Set in southeastern France’s Provence region, the city of Avignon is a magnet for visitors, with the well-heeled among them able to pick from a wide choice of upscale places to stay.
With its blend of medieval remnants and modern trappings, Avignon is a great base for exploring the wider Provence region. For those who plan to stay in the city and have a decent budget to play around with, there are plenty of high-end accommodation options to pick from, ranging from boutique guest houses to the very pinnacle of five star luxury. Here’s our selection of the five best hotels and boutiques that Avignon has to offer.
Hotel d’Europe
Housed in a gorgeous 16th-century mansion down a cobbled lane in the city centre and a favoured choice among celebrities and world leaders visiting Avignon, this sumptuous 5-star hotel is pure old-school luxury from top to toe. Antiques, marble bathrooms and lashings of quintessential French charm provide guests with a decadent stay, while plenty of modern amenities add contemporary comfort. For dedicated epicureans, there’s a Michelin-starred restaurant on-site, plus a swanky bar and lavish buffet breakfasts served daily. Beauty treatments and valet parking are also available.
The Bottom Line: This would be our number once choice for guests who favour history, character and a touch of indulgence. Visit website
Hotel De L’Atelier
Set in a former 16th-century silk factory on the outskirts of Avignon, this upscale boutique hotel combines rustic charm with plenty of contemporary amenities. Each of the modern guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs and private bathrooms with designer toiletries, and some upgraded rooms also offer scenic city views from private balconies. Elsewhere in the hotel, a breakfast buffet is served daily and guests can also make use a charming courtyard patio and a well-maintained garden area. Nearby attractions include the Benedictine Abbaye Saint André.
The Bottom Line: This hotel is best for guests who would like to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Visit website
La Mirande
Located in the heart of Avignon, this historic 5-star hotel dated all the way back to 1309. Featuring 18th-century decor and views of the Palais des Papes, the hotel’s guest rooms exude luxurious opulence with their oak flooring, silk curtains and marble bathrooms. Guests can start the day in style with American or continental breakfasts, and there’s also gourmet dining in the on-site Michelin-starred restaurant, plus pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap at the swanky bar. The hotel also offers cooking lessons, a Chef’s table and a gift shop selling a variety of local goods.
Our evaluation: This hotel is a great choice for guests seeking traditional five-star luxury and a city centre location. Visit website
La Divine Comédie
Set in a stately mansion, this quirkily named property in Avignon’s historic centre isn’t your typical hotel. Dotted with antiques, bold artwork and eccentric touches at every turn, it’s more akin to a lavish private home. It features just a small handful of individually styled suites, along with a pool surrounded by greenery, several hidden nooks and crannies to relax in, and an unmistakeably chic vibe. There’s also a bar serving light meals, a spa and sauna and a fishpond in the huge, well-maintained garden. Guests arriving in their own transport can make use of free on-site parking. The Palais des Papes is a brisk 5-minute walk away.
The Bottom Line: We’d recommend this property for guests who enjoy hotels with a dash of grandiose eccentricity. Visit website
Hôtel Boquier
An easy stroll from central Avignon, this charming guesthouse combines a prime location with all you need for a relaxing city base. Set in an 18th-century townhouse, all of its 12 guest rooms are individually styles and some are themed around parts of the world such as India and Africa. There’s a peaceful courtyard to relax in after a day of exploring, and breakfast and parking are offered for an additional fee. All of Avignon’s main attractions are within comfortable walking distance.
The Bottom Line: This would be our top tip for guests who like a cosy, characterful stay with a personal touch.Visit website