The best neighbourhoods to rent in Arles, from the Roman old town to Trinquetaille and the family districts, with rents and practical tips for newcomers.
Arles is a small city with a very large territory, and where you rent changes daily life completely. Most tenants choose between the historic centre (Méjan, La Cité and the streets around the Roman monuments), La Roquette for its lively streets near the Rhône, L'Hauture and La Cavalerie in the upper old town, Trinquetaille across the river, and residential areas such as Les Alyscamps, Chabourlet, Monplaisir, Barriol and Le Trébon, where rents are lower and homes larger.
INSEE counted 51,811 residents in 2023, spread over a vast municipal area, with a density of only 68 inhabitants per km², which includes villages such as Salin-de-Giraud and Raphèle-lès-Arles. Unlike most French cities, Arles is a town of houses: they make up 54.6% of homes, against 44.5% for flats. Only 45.4% of households rent, and nearly one in five lives in social housing. Second homes and occasional lets account for 7.3% of the housing stock, which reduces what is available to year-round tenants in the old town.
Demand for long-term lets regularly exceeds supply, and Arles is classified as a zone tendue. Below, each area is described with who it suits, followed by rents, the rules to know and the practical steps once you arrive.
The centre has the most rental listings in the city, mostly flats in old buildings with character, close to the arena, the ancient theatre, galleries, cafés and markets. It suits people who want to walk everywhere. Rents sit at the top of the local range, and the streets are busy in the tourist season. Access by car is restricted: residents of the centre ancien must request an access badge from the municipal police.
This bohemian district with colourful streets is popular with young professionals and artists. Small flats (T1 and T2) are relatively easy to find. The streets are narrow, so check parking before you sign: residents of La Roquette are eligible for the town's resident parking pass, which covers the green and yellow zones.
The elevated part of the old town is calmer and highly sought-after. Supply is limited and competition for each flat is stiff, so have your application ready before the first viewing.
On the west bank, Trinquetaille offers a residential atmosphere with views of the river and generally lower rents than the historic centre, while the bridges keep the centre close. It suits tenants who want quiet without being far from the action.
Near the Roman necropolis, this residential area mixes flats and houses and is popular with families looking for more space.
Monplaisir is a family choice with schools and green space close by. Barriol has a range of flat sizes at more affordable rents, and Le Trébon, a quieter district on the outskirts, offers larger homes for lower rents.
Typical monthly rents, excluding charges, are:
Add €30 to €100 a month in charges depending on the building and whether heating is included. The government rent map published by ANIL in December 2025 puts advertised rents in Arles, charges included, at €13.00 per m² for flats overall, €15.20 for one- and two-room flats, €11.60 for three rooms or more and €11.80 for houses. The historic centre, La Roquette and L'Hauture sit at the top of the ranges; Trinquetaille and the outer districts at the bottom.
Expect three to six weeks between the start of your search and signing a lease; studios and T1 flats can go within days. Landlords usually ask for a net income of three times the rent, recent payslips, your tax notice and a guarantor or the Visale guarantee if needed.
If you cannot easily get to viewings, a Remoters home finder based in Arles can search for you, visit homes, put your application together and check the lease before you sign. The first conversation and the quote are free.
Short answers to the questions our readers ask, written to stand on their own.
Sources cited in this article
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