Les Cabanettes

Arles, France - map
www.lescabanettes.com

Nestled within the captivating embrace of the Camargue, where the whispering reeds dance to the rhythm of the wind, stands Les Cabanettes—a timeless testament to architectural ingenuity and the boundless imagination of its creator, Armand Pellier. Like a sentinel guarding the threshold between past and present, this enigmatic structure, designated a heritage site of the 20th century, beckons travelers to embark on a journey through space and time.

Conceived between the years 1965 and 1967, Les Cabanettes emerges from the landscape like a modernist oasis—a fusion of form and function that defies conventional categorization. Pellier, a virtuoso architect and artist of myriad talents, poured his soul into every curve and contour, crafting not merely a building, but a living sculpture that transcends the boundaries of tradition.

Approaching Les Cabanettes, one is struck by its otherworldly presence—a spectral apparition rising from the earth, its ethereal beauty juxtaposed against the rugged terrain. The architectural anomaly, dubbed an "UFO" by admirers and critics alike, captivates the senses with its audacious design and unapologetic embrace of innovation.

As if drawn by an unseen force, visitors are drawn towards the heart of this architectural marvel, where they are greeted by a symphony of stone and steel, a testament to Pellier's mastery of his craft. The iconic curves of Les Cabanettes pay homage to the timeless elegance of the Pont du Gard, its weathered stones whispering tales of antiquity to all who pass through its gates.

Within the crescent-shaped façades of Les Cabanettes lie 29 chambers, each a sanctuary unto itself, offering respite from the outside world while remaining intimately connected to the natural splendor that surrounds them. Here, privacy and tranquility reign supreme, with each chamber boasting a private terrace overlooking the verdant landscape—a veritable oasis of serenity amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life.

But Les Cabanettes is more than just a hotel—it is a living, breathing testament to the enduring power of design to shape our perceptions of the world around us. Since its inception, this architectural gem has been lovingly preserved by the Berc family, who have painstakingly maintained its original sixties flair, ensuring that it remains a beacon of authenticity in an ever-changing world.

Yet, for all its storied history and architectural significance, Les Cabanettes is not content to rest on its laurels. Instead, it seeks to embrace the future while honoring its past—a delicate balancing act that requires both reverence for tradition and a willingness to embrace change.

Thus, the spirit of Les Cabanettes lives on—a timeless testament to the enduring power of design to inspire, to captivate, and to transport us to realms beyond our wildest imaginings. As the winds of time continue to shift and change, one thing remains constant: the allure of Les Cabanettes, beckoning travelers from far and wide to lose themselves in its timeless embrace.