18 rue du Docteur Fanton
Tél. 04 90 93 18 11
