Born
in Switzerland and raised in the Camargue, not far from Arles, Hoffmann is a philanthropist, arts patron and founder of the LUMA Foundation and
LUMA Arles. They’re the ones building the 56-meter (183-foot) Frank Gehry-designed
tower in Arles, set for completion in 2020. The tower is the centerpiece of the
Parc des Ateliers, a 20-acre experimental cultural center hosting a wide
range of art exhibits and events on the site of a former train maintenance
depot, a short walk from the city center. Among the shows currently on view (until
January 6): Gilbert & George: The
Great Exhibition (1971-2016). For other current and upcoming
shows, click here.
In addition to the Arles hotel Le Cloître and the cafe next door called L’Epicerie, Hoffman owns the Michelin
one-star restaurant La Chassagnette in the Camargue.
Hoffmann’s newest project blends ultra-contemporary, original art with
traditional materials and ancient architecture. Parts of the new hotel date to
the 12th century and are listed as a Monument Historique. At one time, this was
considered the city’s most lavish hôtel particulier (grand townhouse) and it’s built on an ancient Roman basilica, the remains of which are still
visible.
Nestled in the historic center of Arles,
L’Arlatan is just a few minutes from the Place du Forum, the Church of Saint
Trophime and the UNESCO-listed Roman amphitheatre (Les Arènes) and Baths of
Constantine. It’s five minutes from the Rhône River and a 12-minute walk to the Gare
d'Arles train station.
Rooms and suites all have antique furniture, satellite TV and free
WiFi. Some feature wood-beamed ceilings, exposed stone walls and/or private
terraces.
The
hotel owes its striking visual appeal to the vision of Cuban-born American artist
Jorge Pardo, who turned walls, doors and
guestrooms into unique works of art. The almost two million glazed mosaic tiles
used for the renovation (in 11 shapes and 18 colors) were all handmade in the
Yucatan. Pardo’s paintings appear on the
hotel’s 100-plus doors. For more about the hotel’s art, design and history, see
the recent stories in Wallpaper Magazine and the New York Times.
The hotel
restaurant, also called L’Arlatan, features “simple and seasonal” Provençal and Mediterranean cuisine. The menu is being created in conjunction
with the team at La Chassagnette.
L’Arlatan has a bar, a terrace and
an outdoor pool. Breakfast and parking are available.
Hotel L’Arlatan
26, rue du Sauvage
13200 Arles
France
Photos: The design and decor of Hotel L'Arlatan was inspired by Provence, the Camargue, Mexico and even Japan. Owner Maja Hoffmann says she hopes the hotel will attract artists of all types...and the travelers who love them. At the bottom, the Frank Gehry-designed tower currently rising in Arles...centerpiece of the Parc des Ateliers, a vast "experimental cultural center" celebrating all types of art including photography, publishing and multi-media.
Thanks for this, Julie. Our women's tour stayed in Le Cloitre for six nights last month and absolutely loved the hotel, stairs and all!
ReplyDeleteI'll definitely have to check out the restaurant because I love La Chassagnette. Thanks for the tip!
ReplyDelete