Raphèle-Les-Arles can be explored through three distinct themes: the Marais de Meyranne wetland, the shepherding traditions of the Crau and a cycling tour through the village. This lets you choose the focus of your stay according to your interests—whether nature watching, local history or cycling. The local cuisine is also part of the village’s character, complementing its landscape and cultural themes.
Nature in the Marais de Meyranne
The Marais de Meyranne lies within the Marais de Raphèle, in the transition zone between the Rhône Delta and the Crau steppe plain. The wetland covers more than 130 hectares, most of which is occupied by reed beds. For a nature-focused stay, this landscape has a clear connection to both areas: the Rhône Delta and the Crau.
More than 200 bird species can be observed in the Marais de Meyranne, including 50 breeding species. Species endangered in France include the Eurasian bittern (Butor étoilé) and the moustached warbler (Lusciniole à moustaches). Sightings vary by season, and individual species are not guaranteed to be seen. If you are planning a visit, check access conditions in advance.
The Crau, hay and Mérinos d’Arles
Raphèle-Les-Arles lies at the heart of the Crau d’Arles. Crau d’Arles hay has an A.O.C. designation; at the same time, the traditional breeding of Mérinos d’Arles sheep remains important in the village. The product and sheep farming give this landscape an agricultural character alongside the wetland. For travelers wishing to combine nature and local culture, this offers another perspective on the Crau: as a landscape and as part of a continuing shepherding tradition.
Architectural history and the shepherds’ mass
The Château de la Jansonne is a tangible link to the area’s architectural history. Its façades and roofs, as well as its garden, were classified as a Monument historique by decree dated September 24, 1968. The village’s history is also connected to the church of Arles: this historical link is reflected in the name “marais des chanoines.”
The “misso di pastre,” the shepherds’ mass of Raphèle-Les-Arles, was started in 1949 by François Quaix and Abbé Arthaud and is celebrated at the Église Saint-Genest. The celebration includes the blessing of lambs. This connects the shepherding tradition with a religious custom. The date and public access may vary; if the celebration is important to your trip, check the specific date and access arrangements in advance.
Discover Raphèle-Les-Arles by bike
A route description from 2024 outlines a cycling tour that starts at the Office de Tourisme in Fontvieille and passes all the way through Raphèle-Les-Arles toward Arles and Pont-de-Crau. After the church, the route leaves the village via the D33-D83d toward Mas-Thibert. The tour also reaches the ViaRhôna and follows it alongside the canal. The description names several specific landmarks—from the start in Fontvieille and the route through the village to the stretch along the canal. Check the latest route information before setting off.
Plan your meals and stay
Café du Commerce, in the heart of Raphèle-Les-Arles, serves traditional French cuisine and homemade dishes. If you plan to eat there, check the opening hours in advance.
The themes also differ in how they need to be planned: the Marais calls for checking access conditions and seasonal sightings, the specific date matters for the shepherds’ mass, and the cycling tour has named waypoints. If you are looking for a hotel, you can choose the focus of your stay according to whether nature watching, shepherding traditions or cycling is your priority.
Discover more destinations: Marignane, Peyrolles-En-Provence, Noves, Saintes-Maries-De-La-Mer, Graveson, Saint-Marc-Jaumegarde, Berre-L'étang, La Destrousse
For the broader travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.
