Tour Luma: an architectural marvel in Arles, capital of photography

The Luma Tower was inaugurated last June in Arles. It is a powerful symbol for art, and photography in particular: an exhibition space as much as a subject in itself. One artist created it, and many more will come. A great reason to stay close to Arles.

Arles is the world capital of photography

Les rencontres de la photographie d'Arles has been held since 1970. It was founded by Arles photographer Lucien Clergue, writer Michel Tournier and historian Jean-Maurice Rouquette. Some forty original exhibitions are created by the greatest names in photography, and open to the public between July and September. The event has an international reputation, and some 150,000 visitors are expected each year.

The Luma Tower, a spectacular building

Frank Gehry, a world-renowned author

Arles is a mineral city, sculpted by a light that many painters have tried to capture: Van Gogh, Gauguin, Picasso... So it's no surprise that one of the world's greatest architects is attracted to this playground. Franck Gehry, the father of the Luma Tower, is also the designer of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. He is also behind the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris. "We wanted to evoke local roots, from Van Gogh's Starry Night to the emerging boulders of the Alpilles. The rotunda echoes the Roman arena. Frank Gehry. He inaugurated the 15,000m² building in June 2021. An architectural work of steel, concrete and glass, founded on a former industrial wasteland. Its dimensions: 56 meters, 12 floors. That's 670 tonnes of glass in all!

Exhibitions by great names in photography designed for this unique venue

The Luma project is defined as a new proposal for a cultural venue. Between auditorium, library, event spaces and offices, 2,000m² are dedicated to exhibitions. Since its inauguration, the Tour Luma has welcomed world-renowned photographers such as Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster, John Akomfrah, Philippe Parreno and Christian Marclay, with exhibitions and performances created especially for the site. It also includes artists' residencies. Perhaps Van Gogh could have stayed here had he lived in the 21st century!

Stay in the heart of ideal photo locations

Around Arles, the whole of the Camargue puts photography in the spotlight. As much for its colors as for its extraordinary, timeless landscapes. But also for its unique fauna: taking photos of pink flamingos in the Camargue is a major attraction, for amateurs and professionals alike. The Auberge Cavalière du Pont des Bannes is a partner of the Camargue Festival, whose 14th edition will take place from May 14 to 30, 2022. Jamy Gourmaud, well-known to fans of the TV show "C'est pas sorcier", will be this year's patron. The program will feature unique photo contests and challenges. We also regularly organize photo workshops in partnership with photographer Cécile Domens, a specialist in the Camargue and horses. What's more, our 4-star hotel is ideal if you want to have a pied-à-terre in a wild region rich in cultural heritage. Arles is 35km away, Nimes 53km, Montpellier 60km, and Marseille 1h30 away by car. Whether you're a photographer or simply a photography enthusiast, a visitor or simply an observer of the beauty that surrounds you, Arles and its region will remain a key moment in your vacation memories. Let's take a moment together to plan your stay.

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