One of the most interesting cultural towns in France, with its fascinating medieval monuments and enormous annual performing arts festival, brilliant restaurants, and animated night life, Avignon is a fantastic place to visit. Read Culture Trip’s guide to the best hotels to stay in.
Ideally situated in the centre of town, Hôtel Boquier is an enchanting establishment with a fascinating history. Its building dates back to the 18th century, while the soft, quaint décor gives it a personal touch that makes it feel more like a guest house than a hotel – each room having its own unique style. The breakfast room is especially lovely, with its authentic Provençal style, and the breakfast served within it is generous and delightfully traditional.
A charming boutique hotel located within the Old Town’s walls, right next to the lovely green Square Agricol Perdiguier, Hôtel Le Colbert is a cosy, personal establishment full of character. The décor is interesting and stylish, including fascinating theatre and film posters throughout the rooms, reflecting the owner’s interest in graphic design. Especially of note is its pretty little patio; an oasis of tranquillity within this buzzing town and a wonderful spot on which to have breakfast.
Taking its name from a famous room in the Popes’ Palace, just a few paces away, La Mirande is a fascinating, independent hotel steeped in history. Once the site of a Cardinal’s Palace during the 14th century, its ruins were restored in the 17th century and later renovated during the late 20th century, with the owners aiming to keep its enchanting historical charm and many other authentic features intact. It now enjoys the ambiance of an 18th century aristocratic dwelling, transporting guests to a luxurious, Enlightenment world, complete with chandeliers, period paintings and tapestries that all serve to recreate a feel of the pre-Revolution era of the ancien régime.
Placed just a few minutes’ drive from the centre of Avignon, Auberge de Cassagne offers splendid, five-star luxury with its wonderful heated outdoor pool, extensive spa and superb gastronomic restaurant. The décor is tasteful and stylish, boasting modern comforts while retaining a sense of the old character of its original existence as a Provençal farmhouse. Thanks to its location beyond the town centre, it also has extensive and well-maintained gardens – a lovely place in which to relax after a long day of exploring.
Located on a stunning square within the old town, Hotel d’Europe is a luxurious hotel with a fascinating history. Originally a 16th century residence for the Marquis de Graveson, it became a hotel in 1799, founded by Madame Pierron, who was acquainted with Napoleon himself! Since its foundation, it has enjoyed a stellar selection of famous guests, including Charles Dickens, Victor Hugo, and John Stuart Mill. Today, it still retains all of its old-world feel with its grand and beautiful décor and has a lovely courtyard, which is a great little spot for either breakfast or a pre-dinner drink.
Ideally located just a few metres from the train station, within view of the ancient ramparts of the old town, Thames Residence Hotel is a lovely modest apart-hotel, with a tasteful décor and large, comfortable rooms. For a genuine, local experience of the town, it is often a good choice to stay in this compromise between apartment and hotel as it gives guests the opportunity to take advantage of the fabulous farmers markets, including the great covered market Les Halles.
Nestled right in the heart of the old town on a calm street, just a few metres from the stunning 14th century Saint-Didier church, Hôtel de Garlande is an enchanting, boutique hotel. Each of the eleven rooms here has its own interesting décor and unusual pieces of furniture to give it a really individual feel, while the breakfast is authentically French, including a great range of bread, cheese, meat and pastries.
Just on the edge of the lovely Agricol Perdiguier park, Hôtel Le Splendid is a great little independent hotel that, despite being inside the bustling old town, is a tranquil and charming place to stay. The spacious rooms are modernised with a tasteful style, and many boast views of the delightful park outside, where the beautiful Saint Martial cloister can be found. The generous breakfast is served in a bright and welcoming room, and includes particularly good home-made jams.
Located on the edge of the beautiful Place de l’Horloge in the centre of the town, just a few minutes from the Popes’ Palace, Hôtel de l’Horloge is a delightful 19th century building with a refined, stylish décor that contributes to its chic and charming ambiance. Some of the lovely rooms even have their own terrace, which is a great addition during the summer. The breakfast is wonderfully served, using fresh produce, including divine pastries and great coffee.
Just a few minutes from the iconic Popes’ Palace, on the famous Rue de la République, Hôtel Central is central indeed! The rooms are nicely decorated, complete with very pretty Provençal shutters, while the whole hotel has a lovely, personal ambiance that makes guests feel immediately at home. The most prominent feature is the lovely, peaceful courtyard outside, where it is possible to enjoy a large, French breakfast each morning.
