Louis Vuitton is celebrating photography and travel with its return to Arles for the 2026 edition of Rencontres de la Photographie. The internationally acclaimed festival remains one of the most important events in the photography world. To mark the occasion, Louis Vuitton Arles activities will include a new edition of the City Guide Arles and a cultural programme centred on creativity, travel and storytelling.
A New Louis Vuitton City Guide Arles
First launched in 2018, the Louis Vuitton City Guide Arles pays tribute to the historic Provençal city and its renowned photography festival. The 2026 edition features contributions from Anne-Sylvie Bameule, Julie Gautier and Pauline Capitani of Actes Sud. The publication also includes previously unpublished photographic portfolios by Flore-Aël Surun and Guillaume Blot. Their work offers a personal view of Arles, its residents and its creative energy.
Available in English and French, the 270-page guide explores the city through fashion, culture, gastronomy and contemporary art. It will be available in bookstores from 19 June 2026. Readers can also access it digitally through the App Store during the festival.
Cultural Events In The Heart Of Arles
As part of the celebrations, Louis Vuitton will transform Le Buste et l’Oreille into a temporary cultural hub. The venue will be open from 6 July to 4 October 2026. Visitors can explore a pop-up bookstore, attend a photography exhibition and participate in conversations and book-signing sessions. The programme brings together authors, photographers and creative figures from across the industry. These events further strengthen the connection between Louis Vuitton Arles initiatives and the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
One of the highlights is an exhibition of previously unseen photographs by Guillaume Blot. The series focuses on Bob’s, a well-known gathering place in the Camargue region. Through his images, Blot documents local traditions, shared meals and community life. His photographs reveal a more intimate side of the region beyond its famous landscapes.
The programme also features discussions with notable figures from the photography world. Visitors can attend conversations with Guillaume Blot and novelist Nicolas Mathieu. Additional participants include Sarah Moon, Julia Hetta, Paul Kooiker, Lachlan Bailey and Bharat Sikka. These talks offer insights into contemporary photography and creative practice.
New Fashion Eye Releases
Louis Vuitton Editions is also expanding its Fashion Eye collection with two new titles. Fashion Eye Ibiza by Australian photographer Lachlan Bailey captures the island’s relaxed atmosphere and bohemian character. His images balance peaceful coastal scenes with the energy of Ibiza’s nightlife. Fashion Eye Bucharest by Dutch photographer Paul Kooiker presents a distinctive portrait of the Romanian capital. The book combines architectural studies with intimate portraits, highlighting the city’s blend of history and modern life.
For more than twenty years, Louis Vuitton’s City Guide collection has offered travellers curated perspectives on destinations around the world. The series now covers more than forty cities. Each guide combines insider recommendations with cultural insights. This approach reflects the House’s long-standing commitment to the art of travel.
Through its latest Louis Vuitton Arles programme, the brand continues to support photography, publishing and cultural exchange. By bringing together exhibitions, books and public discussions, Louis Vuitton reinforces its role as a patron of the arts. As Rencontres de la Photographie returns in 2026, Louis Vuitton Arles promises a rich programme that celebrates travel, culture and contemporary image-making.
