Moving to Arles: what to know before you rent and settle in

Moving to Arles usually means choosing between three settings: the historic centre around the Roman arena, with La Roquette, Le Méjan and L'Hauture; Trinquetaille, on the other bank of the Rhône, calmer and a little cheaper; and residential areas such as Barriol, Monplaisir, Les Alyscamps or Le Trébon, where rents are lower and houses more common. The right choice depends on your budget, on whether you need a car and on how much space you want.

Arles is a mid-sized town with an unusual housing stock. INSEE counted 51,811 residents in 2023, and houses make up 54.6% of all homes, more than flats. Just over 45% of households rent, and 19.8% live in social housing. The private rental offer is concentrated in older flats in the centre and in Trinquetaille, and in town houses further out.

The town is classified as a zone tendue: demand for long-term lets regularly exceeds supply, and small flats go quickly. This guide covers where to look, what renting costs, the rules that apply to your lease, and the practical steps for the first weeks after you arrive.

Where to rent in Arles

The historic centre, Le Méjan and La Cité

The heart of Arles has the largest number of rental listings, mostly flats in older buildings with character. You live within walking distance of the arena, the ancient theatre, markets, cafés and galleries. Rents here sit at the top of the local range, and the best-placed flats often exceed it.

La Roquette: lively and popular with young tenants

This district near the Rhône, known for its colourful streets, attracts young professionals and artists. Studios and one-bedroom flats come up regularly, but they let fast.

L'Hauture and La Cavalerie: the quieter old town

The upper part of the old town is quieter and much sought after. Supply is limited, so competition for each flat is stiff. If you want this area, have your application ready before the first viewing.

Trinquetaille: across the river

On the west bank of the Rhône, Trinquetaille offers a calmer residential setting with rents generally below those of the centre, and good links back across the river. Some flats on the quays have views of the old town.

Les Alyscamps, Barriol, Monplaisir and Le Trébon

Around the Roman necropolis of Les Alyscamps and Chabourlet, flats and houses mix in a residential setting that suits families. Monplaisir, with its schools and green spaces, is also popular with families. Barriol offers a range of flat sizes for tighter budgets, and Le Trébon, on the edge of town, has larger homes at lower rents.

What renting costs

Typical monthly rents in Arles, excluding service charges, are:

• Studio or one-room flat (about 16 to 35 m²): €450 to €650
• Two rooms (one bedroom, about 35 to 55 m²): €520 to €850
• Three rooms (two bedrooms, about 55 to 80 m²): €650 to €1,000
• Four rooms or a house (about 80 to 100 m²): €900 to €1,300
• Larger house: from €1,100 upwards

Official data points the same way. The government rent map, based on listings for unfurnished homes in the third quarter of 2025, puts a typical flat in Arles at €13 per m² including charges. A one or two-room flat comes out at €15.20 per m², around €560 a month for 37 m², and a flat of three rooms or more at €11.60 per m², around €835 for 72 m². Houses let at about €11.80 per m². Allow €30 to €100 a month in service charges on top of the rent, depending on the building and whether heating is included.