The façades and roofs, as well as the garden, of the Château de la Jansonne in Raphèle-lès-Arles have been classified as a historic monument by decree of 24 September 1968.
Nature
Raphèle-lès-Arles lies in the centre of the Crau d’Arles. The landscape area includes the Marais de Raphèle and, within it, the Marais de Meyranne, which lies in the transition zone between the Rhône Delta and the steppe plain of the Crau.
The Marais de Meyranne covers more than 130 hectares, with reed beds occupying most of the area. More than 200 bird species can be observed there, including 50 breeding species as well as the species endangered in France Butor étoilé, the Eurasian bittern, and Lusciniole à moustaches, the moustached warbler.
Cycling Route
A cycling tour starting at the Tourist Office in Fontvieille passes through the entire village of Raphèle-lès-Arles towards Arles and Pont-de-Crau. After the church, the cycling tour leaves Raphèle-lès-Arles via the D33-D83d towards Mas-Thibert.
The cycling tour also reaches the ViaRhôna and follows it along the canal.
Anyone who has chosen Raphèle-lès-Arles as their destination may wish to rent a holiday apartment.
Tradition
The traditional breeding of Mérinos d’Arles sheep remains important in Raphèle-lès-Arles. The village’s historic connection with the Church of Arles has also been handed down and is reflected in the place name “marais des chanoines”.
A special local tradition is the “misso di pastre”, the shepherds’ mass of Raphèle-lès-Arles. It was initiated in 1949 by François Quaix and Abbé Arthaud, is celebrated in the Église Saint-Genest, and includes the blessing of lambs.
Cuisine
The landscape of the Crau d’Arles also includes hay from the Crau d’Arles, which has an A.O.C. designation. In the heart of Raphèle-lès-Arles, the Café du Commerce serves traditional French cuisine and homemade dishes.
