Founded under the influence of the work of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, the Hôpital de la Charité (now called the Employment Exchange) was an addition to the extensive hospital and charity facilities of 17th century Arles. Begun by the Archbishop and dependent on the generosity of sponsors, the site took 20 years to complete. The establishment was intended to take in beggars, care for them, feed them and teach them a trade. It was primarily a place of confinement to prevent vagrancy and operated in these buildings until the Revolution.
The property of the town of Arles, the site was then used for different purposes; it currently houses a trade union and associations.
The property of the town of Arles, the site was then used for different purposes; it currently houses a trade union and associations.