The historic Provençal town of Arles has spent the past 100 years updating its Roman foundations by hosting heavyweights from France’s contemporary art scene. Van Gogh, Picasso and Gauguin each spent time in Arles, which is now home to annual photography event Rencontres and Frank Gehry-designed Luma Arles. These cultural aspects are located within a few miles of the Riviera coast and Carmague wetland, wide landscapes that broaden the offering.

Le Collatéral occupies a small part of the city’s centre, giving visitors to Arles the choice of an intimate, boutique guesthouse. The B&B has been designed within the housing of a converted church, divided into four bedrooms with shared spaces for relaxing – a spa, terrace, Grand Salon, loft and library. Each room is uniquely designed by its owners Anne-Laurence Schiepan and her husband, designer Philippe Schiepan. For choosing between rooms A, B, C, and D see details.

Breakfast is served each morning on Le Roufetope, also open to non-residents. An Honesty Bar is in place during the rest of the day, with rooms equipped with fridges for storing provisions. Private dinners can be arranged on the rooftop for up to eight people.

Training Notes

Running along the Rhóne is an obvious choice for anyone visiting Arles – less than 300m from the doorstep of Le Collatéral. Fernand Fournier-Sports Center is the place to go for an athletics track for workouts.

CCT Bike Rentals have premium Pinarello and Trek bikes for renting. Routes from Arles are generally flat. Cycle north to Saint-Rémy – lunch at edú (Google Maps) and caffeinate at Café Colette (Google Maps). Ride south and navigate the Carmague wetlands.

Swimmers can use the outdoor pool Piscine Marius-Cabassud in July and August – the pool is 25m in length. La Piscine Philippe-Rouget is the pool to visit outside of peak months (September to July).

For more information, visit lecollateral.com