Arles

Official blazon

D'azur au léopard assis d'or, la queue remontant entre les jambes, la patte dextre levée et tenant un labarum (enseigne) de Constantin du même chargé de inscription « CIV.AREL » en lettres capitales de sable.

Origin/meaning

The arms show a lion holding a Roman banner with the letters CIV. AREL. and the letters IX on top. This refers to the Roman name of the city CIVitas ARELatensis as the city was an important city in Roman Gallia. The letters IX stand for Jesus Christus and indicate that Arles was a center of early Christianity.

The lion most probably is the lion of St, Marc, taken from the arms of Venice as in the 13th century the city asked Venice for help and support.

The city uses the motto 'Ab ira leonis' with the arms.