City areas
Arles has been organized into 5 districts since the Middle Ages. Today, the city has more than 5 districts, but the 5 still represent the most important part of Arles. The more popular districts are City Hall, Mejan and Roquette, with Portagnel and Hauture having been less popular in the past few years.
City Hall district
The former district of Cite is located in the city center. The area of Cite is the religious and political center of the city since ancient times. This name, of medieval origin, is now rarely used. Today it is referred to as the City Hall district, in reference to one of its best-known buildings.
The Mejan
The district of Mejan occupies a modest area in the center of the city. Its history goes back to the rebirth of the medieval city. Today, with the arrival of the Actes Sud editions, the district took a cultural orientation.
La Roquette
The district of Roquette, called once Bourg of Porcelet or Old Bourg, corresponds to the south-west part of the medieval city. The name of Bourg Porcelet dates back to the 11th century when this area was a stronghold held by these Arlesian lords.
Jardin d’Ete
These gardens are one of a very few public parks in the heart of Arles. Surrounded by wonderful architecture ranging from Roman times to the modern age, these gardens have for many centuries been a traditional place of rest and relaxation for the people of the town. They are simple in design, but extremely well maintained, and during the summer months is one of the most popular spots for local people and tourists to sit and watch the world go by.
St. Trophime Cloister
This beautiful serene area is situated just across the main courtyard from the impressive St. Throphime Church. Made up of a series of cloisters from the 11th and the 14th century, this is one of the finest examples of early Middle Age architecture left in the town. For a small charge you are able to wander through the beautifully crafted pillars in a quiet and sheltered world, a far cry from the busy shopping streets nearby.