Arles, capital of culture

Radia Amaa - 02 May 2024

With a surface area of 187,455 acres, Arles is the largest commune in metropolitan France. Between Nîmes and Marseille, this historic town offers a pleasant lifestyle blending traditions and modernity. Its international cultural aura is boosted by the prestigious Luma Foundation and the famous “Rencontres Internationales de la Photographie”.

Here, culture is seen as a real backbone, with Arles witnessing a real economic revival driven by the town’s artistic venues and activities. Swiss-German billionaire Maja Hoffmann set her heart on Arles. Owner of the Palais de Tokyo in Paris and the Biennale of Venice, this dedicated art-lover decided to create a world centre of contemporary art here.

The Luma Fondation (a contraction of the names of her two children, Lucas and Marina) is a cultural complex in the form of a gigantic building in titanium with irregular facets, designed by star architect Frank Gehry. Surrounded by a campus playing host to a park, shops, artists’ residences and offices, this tower 56 metres high draws visitors from all around the world. Born in Arles, Raphaël Sadaillan created the Leonis Immobilier agency with his wife, Aline, in March 2018. Focusing on sales, rentals and rental management, this agency with a team of five presents all types of real estate in and around Arles, in the Alpilles and Camargue, ranging from studios to prestige properties.

“Following evolution in prices due to the pandemic, cultural and media enthusiasm, we are seeing prices attaining a new balance. The market in Arles, long seen as favourable to sellers, now presents a slight reversal of the trend,”

explains Raphaël Sadaillan, whose clientele is comprised of local buyers, those in search of second homes, and foreigners. “Faced by strong demand for both acquisitions and rentals over the past few years, about 10 new developments are appearing on the commune, illustrating the town’s dynamism.” As an example of fine properties proposed by the agency, Raphaël Sadaillan mentions a noble building in the old town centre, once forming part of a monastery. In the sought-after neighbourhood of L’Hauture, it sold for around 750,000 €.

“Since January, the market is enjoying much more buoyancy thanks to lower interest rates.”

Launched two years ago by two partners including Julien Toeschi of Arles, Toeschi Immobilier handles sales of all kinds of properties in and around Arles, and in the Alpilles. “Most of our clients are from Paris and Lyon, drawn by the mellow lifestyle, charm and cultural dynamism of Arles,” says this professional, who proposes a well-stocked portfolio of properties in the middle to high-end range at prices that have now stabilized.

“In Arles, everything sells, both houses and apartments, though there is steadier demand for houses. Today, a small town house can be envisaged from 220,000 €, and a villa from 100 to 120 m2 between 300,000 and 330,000 €. Prices are, however, taking off for exceptional properties such as a private mansion offering eight suites. Very stylish and enthroned in a generous garden with a pool, it is on offer at 2.4 million euros,” says Julien Toeschi, whose agency is ideally located a stone’s throw from the Hôtel Atrium.

“Working face-to-face reassures clients. We obtain numerous exclusive mandates thanks to word of mouth. We are introducing more tailormade services for our clients and liberate them from all administrative procedures. Which is much appreciated.”