The Hôtel Nord-Pinus stands on the Place du Forum, the lively square at the centre of old Arles where cafes spill onto the pavement under plane trees and where Van Gogh painted his night café. The hotel has a long reputation as the place where artists, writers, photographers and bullfighters stay when they come to Arles, and its bar and public rooms are decorated with bullfighting posters, photographs and curios that give it a personality no chain hotel can match. Rooms and suites are individually decorated, some with antique furniture and some with more modern or Moroccan-inspired touches, and the layout is that of an old townhouse rather than a modern block. The amphitheatre, the ancient theatre and the Van Gogh sights are all within a few minutes on foot.
Location and getting around
The hotel is in the middle of the old town, so you walk out to the Roman monuments, the cathedral cloister, the riverside and the museums. The railway station is about fifteen minutes on foot. Arles old town has narrow lanes and limited parking, so ask the hotel about arrival by car and the nearest car park before you travel, and expect to leave the car for the duration of your stay.
Rooms and facilities
Expect character rather than uniformity. Rooms differ in size, style and outlook, with some overlooking the square and others facing quieter streets, so it is worth asking about noise if you are a light sleeper, because the square can be lively in the evening. The hotel has a restaurant and a bar that is a destination in its own right, with a long tradition as a meeting place for bullfighters during the feria seasons.
Breakfast is available on site and may be charged separately, and the hotel can usually suggest places for lunch and dinner within a few minutes' walk. It is sensible to confirm details such as air conditioning, lifts and accessibility before booking, since the building is old.
Who it suits
Couples, art and photography lovers, and anyone who prefers a hotel with a story to a polished modern one. It is less suited to travellers who need a pool, a spa or a very quiet street. In November, Arles is calm, rates are generally lower than in the summer and festival periods, and the cafes on the square are cosy rather than crowded.
For a longer visit, base yourself here and take the short train to Avignon or a small-group excursion to Les Baux and the Alpilles. Ask about rooms on the upper floors for better views, and about whether the bar or restaurant has reduced winter hours, since many small hotels adjust their schedule in the low season.
Why stay here
- ✓On the Place du Forum
- ✓Individually decorated rooms
- ✓Restaurant
- ✓Famous bar
- ✓Walk to the amphitheatre
- ✓Walk to the Van Gogh sites
- ✓Wi-Fi
- ✓Historic townhouse
Good questions
How close is the Hôtel Nord-Pinus to the Roman monuments?+
It is on the Place du Forum in the old town, so the amphitheatre, the ancient theatre and the Van Gogh sights are within a few minutes on foot.
Is the Place du Forum noisy at night?+
The square can be lively in the evening, especially in warm weather. Ask for a room facing a quieter street if you are a light sleeper.
Can I park at the hotel?+
The old town has narrow streets and limited parking. Ask the hotel about arrival and the nearest car park before you travel.
