Arles follows its own pace, a city shaped by centuries of history, where sunlight illuminates Roman architecture and narrow streets reveal a rich cultural heritage. It is a city where art is present at every turn too.

Arles was significantly influenced by Roman rule, and Julius Caesar played a direct role in its early development. Around 46 BCE, after his campaigns in Gaul, Caesar established Arles as a Roman colony for veterans of his army, naming it Colonia Iulia Paterna Arelatensium Sextanorum. This gave the city a special legal status and laid the foundations for its urban expansion, including the construction of Roman public buildings and infrastructure. Gorgeous buildings and amazing history followed. Can you believe, for instance, that Arles had a Circus? Caesar’s influence marked the beginning of Arles’ transformation into one of the most important Roman cities in Gaul. The Musée de l’Arles Antique houses an exceptional bust of Julius Caesar and a remarkably rich collection.

Within this delicate balance of time and place, the best of the best hotel is clearly the iconic Hôtel & Spa Jules César. It sits at the very heart of the city, on Boulevard des Lices, opposite the Le Malarte restaurant and café and the legendary Souleiado store.

The luxury hotel offers a stay that feels both indulgent and intimately connected to the life of Arles. It is also focused on wellness with its grand spa. From the moment one steps into its majestic staircase and impressive lobby, there is a sense of ultra sophistication. This is a story that is layered with centuries of architecture, artistic vision, and the energy of contemporary luxury. Another impressive mural depiction of Jules Cesar, is encrusted on the adjacent wall of the hotel entrance. What a way to get in!

Housed in a former 18th-century Carmelite convent, its location is unrivalled, placing guests mere steps from the Roman amphitheatre, the main square, the ancient theatre, the many galleries, and the winding, sunlit streets that have long inspired painters, photographers, and writers. The weekend market is on the doorstep and is one of the most beautiful of France. 

Jérémy Lyonnet, Director of the Hotel talks to Art is Alive: “When the property joined the MGallery Collection, the goal was to create a place where heritage, culture, and contemporary creativity could coexist.” Here came the amazing new chapter. “The renovation entrusted to Christian Lacroix allowed the hotel to reconnect with its artistic identity while preserving its monastic spirit. Lacroix himself is from Arles. The concept naturally grew from this duality: a dialogue between centuries, colours, textures, and stories.” This mission, to unite history with modernity, is evident throughout the property, in every corridor, room, and detail, from the carpet and bright yellow walls to go to the first floor. Who better than legendary couturier and artist Christian Lacroix to take care of the styling? 

Being part of the MGallery Collection, the hotel is one of over 120 unique boutique properties worldwide, each designed as a “gallery of stories.” MGallery is less concerned with uniform luxury standards than with cultivating character, and comfort. Its connections with art are strong. The brand’s emphasis on “M Moments”, curated experiences that merge design, well-being, and gastronomy, finds its perfect expression at Jules César. It also belongs to Accor Group. Accor is a leading French multinational hospitality company and one of the world’s largest hotel groups. It operates over 5,000 properties across more than 110 countries. Known for brands such as Sofitel, Novotel, and MGallery, Accor emphasizes innovation, loyalty programmes, and sustainable hospitality practices.

Christian Lacroix’s hand is evident at every turn. He was tasked with preserving the building’s monastic spirit while embedding a contemporary, artistic energy. “The original convent architecture remains visible in the vaulted corridors, the cloister-like garden, and the sense of serenity that permeates the building. Lacroix drew inspiration from Arles itself, its Provençal traditions, Roman heritage, and vibrant art scene, to create interiors that feel both theatrical and deeply rooted in local culture. Every room reflects his love for the city, from antique references to Camargue motifs.” Jérémy continues.

Lacroix’s approach is never overpowering, creating interiors that are dramatic in details yet unique. At the entrance, guests are greeted by a striking black-and-white image of a sensual torero, both a bold visual statement and a charming nod to Arles. The hotel unfolds in local vibrant colour palettes, each inspired by Arles’ Roman heritage, and Provençal traditions. Antique furnishings, contemporary accents, and playful textiles coexist throughout the spacious foyer, corridors, suites, creating a seamless experience. Drawings of Arlésiennes by Lacroix decorate the rooms above the comfortable beds in the rooms. 

Guests enjoy a nice cocktail in the bar, or wait for their friends while reading fashion and art magazines on orange, red, yellow and green sofas.  Fornasetti-style scenes of Arles, Arlésiennes posing before the Roman theatre (which today hosts flamenco concerts in the summer), among other motifs, enliven the space, which is further adorned with antique sculptures and busts. In the lobby, La Valise Arlésienne presents a display of vintage photography, featuring old cameras and photographic objects, dialoguing with old posters of La Feria. In the summer, that space is activated with concerts and live music.

The architecture of the former convent remains legible everywhere, a respectful framework upon which Lacroix’s creativity is layered. In the public area, the dialogue between old and new is particularly compelling: antique doors and fresco-inspired walls converse with vibrant Camargue motifs, mirrored panels, and contemporary artworks on the wall à la Jeff Koons. “Much of the art displayed in the hotel was curated under Lacroix’s direction. The pieces include bespoke illustrations, reinterpretations of classical iconography, and works inspired by the cultural richness of Arles. The collection is not static; it evolves with exhibitions, local collaborations, and the city’s artistic calendar, particularly during Les Rencontres d’Arles.” Jérémy continues.

The rooms reflect the same philosophy, blending comfort, practicality, and artistry. An antique chair is painted in black and white, a nod to Van Gogh’s paintings probably, and the beds are extra comfortable. Fully air-conditioned and illuminated by natural light (it can be really hot and sunny in Arles in the summer), the hotel feels at once airy and grounded too. The outside pool is also amazing. From Classic Single Rooms for the solo traveller to expansive suites suitable for families, every room is designed to balance historical charm with modern convenience. Deep bathtubs, plush bedding, minibars, coffee machines with Noailles capsules, Jardin d’Asie tea, and flat-screen televisions coexist harmoniously with bold fabrics.

Complementing the décor are traditional Provençal chests of drawers, which underscore the region’s artisanal heritage (painted over in blue in one of the master suites). Deluxe rooms can accommodate three adults or a combination of adults and children, while suites, some exceeding 40 square metres, offer private seating areas, expansive bathrooms featuring Cinq Monde toiletry products, (with marble all over), and views of the courtyard garden. The hotel’s two vibrant suites, infused with Christian Lacroix’s signature style, are often reserved for La Feria’s leading toreros, further enhancing the hotel’s prestige. Are we stepping into the visual world of Almodóvar too with the contrasting red and pink?

Room service is discreet, preserving the sense of privacy and reflection that pervades the hotel. Every detail, from lighting to furniture arrangement, is deliberately considered, allowing guests to feel simultaneously cocooned and connected to the city beyond. Exceptional service and attention to detail set Hotel Jules César apart, offering guests a warm welcome and a consistently attentive experience. Breakfast staff for example are amazingly dedicated. That makes the difference with other places.

The garden and pool provide a rare city-centre sanctuary. Cloistered within the convent walls, the garden is planted with flowers and greenery that soften the Provençal sun, framing a seasonal, outdoor pool that is reserved for adults. Summer parties are said to be amazing in this outdoor part of the hotel, especially during the photo festival.

Adjacent, the Cinq Mondes Spa extends this sense of sanctuary with a hot tub, sauna, steam room, and massage cabins, offering a restorative counterpoint to exploration or work. The decor is spectacular with provencal tiles on the walls! Treatments are designed to harmonise relaxation and rejuvenation, with chaises longues, creating moments where the hotel itself feels as restorative as its environment.

Dining at Lou Marquès, the hotel’s gastronomic restaurant, is similarly attentive to place and atmosphere. Provençal cuisine is served with precision, celebrating seasonal and local produce while maintaining a refined, understated elegance. Guests can choose to dine indoors amid Lacroix’s layered interiors or outdoors in the garden, and room service ensures that meals can be enjoyed privately without compromise. The culinary programme, like the interiors, is a dialogue between tradition and contemporary sensibility, allowing guests to taste both Arles’ terroir and the creativity embedded in the hotel’s ethos: golden sea bream with spices here, peppers stuffed with Camargue rice there, everything is delicious!  The tauromachie-inspired frieze pays tribute to the culture of Arles, featuring its queen and referencing the city’s traditional costumes. Of course, it’s Lacroix baby!

Art is central to the experience. The collection, largely curated under Lacroix’s direction, includes bespoke illustrations, reinterpretations of classical iconography. This displays evolves with exhibitions, collaborations with local artists, and the rhythm of the city, particularly during Les Rencontres d’Arles. The hotel has also regularly hosted fashion shoots and artistic teams, drawn by its visual richness and privacy. 

As Lyonnet explains: “Our guests are a blend of art lovers, culture seekers, international travelers. Many are drawn by the unique design, others by the hotel’s central location. We also welcome corporate and event clientele, especially during cultural festivals.” and the hotel welcomes celebrities all year long: “The hotel regularly attracts brands, photographers, an artistic teams: jewels, clothes, swimsuits, underwear for shooting and many VIPs during their professional or personal events. But for confidential reasons, we could not give you more information.” Among those who stayed were Ernest Hemingway, Jean Cocteau, Pablo Picasso and the Duke of York, later King of England and father of Queen Elizabeth II, drawn by a social scene that brought together politicians and intellectuals, as well as by the region’s most emblematic spectacle: bullfighting.

Service at Jules César is a defining element of the experience, calibrated to be luxurious without ostentation. Lyonnet reflects, “One of my biggest challenges as a Director is finding the right balance between delivering a true five-star experience and preserving the soul and authenticity of Arles. Our guests come to us expecting the high standards of an international luxury hotel, but they also seek something genuine, an atmosphere, a rhythm, and a personality that reflect the city’s artistic heritage and Provençal identity.” In the lobby perfumes from La Parfumerie Arlésienne sit alongside santons d’Arles representing Frédéric Mistral, bringing together scent and regional tradition.

“My role is to ensure that excellence in service, comfort, and care never dilutes this unique character. Instead, the challenge is to elevate it: to bring refinement without uniformity, and to offer luxury without losing the warmth, spontaneity, and cultural richness that make Arles so special. This balance is what guides every decision, from the way we train our teams to the partnerships we build and the experiences we design for our guests.” Jérémy added. Valet service, optional parking, 24-hour reception, and pet-friendly policies are seamlessly integrated, allowing guests to feel cared for. Indeed, the hotel promises the kind of celebrity treatment that is understated.

The location further enhances the experience, connecting guests to Arles’ extraordinary cultural fabric. The Lee Ufan Foundation, the Anne Clergue gallery, the Van Gogh and Fragonard Museums, and ancient theatre are steps away, while the Musée Réattu offers a deep dive into fine arts and photography. Contemporary art finds a home at the Luma Foundation and Tower, while the surrounding Camargue provides elemental landscapes, wild horses, and flamingos, extending the city’s narrative into the natural world. As Lyonnet notes, “Arles is a city where culture lives year-round, and each visit reveals something new.”

Sustainability is woven seamlessly into the hotel’s operation, reflecting MGallery’s Green Key programme from the Accor Group. Climate emergency is increasingly important for hotels. Energy-efficient operations, waste reduction initiatives, responsible sourcing for the restaurant, eco-certified amenities, and collaboration with local producers and artisans demonstrate that luxury and environmental responsibility are not mutually exclusive. Guests can indulge without guilt, assured that every element of their stay has been considered for its environmental impact.

The property’s versatility, intimate for private retreats, expansive for gatherings, visually rich for shoots, ensures it is a destination in its own right. “We continuously aim to elevate the guest experience by refining our rooms and common spaces, enriching our art presence, and developing exclusive cultural partnerships in Arles. Our goal is to keep the property as a reference in both hospitality and artistic vibrancy.” Jérémy said.

Ultimately, Hôtel & Spa Jules César is a property defined by contrasts and harmonies. Monastic calm meets Lacroix’s flamboyance, history dialogues with contemporary luxury, art coexists with comfort, and every element is infused with a sense of Arles’ rhythm and character. From heritage architecture and cloistered gardens to suites, pool, spa, and Lou Marquès’ gastronomy, the hotel is an immersive environment, a living gallery, and a sanctuary that offers discreet indulgence and layered experiences! 

For those seeking more than a hotel, Jules César is rare: it is a symbol of Arles, an artful residence, a sanctuary for wellness, and a discreetly indulgent retreat. Congratulations too for being LGBTQI+ friendly!

Here, every stay offers a wonderful time, a conversation between centuries and sensibilities, and an enduring testament to rest stylishly in the heart of one of France’s most cultural and interesting cities.

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Images:
Thanks to Jérémy Lyonnet and to Marie Collus.