Next Neighbourhoods: Arles, Provence, France

Why is the area up and coming?

Known as the gateway to the Camargue, this area has become one of the most important for art and photography in France. Frank Gehry, who also designed the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, has been commissioned by Maja Hoffmann’s Luma Foundation to create a new cultural centre, due to open in 2020, which will put Arles firmly on the international map. The area is also known for its history and culture, today’s ferias or bull runs and bullfights are still held in the same arena used by the Romans in the first century. Van Gogh stayed here with his friend Gauguin and Picasso, a lover of bullfights, was inspired by the region. 

My favourite bits

People-watching from the terrace at the Hotel Nord-Pinus, lunch in the splendid garden at L’Hôtel Particulier in the very heart of the town centre, a drink in the Grand Café Malarte on the Boulevard des Lices or a Saturday morning stroll through one of Provence’s biggest open-air markets, where more than 450 stallholders offer fresh local products.

Who’s buying?

The number of Parisian buyers has strengthened since 2017, and the investment market for small apartments in the historical centre for short rental purposes has exploded. International buyers from northern Europe are looking for rural properties in the Arles-Camargue countryside.

What will my money buy me?

A 17th-century townhouse with two bedrooms and a terrace will cost €200,000, while a nicely renovated country home with pool and gardens could be yours for around €900,000.