Created by the ATLAS association in 1987, the CITL's mission is to host literary translators from all over the world in residence , as well as authors wishing to work for a while with their translator, researchers and linguists. They find there a privileged setting in which to live and work.

Since its opening, the International College of Literary Translators has received more than 1,300 residents and has more than 2,200 stays and translated works .

Its vocation is to promote exchanges between professionals generally accustomed to solitary work, but also to develop a literary life in the direction of a non-professional public . He is the initiator, in the city of Arles and its region, of many  literary meetings , conferences and round tables.

With nearly 700 square meters spread over two floors , the CITL is a living space that provides translators with individual rooms and convivial spaces , as well as a working library accessible 7 days a week and 24 hours a day. 24, with some 19,000 works in over 50 languages.

The CITL hosts all year long translators, but also writers, researchers and linguists. Its first mission is to offer professional settings for translators to work on their current project (needs to be in relation with a publishing house).

The CITL organises also the “Assises de la traduction littéraire” (with the ATLAS association), each year in November, as well as other cultural meetings (readings, meetings with authors, etc). The CITL also developed bilateral/binational training program for (young) translators.