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Create my bookAirbnb regulations in Arles: what the Le Meur Law changes from 2025
A city of art and history listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Arles is famous for its Roman arena, ancient theatre and the legacy of Vincent van Gogh. The municipality, the largest in mainland France by area, also encompasses the Camargue and its unique landscapes. Cultural tourism, driven by the Luma Foundation and the Rencontres de la photographie, generates sustained demand for short-term accommodation. Local regulations govern this activity to maintain affordable housing for Arles residents, particularly in the historic centre.
120 days
Annual limit
50 000 €
Maximum fine
Not required
Compensation
Rental day limit in Arles
In Arles, primary residences can only be rented as vacation accommodation for 120 days per year. The rental of a primary residence as tourist accommodation is authorised in Arles up to 120 days per calendar year. This counter runs from 1 January to 31 December and covers all cumulative nights, whether the rental is made through an online platform or directly. Owners must keep a record of nights that can be consulted by municipal services.
Booking platforms (Airbnb, Booking, Vrbo) must block listings in Arles beyond 120 days. Any excess exposes the owner to a fine of up to 50 000 €.
Usage change and compensation in Arles
To convert a property into a vacation rental in Arles, a usage change authorization is required. Compensation: Not required.
Arles does not require a compensation mechanism for renting out a property as tourist accommodation. Whether for a first or second property, there is no obligation to convert commercial premises into housing. This approach reflects the municipality's desire to promote tourism attractiveness while regulating the activity through mandatory registration.
Quotas and restrictions in Arles
No
The city of Arles has not implemented quotas limiting the number of tourist rentals on its territory. Regulation is achieved through the declaration requirement and compliance with the day cap. The municipality nevertheless monitors market trends, particularly in the Roquette neighbourhood and around the Boulevard des Lices, where the concentration of short-term rentals is increasing.
Fines and enforcement in Arles
In Arles, property owners in violation face fines of up to 50 000 €.
Owners in violation in Arles face a civil fine of up to €50,000. This penalty covers failure to register, exceeding the authorised 120 days and publishing listings without a declaration number. Inspections are carried out in collaboration with booking platforms that transmit night data to the town hall.
Specific rules in Arles
- Mandatory online declaration through the Arles town hall portal with assignment of a registration number to be mentioned on all listings.
- Collection and remittance of the tourist tax according to the rates set by the Arles Crau Camargue Montagnette agglomeration authority.
- Compliance with the architectural prescriptions of the conservation area for any exterior modification of properties within the UNESCO heritage perimeter.
- Prohibition on installing key boxes on the facades of listed buildings in the historic centre, in accordance with the current municipal order.
- Obligation to provide guests with information on selective waste sorting and collection days specific to the property's neighbourhood.
Energy rating (DPE): Tourist rentals in Arles must comply with current energy performance requirements. Since 1 January 2025, properties rated F or G on the EPC are excluded from tourist rental. This constraint particularly affects old buildings in the historic centre, some dating back to the 17th century and requiring insulation work.
Le Meur Law: the complete guide for property owners
Discover all measures of the Le Meur Law 2025: taxation, energy ratings, national registration, co-ownership, and mayoral powers.
See also: regulations in nearby cities
Frequently asked questions
No special authorisation is required beyond the mandatory registration with the town hall. However, if your property is within the UNESCO-listed perimeter, any modification to the facade or parts visible from the street must be approved by the Architecte des Bâtiments de France. Registration is done online and the number is issued within a few days.
There is no specific regulatory constraint linked to the proximity of the arena. However, properties in this area are subject to the rules of the conservation and enhancement plan. During ferias and shows, parking restrictions may affect access to your property, which should be communicated to guests.
No, Arles does not require compensation, regardless of the number of properties rented as tourist accommodation. You must nevertheless register each property separately and respect the 120-day cap for primary residences. Secondary residences can be rented without a duration limit, subject to declaration at the town hall.
The tourist tax is collected from each guest and remitted to the Arles Crau Camargue Montagnette agglomeration authority via a dedicated online declaration platform. Amounts vary according to the property classification. Platforms like Airbnb automatically collect and remit the tax for bookings made through their service.
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