Entire home

Secret garden in the Heart of the Old Town

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the small courtyard at the heart of Le Jardin Secret
Room
Living area
Interior
Bathroom

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 498 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Arles, Provence-Alpes-Côte-DAzur
  • Arles Amphitheatre
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Camargue Nature Park
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Espace Van Gogh
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Nimes (FNI-Garons)
    ‪24 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Secret garden in the Heart of the Old Town

Situated in a small lane just off the Round Pont d'arenes, Le Jardin Secret is literally a secret garden and house hidden in the winding small lanes of Arles. An unprepossessing wooden door opens into a house full of sunlight from the small courtyard garden at the heart of the house. The hallway leads to a small conservatory, kitchen with domed stone ceiling and sitting room. There are two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms/showers (the second bedroom has a downstairs toilet), a small bureau and a veranda overlooking the garden. The kitchen is well equipped with a gas range, electric oven, two fridges and dishwasher. There are stairs into the basement which has recently been converted into an overflow for the kitchen with a butler sink and stone worktops for food preparation, a washing machine and a surplus fridge and freezer space. The house has internet, television gas heating and hot water. There is a washing machine, range cooker and dishwasher. The bedroom, kitchen and basement are made of stone with arched ceilings which may flake dust due to their age. the sitting room and second bedroom are only about 300 years old and a different style - mainly constructed of wood.
Please note however that the stairs are made of stone and have become uneven with age, also both sets of stairs are steeper than modern staircases.

Property manager

Rebecca
Premier Host

Languages

English, French

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 20
Check out before 9:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
the house is well stocked and very comfortable and we expect guests to leave the house in the same condition that it is found in.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
Property Registration Number 1300400135825

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed USD 1000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Arles

Arles City Centre, a neighbourhood in Arles, is home to this holiday home. Arles Amphitheatre and Cloître St-Trophime are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Domaine de Lansac and Château d'Estoublon. Le Manège d'Autrefois and Moulin de Daudet are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby swimming, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails, cycling and ecotours.
Map
Arles, Provence-Alpes-Côte-D’Azur

What's nearby

  • Arles Amphitheatre - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Fondation Van Gogh - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Theater-Antique - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Camargue Nature Park - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Espace Van Gogh - 8 min walk - 0.7 km

Getting around

  • Arles (ZAF-Arles Train Station) - 12 min walk
  • Nimes (FNI-Garons) - 24 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Grand Café Malarte - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Saveurs et Terroirs - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Hostellerie des Arenes - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪L'Escaladou - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Le Criquet - ‬1 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Secret garden in the Heart of the Old Town pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Secret garden in the Heart of the Old Town ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Secret garden in the Heart of the Old Town ?

Checkout is at 9:00 AM.

Where is Secret garden in the Heart of the Old Town located?

Located in Arles City Centre, this holiday home is steps away from Aurelian Way, Arles Amphitheatre and Theater-Antique. Fondation Van Gogh and Arles Town Hall are also within 5 minutes. Arles (ZAF-Arles Train Station) is 12 minutes by foot and Arles Station is 12 minutes.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 29 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 29 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 29 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 29 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming place in Old Town Arles

Just as described, this place oozes charm and history. Right down the lane from the Roman Colosseum and several nice restaurants. Comfortable and quiet, but right near it all.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ginger I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

We loved the location, which was walking distance to just about everything in Arles. Property managers were very responsive and friendly. The property is distinctive and charming, if a little quirky (which I like). We didn't really cook, so can't say much about the kitchen facilities.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful old world location; beautifully decorated.

In old town , Arles , a cherished property with modern conveniences. If you appreciate antiquity preserved , you will love the beauty& decor of this precious place to enjoy Arles.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Douglas H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A beautiful house in Arles

This was my second time staying at Rebecca’s house in Arles. It is really one of my favourite places and I hope to stay there again one day. Beautiful, peaceful and accommodating.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joanie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Life in Arles

We had no idea what it would be like to live in Arles or what the Secret Garden would be like. WE LOVED IT! It is very old and quite quirky. The kitchen was delightful as I live to cook. We realized that some of our home was very old and other parts just old. We could walk a few steps and view the arena that was built in 90 AD! We found our favorite gelato and coffee places. We would recommend this lovely place and that you would stay at least two weeks…we were here a month!
Stayed 30 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A lovely authentic house

This property is near the center of everything, the location can’t be beat. The secret garden is a private atrium and inspired me to paint it. The house is decorated so beautifully. It’s a very old house, so don’t expect pristine, but do expect good taste. The property manager was responsive to an issue I had. The bathroom is especially lovely.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Emily v.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The perfect location in Arles

We spent 5 lovely winter weeks in this fabulous house in Arles. In the heart of the old city but with absolutely no street noise. Gorgeous bedrooms, extremely comfortable beds, a courtyard for relaxing, and a well-stocked kitchen. Even a pile of board games tucked within the livingroom coffee table. Having a clothes dryer in addition to the washing machine in the basement is a real bonus. Much thanks to Rebecca for our wonderful stay!
Stayed 39 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Atmospheric cottage within a stone's throw of the coliseum

We had a wonderful stay at this very quirky cottage and loved being right in the heart of Roman Arles. Our only problem was the lack of hot water on arrival but once we managed to get the hot water working (thank you Rebecca/Véronique for prompt reply) the showers were hot and powerful. We enjoyed the Saturday market, the Van Gogh Starry Night exhibition, tracing Roman aqueducts and visits to the Pont du Gard, the Camargue and Aix. Our son and daughter-in-law impressively hired bikes to cycle up Mont Ventoux, a stage on the Tour de Feance.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barry M., Vancouver, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Eclectic home in the heart of old Arles

A unique and special place to stay. Lovingly restored old home on a narrow street 50m from the Roman amphitheater. Many restaurants close by and no more than 15 minutes walk from all the important sites. Rebecca was an excellent host and a delight to work with. You should be aware that this is a2 floor flat requiring some dexterity in getting up and down the steps to the bedroom. I qualify the steps comment by saying that my wife and I are in our 80s and managed well. The upstairs bathroom has a shower and separate tub. A delightful spot,, highly recommended!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Susan B., Berkeley, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A magical month in the Secret Garden

We had a dream-come-true, one-month stay in Arles at this charming stone house in old Arles near the ancient Roman ruins. All details like paintings and rugs were carefully selected to create a warm, inviting home. The kitchen had all the necessary appliances, pots and pans as well as beautiful dishes. Shopping was fun and convenient. We love going to the farmers market every Saturday and Wednesday. We also enjoyed going out to the wonderful outdoor cafes all around Arles…all within walking distance from our home. Even the Arles train station was a short walk away. All of Provence was easily accessible from our home base. The autumn weather was very hot during the day with cool mornings. Rebecca and Veronique were very responsive with any questions. I can’t say thank you enough for giving us the happy memories of Provence.
Stayed 28 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carol M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Step back in time, with plenty of amenities!

Staying at Le Jardin Secret is like living in a Provencal dream full of charm, history, antiques, books, and personal touches. Ideally situated in Arles’ old town, near the train station and around the corner from the amphitheater and many restaurants, the property is two structures connected by a sweet enclosed patio full of plants and a small table and chairs. The main building houses a large entry hall, half bath, kitchen and solarium, with the upstairs composed of a domed bedroom and large full bath. Across the patio is a family room with an upstairs bedroom, sink and shower (it’s a trek to get to the half bath in the other building). Granted, the stairs are steep and dipped due to years of use; just go slowly and hold on to the handrail. Everything was clean and beautifully appointed, and the host communicated well and even left champagne and fresh milk for us. Granted, there are a few quirks in any historic house, but Le Jardin Secret is so worth it! This is a one-of-a-kind property in which we felt honored to stay!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

6/10 Okay

Helen L.

Great location

This house is in a perfect location in Arles, near the arena and easy walking distance to virtually all the sights of this wonderful city. The neighborhood is charming and remarkably quiet. The rental process was simple an efficient. We had a variety of maintenance issues while we were there, that I assume will be remedied. We would also like to clarify the physical description of the property. It is actually two houses joined by an enclosed, but open, courtyard. The front house has wc and kitchen downstairs and bedroom and full bathroom upstairs. The back house has the living room and a loft bedroom with shower and sink - it's toilet is down a very steep staircase, basically a ladder, across the courtyard to the front house. We found both sets of stairs precarious- and cannot imagine anyone with even slightly limited mobility being safe. Because of these issues, we would not rent this property again.

10/10 Excellent

Paul R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

kerstin L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Claus R M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Super

Super
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Carlos P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charmante petite maison

Adorable petite maison, bien située ,agréable à vivre et un hôte prévenant .
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Daniella M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Schönes Haus in der Altstadt von Arles

Das Haus ist schön restauriert, alles hat gut funktionert und wir würden jederzeit wieder kommen!
Stayed 10 nights in May 2022

8/10 Good

JOELLE M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Séjour agréable

La maison est très typique, rénovée en préservant l'authenticité, très bien située dans le centre historique d'Arles. Séjour très agréable, malgré quelques petites déceptions : lumières qui ne fonctionnent pas, aucune documentation, livre mode d'emploi en français ! Attention aussi, maison inadaptée aux jeunes enfants, personnes âgées ou à mobilité réduite. Je recommande néanmoins pour son charme
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

8/10 Good

Patricia E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming and old

We loved the little house despite its problems. It is colourful and quaint. More instruction on how things work and where to find things at a time convenient to renters should be provided. Adding a cupboard for food storage would be useful. Someone should unclog shower drains, and get the lime water off the kitchen tap and toilets before renters arrive. Reading lights should be working and spare bulbs left out or clearly accessible. Lots of lights out. Early March in Arles is cold, windy, and drab, so later would be better.

10/10 Excellent

Lois V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Arles Relaxation

They responded to emails quickly and we appreciated their kindness!
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Stefanie K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

ein Original im Zentrum von Arles

Der Aufenthalt in Rebeccas Haus war großartig. Man fühlt sich ein wenig Zeitversetzt, fast alles aus Sandstein gebaut, eine tolle alte Treppe,etc.... Rundbogendecken.....es ist sehr stilvoll und passend eingerichtet. Eine wunderbare Küche mit Blick auf den kleinen Hof, auf dem man auch essen kann. Unsere Kinder (9/13) fanden es super, ihr eigenes Reich zu haben, man erreicht die Räume vom Hof aus. Es gibt eine dicke Mappe mit viel Info Material über die Umgebung. Mit dem Auto erreicht man Strände, die tolle Landschaft der Camargue und schöne Dörfer, der Markt am Samstag ist sehr zu empfehlen......Veronique hat uns sehr nett empfangen und alles gezeigt...... vielen lieben Dank und Herzliche Grüße
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

MICHAEL M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Le Petit Jardin

We once again returned to Le Petit Jardin because it is the most charming home we have ever stayed in. The hosts are always friendly and available to greet us and help us get situated and feel welcome. The location could not be better, as the Arena is a stones throw away from the front door. The amenities are everything one needs for a comfortable stay. The historic qualities of this home and the area cannot be matched with any other place we have been. We are always excited about returning to Arles and Le Petit Jardin.

10/10 Excellent

Marty A.

A wonderful property!

We stayed for a week (two couples). The property is a little "quirky" (in terms of layout) but charming! And it is a great location right next to the Amphitheater and in the old section of Arles. One thing to note is that there is no parking up in the old section, but we parked at a parking lot off Boulevard des Lices which is a 5 minute walk away. Loved it!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

David P.

A special Christmas of markets and festivities

Set in the old town within the ancient city of Arles, can be found the secret garden. Constructed from historic ancient Roman stone this beautiful unique house is adjacent to the amphitheatre and the arena. It is the perfect base for exploring the Camargue, the Crau and the Apiles and many other historic Roman towns. Within a 30 km radius you are situated within the greatest biodiversity of Europe; flamingos, civet cats, wall creepers, alpine assentors, eagle owls and white storks. The town of Arles is the regional cultural center for events with wonderful artisan markets throughout the year. From the moment you walk through the door you are in the heart of Provence, circled by wonderful french restaurants, bolangeries, historic monuments, exhibitions; the house and its location are one of the treasures of Europe.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

A hidden gem in the heart of the old town

A quiet little street just off the arena, a brown wooden door opens into a house full of light spilling in from the courtyard garden. The house is just a stones throw from the arena and we could hear the activities from the house and investigated and watched a course Camargue, Arles is truely fantastic for its events and festivities. The house kitchen is build in a beautiful stone arch that mirrors the bedroom above and we spent many happy evening cooking fresh food straight from the open town markets. The house is within walking distance of all of the town's history, the river, the arena and the markets. It is beautifully furnished and feels so authentic. We loved our stay and will be back.

About the host

Hosted by Rebecca

Host profile image
The Camargue, its natural history, culture and heritage captured our hearts on our first visit in 1999. Shortly after that we stated looking for a small house and found Le Jardin Secret in 2003 and it has become a treasured family holiday home. Since we bought the house we have steadily been renovating her, bringing back the old stone walls to their glory, re tiling the floors, a new fitted kitchen and two new shower/ bathrooms. Gas central heating made the house comfortable year round. We recently moved from the UK to Australia. Although we were lucky enough to manage to spend a good amount of time in Arles initially we can only visit once a year and so letting the house is essential if we want to keep her - and we do! Le Jardin Secret is our European home - providing us with the natural history, culture and heritage we need to balance our life in Australia. I hope you will enjoy your stay to Le Jardin Secret and that she will enrich your life as she does ours.

Why they chose this property

Le Jardin Secret is only minutes away from the regional market on Saturdays, the Van Gough Museum, Luma Arles and the National Photography School. There is always something interesting happening in town, from cultural activities to art exhibitions, ferias and fetes. By car, it is fascinating to explore the contrasting countryside of the Camargue, the Crau and the Apilles. The seasons and rich culture mean that every time you visit, there are new experiences.

What makes this property unique

our vaulted bedroom and kitchen ceiling, small courtyard and location close to the area

Languages:

English, French

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests