Set on the River Rhône’s left bank, Avignon is a Provençal city awash in history. Stroll along the city walls and imagine the city’s golden age in the 14th century, when popes called it home. Exploring the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll get your fill of medieval monuments. Here, the Palais des Papes, a fortress-castle from where six popes lorded over the Catholic Church, stands in stolid grandeur. Yet historical as it is, Avignon is also firmly entrenched in the present. Art galleries and experimental theaters abound. Also, it hosts the annual Festival d’Avignon, a popular cultural event that draws crowds from all over. The best hotels in Avignon, France, are the ideal bases from which to explore and experience what the city has to offer.
Where To Stay In Avignon
Lodging options are plentiful in the historic city center, where you’ll find some of the Top Things To Do in Avignon. The Palais des Papes, Avignon Cathedral, and the medieval bridge Pont d’Avignon are some of the major landmarks here. There’s also a good selection of hotels in the charming Vernet neighborhood. Here, you can spend hours in museums, indulge in retail therapy in the boutiques and jewelry shops, and grab a bite in an intimate cafe or restaurant. Or, you could choose a room in the area around Place Pie and Rue Des Teinturiers, where eclectic stores, cozy eateries, and lively bars line the pretty, cobbled streets.
Whether you’re looking for budget hotels in Avignon or planning to spend a pretty penny on a luxury room, check out the following properties.
Garlande Hôtel Avignon Centre
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The charm of some of the best hotels in Avignon, France, lies in their very structure and Garlande Hôtel Avignon Centre is no exception. Set in what was a house dating from the 18th century, it has a warm and homey vibe. The cozy rooms, spread over the first and second floors, have private bathrooms with either a tub or a shower. Air-conditioning keeps your room cool at all times and the fridge ensures you’ll have refreshments close at hand. Visiting with family? If so, choose the Premium Room, which accommodates up to 4 guests.
In the morning, you can have a breakfast of homemade pastries and savories in bed. When you’re ready to go sightseeing, you needn’t go far. This 3-star hotel is on a pedestrian street in the city center, close to many must-sees. For example, you can stroll to Les Halles market for local produces, cheeses, and meats. Likewise, the 19th-century Town Hall is within walking distance.
Hôtel Cloitre Saint Louis Avignon
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Occupying a 16th-century building, Hôtel Cloitre Saint Louis Avignon is a charming combination of the old and the new. Listed in the Register of Historical Monuments, the building also once served as a military hospital. Today, this 4-star hotel offers a peaceful haven in the heart of the city, a stone’s throw from Palais des Papes.
Both business and leisure travelers will find the accommodation comfortable. Many of the rooms overlook the cloister’s courtyard and the serene garden, and some have private balconies too. Those in the old section feature archways and vaulted ceilings. Of course, you’ll also enjoy high-tech perks like free Wi-Fi and satellite TV. You can eat breakfast in bed or in the hotel restaurant. Summertime means al fresco meals on the terrace and sunning yourself in the rooftop pool area. And for refreshments, alcoholic or otherwise, head to the cozy lounge bar.
Régina Boutique Hotel
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Budget-savvy travelers will appreciate what Régina Boutique Hotel has to offer. This is because when it comes to value for money, it’s no doubt among the best hotels in Avignon, France. This 2-star property offers a selection of tastefully decorated single, double, twin, and triple rooms. There are also family rooms that can sleep four people. Regardless of the room you choose, you can stay connected using free Wi-Fi. Enjoy your downtime watching a show on satellite/cable TV. And if you’re craving a warm drink, you can whip one up in no time with the coffee/tea maker.
In the morning, head to the dining room to fuel up with a buffet breakfast before heading out to explore the town. The hotel sits on Avignon’s main street, with plenty of attractions close by. The Palais des Papes, for instance, is a 5-minute walk away. And if you want to bring local produce home with you when you leave, you can buy olive oil, jams, and biscuits in the hotel.
Avignon Grand Hotel
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The 4-star Avignon Grand Hotel is a large, modern establishment offering 124 rooms and suites. Done in soft colors, they receive plenty of natural light thanks to large windows. They also provide separate lounge areas, a benefit if you like your spaces large. In the bathroom, you can refresh yourself using designer toiletries. For relaxation, you can sit back and watch a show on the TV’s international channels while sipping a drink from the fridge.
Begin your day with a hearty meal in the breakfast room. Or, in nice weather, you can eat under the sun on the private garden patio. Take even greater advantage of the sun by heading to the rooftop pool area. The pool might be too small to swim some laps, but it’s a great place to soak. Later, head to the hotel bar for a cold drink. The hotel is a short walk from Avignon Central Station. But if you’re bringing your own vehicle, you can drive a few minutes to attractions like Pont d’Avignon. You can also make use of the hotel’s underground parking area for a small fee.
Best Western Plus Le Lavarin
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The 4-star Best Western Plus Le Lavarin sits south of the city center, roughly a 45-minute walk from Palais des Papes. But if you’d rather use public transportation, you can wait for the bus at the stop opposite the hotel. A 10-minute bus ride will bring you to the city’s centuries-old ramparts. You can also rent a bike at the hotel and explore the surroundings. And whenever you need advice on things to do and places to visit, you can consult the friendly service staff. They’re always happy to help.
If you’d like to chill within the premises, there are plenty of ways you can occupy yourself. On a sunny day, you can sit in the verdant garden under the shade of olive and plane trees or swim a few laps in the outdoor pool. And if you’d prefer to swim indoors, you can do that at the chic hotel spa. A sauna and a gym room are also available to help keep you fit and feeling healthy. After working up your appetite, you can enjoy Provençal and international cuisine in the restaurant.
One of the best hotels in Avignon, France, this luxury property boasts 43 rooms and suites. Like most other high-end accommodation, its rooms are air-conditioned and have free Wi-Fi. Some have their own balcony or terrace overlooking the outdoor pool and the garden. Also, with premium bedding and blackout drapes, you’ll sleep well even during the daytime. And premium entertainment channels on the large-screen TV means entertainment is a mere click away.
Hôtel de l’Horloge
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Its central location makes Hôtel de l’Horloge a terrific base for sightseeing. Overlooking the bustling Place de l’Horloge, the city’s main square, the hotel is steps from Avignon City Hall. Meanwhile, the Palais des Papes and Pont d’Avignon are within easy walking distance. The hotel itself is part of the city’s history. Dating from the 19th century, it’s a property with its own distinct personality.
The rooms and suites are no less charming. They boast antique furnishings, and some have private terraces with nice views of the papal palace. Soundproofing and air-conditioning means you can get a good night’s sleep despite the hotel’s busy location. In the morning, enjoy a filling breakfast in your room or go for a lavish Provençal buffet breakfast in the dining room.
La Banasterie
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The charming La Banasterie dates from 1521, making it Avignon’s oldest bed-and-breakfast. Its history, location, and atmospheric rooms make it among the best hotels in Avignon, France. Expect to stay in a room made charming with plenty of wood furniture, stone walls, and antique architectural details. Yet, you’ll also enjoy modern appliances including a Nespresso coffee machine, TV, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms are extra spacious, boasting furnished terraces, sitting areas, and balconies. En suite bathrooms with tubs invite long, leisurely soaks.
Welcome the morning with a diverse, delicious breakfast in the dining room. Later, relax and make new friends in one of the B&B’s many living rooms. You can also soak up the sun on the flowered patio or terrace. Or, catch up on your favorite book in the library. Feel up to some sightseeing? If so, take a 3-minute walk to the Palais des Papes. The Ceccano Library, housed in a 14th-century cardinal’s palace, is likewise reachable on foot.
Novotel Avignon Centre
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Modern in every aspect, Novotel Avignon Centre offers amenities for a hassle-free stay. It’s a stone’s throw from the Avignon Centre train station, which offers local and express services. And as you would expect from a 4-star hotel, it features quite a few great perks. When the sun is out, you can go for a dip in the outdoor pool. At the fitness center, you can meet your daily exercise goal. Meanwhile, the spa invites you to relax in the sauna, hammam, and hot tub. And when it comes to drinking and dining, you can head to the lobby lounge for a cup of coffee, the restaurant for international fare, or the bar for a smooth cocktail.
The Novotel Avignon Centre contains 130 rooms spread over 4 floors. Eco-friendly welcome products greet you as you enter your space. A bright color palette and contemporary furnishings give the rooms a cheerful vibe. Each room has a private bathroom with either a tub or a shower. What’s more, the bathroom lies apart from the room courtesy of a glass partition, which turns opaque at the touch of a button. You can make use of free Wi-Fi to surf the Web or catch a show on satellite/cable TV.
La Divine Comédie-Suites Deluxe
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Overflowing in history, La Divine Comédie-Suites Deluxe deserves its spot on this list of the best hotels in Avignon, France. Here, you can choose from five suites housed in a stately mansion, part of which dates from the 18th century. Each suite has its own unique theme and features antique decorations. However, they also boast updated technology for your comfort. Choose from more than 1,000 satellite TV channels and update your social media using high-speed Wi-Fi. Air-conditioning keeps your room temperate at all times. Also, you can stay hydrated with a drink from the minibar.
La Divine Comédie is home to the largest private garden in Avignon, a haven of peace and tranquility in the city. In the center lies a pool where you can go for a relaxed swim. A spa sits next to the garden, where you can enjoy a massage or a turn in the sauna. The hotel might seem secluded, yet it’s within walking distance of some of Avignon’s major landmarks. These include the Saint Pierre Basilica, which was rebuilt in 1385, and the shops and restaurants of Rue de la Republique.
La Mirande
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Everything about the 5-star La Mirande spells genteel elegance. The building dates back to 1309 and served as a nobleman’s townhouse in the 18th century. It was refurbished under the guidance of renowned interior decorator François-Joseph Graf. Today, it retains its Age of Enlightenment-era charm while offering 21st-century comforts. In your room, you can admire views of the Palais des Papes through antique windows framed by silk-lined curtains. The bathroom, finished in marble, is just as elegant.
Greet the day with breakfast in your room or in the gourmet restaurant. Celebrating a special occasion? Then reserve the “Table Haute” chef’s table for dinner. Also, you can sign up for cooking lessons at La Mirande and learn how to prepare Provençal dishes. The hotel lies in the historic city center. Thus, attractions like the Palais des Papes and the ancient University of Avignon. The latter, founded by Pope Boniface VIII, opened its doors in 1303.
Hotel d’Europe
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Distinguished yet understated, Hotel d’Europe is worthy of its status as one of the best hotels in Avignon, France. Opened in 1799 by one Madame Pierron, a friend to Napoléon Bonaparte, it’s among the city’s oldest hotels. Important guests have stayed here over the centuries including Bonaparte and writer Victor Hugo. Kings, politicians, artists, and Hollywood stars have also graced this hotel in Old Town with their presence.
Today, this 5-star hotel offers 39 gracious rooms and 5 luxurious suites. Elegant decor and furniture coexist with modern comforts like A/C, cable or satellite TV, and wireless Internet. The sophisticated La Vieille restaurant, which boasts a Michelin star, serves gourmet cuisine. At the La Terrasse by HE restaurant, you can savor healthy, gourmet dishes while relaxing amid lush greenery. Meanwhile, the bar is a famous gathering point for the smart set. Feel a need for pampering? Hotel d’Europe has you covered with its beauty treatments and massages.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Avignon:
- Avenio – Awarded the Michelin Plate for good cooking, this restaurant offers delicious Provençal cuisine in a modern setting. The menu offers a diverse selection, from pan-fried foie gras to roasted scallops to clafoutis. Located in the city center, it’s close to some of the best hotels in Avignon, France.
- The Pipeline – Choose from a wide selection of draft beer and other alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic beverages plus tasty snacks. Enjoy your food and drink with great music in a steampunk-themed setting.
Recommended Activities In Avignon:
- Avignon Walking Tour Including Skip-the-Line Entrance to the Pope’s Palace – Explore the magnificent Pope’s Palace without having to queue outside. On this tour, you’ll also see other city center landmarks and imbibe Côtes du Rhône wine.
- Cooking Workshop With An Exceptional Chef In Avignon – Visit the Les Halles d’Avignon market for some food tastings and to buy ingredients. Afterward, you’ll learn to cook and prepare tapenade dishes.
