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The plans for a town hall in Arles probably passed through several hands, but the final design was probably due to Hardouin-Mansart. In 1673 he visited Languedoc, apparently sent there by Jean-Baptiste Colbert, chief minister to Louis XIV, to inspect work on the Canal des Deux-Mers. On the way he produced a design for the Hôtel de Ville (1673–75) at Arles, which was inspired by Louis Le Vau's recent work at Versailles. The final design with quoin-work, projecting avant-corps, attic, and terrace roof resembles Versailles.
Hardouin-Mansart may also have been responsible for the great flat, pierced vault that spans its entrance hall - a masterpiece in the tradition of French stonework.
The photo shows the entrance hall.
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