The fairytale beauty of Avignon simply cannot be overstated. With intact medieval walls surrounding the city, it’s one of the best places in France to see such architecture and stir your imagination of life back then.
But Avignon has a bunch of amazing neighbourhoods that many travellers don’t know about. That’s why our travel pros have put together a guide categorised by your travel needs to help you find the best place to stay in Avignon.
We’ve compiled a list to suit every traveller, and some of our choices may surprise you!
So let’s get going, and we’ll have you dancing on that famous bridge in no time, confident you know precisely where to stay in Avignon!
Table of Contents
At A Glance: Where To Stay In AVIGNON
Not worried about where you’ll be and just looking for a fit for you? Check out our top picks for Avignon in general!
WHERE TO STAY IN AVIGNON | |||
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Best Air BnBBest Air BnBFrançoise’s Airbnb |
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Best Budget HotelBest Budget HotelLe Clos du Rampart |
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Best Mid-Range HotelBest Mid-Range HotelHotel de l’Horloge |
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Best Luxury HotelBest Luxury HotelLa Mirande |
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Located in the heart of the historic centre, you’ll have a lovely time staying at this Airbnb. You’ll be able to reach the Halles in just a couple of minutes along with plenty of other shops and restaurants. This one-bedroom apartment is cozy and even comes with a nice little living space to relax at after a day of exploration.
This 2-star art deco bed & breakfast provides a range of facilities, including a tour desk, a terrace and a ticket service. Those staying at the property can curl up with a book in the library. Rated 9.9 on travel sites, Le Clos Du Rempart Bed and Breakfast Avignon has 2 spacious rooms offering all needed to ensure a comfortable stay.
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The 4-star hotel has 66 rooms and has been recently refurbished. Guests are able to relax with a book in the library. Rooms at Hotel de l’Horloge are modern and air conditioned, and provide a mini bar. Guests of De L Horloge Avignon can unwind at the on-site bar, suitably based for a drink.
this 5-star hotel makes for an excellent base in Avignon. It is steps from the Musee du Petit Palais, restaurants and nightlife options. La Mirande Hotel has been recently refurbished and offers free Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service and a terrace. Rooms at La Mirande provide a stylish space to relax, complete with a mini bar.
Avignon is a city of just under 100,000 people, located in south-eastern France. It sits on the banks of the Rhone river in the region of Provence and has been around for thousands of years. A perfect side trip when visiting the legendary coasts of the south of France, Avignon deserves your undivided attention while you’re there.
The seat of the breakaway Popes of the 14th century, Avignon only became a part of France as we know it in the 18th. The grandeur from this period still exists and is proudly on show throughout the city.
There are a few incredible day trips easily taken from the central station too, with the Roman gladiatorial arena of Nîmes not far away, and the mind-blowing Pont du Gard aqueduct from the same team of ancients a short trip as well. I mean, if you’re in the region, you kinda have to!
Avignon itself is most famous for its walls and immediate surrounds, and a lot of what travellers will be there to see is found inside those enormous fortifications. There are a couple of gems to be discovered on the outside though, like Le Pontet, with its chapel from 1312; or Ile de la Barthelasse, the green space that makes up one of the largest river islands in Europe; or Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where you can sample their delightful red wines.
So brush up on your French, prepare your senses for the culinary delights, and let’s take a wander through the neighbourhoods and hotspots of the intensely charming and picturesque town of Avignon!
Centre Ville is located exactly where its name suggests. Right in the centre of the walled part of the city, this is where most people head when visiting. You can skip all the hassle of making your way here each day by staying in the neighbourhood itself!
For transport, you’ll only need your two feet. Of course, you can always hitch a ride on the little train that loops through the area, that is if you don’t mind looking like a complete tourist!
It’s in Centre Ville that you’ll find the most iconic of Avignon buildings – the Palais du Papes, or the Palace of the Popes. Medieval Europe was a massively religious place, so the breaking of the Catholic Church in two, each with a representative pope, was a very big deal. Avignon was the seat of the renegade popes throughout the 14th century, and one of the most important cities in Europe.
The Palace of the Popes is awe-inspiring in scale and we’ve heard tales from one of our team that it’s impossible to get a sense of the size from a photo. All the more reason to head there in person!
In summer, the courtyard of the palace plays host to a magical light and sound show, Lumiere, a 360-degree illumination to delight kids and adults alike!
Next to the palace is the Notre Dame des Doms, with the shiniest statue of Mary you’ve ever seen! She’s also impressively huge, towering serenely above the Palace Square.
Located in the heart of the city, this one-bedroom apartment can accommodate up to 4 people. It’s quiet and located right next to the Palace of the Popes and Avignon’s bridge. There’s a spacious living room along with a fully-equipped kitchen along with a bathroom that has a combo washer and dryer. This is a fantastic place to stay at when you’re visiting Avignon.
This 3-star hotel is moments from Palais des Papes, eateries and nightlife options. The hotel has 38 rooms and has been recently refurbished. Staff are available 24 hours a day and can assist with booking tours and tickets.
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There are 5 charming rooms at La Banasterie, each offering all the necessities to ensure a comfortable stay (including a swimming pool on site). Those in search of a meal and wanting to stay close by needn’t look any further than the 4-star Bed & Breakfast’s on-site restaurant, which is available each morning.
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The 5-star hotel has 44 elegant rooms and has been recently refurbished. Hotel d’Europe’s restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, providing guests with a convenient dining experience near their room. In the evening, guests can enjoy a drink in the comfortable lounge bar.
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Sitting on the north bank of the Rhone, opposite the walled town, is the commune of Les Angles. Often overlooked in favour of its iconic neighbour, Les Angles is a great compromise on price vs. convenience.
The neighbourhood itself is worth a visit in its own right: a hilltop village built around a chapel at its peak. The defensive structures of long ago make for scenic destinations today!
Les Angles provided inspirations to generations of painters, with the views down upon Avignon and the Rhone Valley supplying ample material for a paintbrush. The light playing on the alleys and stone houses at sunset in the village is also a scene worthy of immortalisation in oil.
For transport, on foot is the order of the day again, though you’d be forgiven for wanting a car while you slog up some of these winding hills. Once you’re at the bridge, it’s all easy, and you can cross into the walled city in no time. A wander right around the walls is a great, and free, way to spend a few hours in the city.
It’s between Les Angles and the other side of the river that you’ll find some unique spots. The Ile de la Barthelasse is a spectacular spot for a picnic or riverside beer, with views of the walled town and ruins of the bridge. Our team’s favourite fire from here was watching the talented free ferry drivers use the current to spin their craft into reverse pier parking!
This modern one-bedroom apartment even comes with its own terrace and private garden that you can unwind at with a glass of wine. There’s a kitchen with all the essentials including a Nespresso coffee machine. The apartment also comes with a private parking spot along with a washer and dryer. Shops are just five-minutes away and the city of Avignon is only a short seven-minute drive away.
This comfortable bed & breakfast in Les Angles offers complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as a sun deck and a heated pool. It also features free bicycle rental, a terrace and luggage storage. Pontmartin Pouchelon-Montagne has 5 en suite rooms with an in-room closet.
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The hotel has 22 spacious rooms offering all the essentials to ensure an enjoyable stay. There are also a number of rooms especially for families, and an outdoor pool. Hotel Les Cedres features a restaurant and a bar where guests can relax of an evening with dinner and a drink.
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Conveniently situated and offering an outdoor pool, this unique hotel is an easy drive from Villeneuve-les-Avignon. It is also within walking distance of Les Angles’s well-known tourist attractions. Guests can soak up the outdoors on the terrace or enjoy a beverage at the bar.
Vernet is another of the neighbourhoods located inside the city walls. It’s the southwest corner of the town, and has a large avenue, the grand-sounding Rue de la Republique, running right through it.
It’s here on Republique that you can find a range of restaurants, bars and pubs to suit those in search of nightlife. Daytime, on the other hand, is still a pretty great time for an award-winning Provencal rose wine.
The northernmost section of Vernet is the Place d’Horloge, the town square. This square is the centre of the action of Avignon, with an antique carousel gracing one corner, the hallmark of a fine French town! In summer the restaurants and cafes spill out into squares, taking up almost half of all available space. This all adds to the buzzing atmosphere created by street performers and buskers making their rounds. And of course, this is a fantastic place to stop for a meal. I seem to remember hearing somewhere that the French were pretty good at cooking?
Transport in and out of Vernet is as simple as a ten-minute walk in any direction. The alleys and streets leading from the Place d’Horloge will land you on the doorstep of any number of Avignon’s attractions. In fact, the opera house is right on the square, if that’s your kind of thing!
Make breakfast in the adorable kitchen that also comes with an espresso maker before enjoying it in the quaint patio area. After a day of exploration, relax in the comfortable armchair with a book or unwind in your plush bed while listening to the crackling sounds of the fireplace. The apartment is situated in a fantastic location – just a short walk away from plenty of museums, restaurants and bars.
Guests of the hotel can unwind in the swimming pool. Hotel Le Colbert Avignon features 13 rooms, all of which are decorated elegantly in French manor style. The area surrounding the hotel has a range of restaurants and cafés.
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This hotel is set in the heart of the city where its multilingual staff will be happy to provide dining suggestions and help organise itineraries. The air conditioned rooms at Garlande Boutique Hotel are cosy and feature a mini bar, free wireless internet access and a private bathroom.
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This 4-star hotel makes for an ideal base in Avignon. It has a gym, as well as a safe, an outdoor pool and laundry facilities. To make sure the day gets off to a good start, a buffet breakfast is provided each morning at Hôtel Cloitre Saint Louis’s restaurant.
A little less glam that neighbouring Vernet, and a little less formidable than Centre Ville, Place Pie is the cooler, understated neighbourhood of the few in the walled town.
Pronounced ‘pea-eh’ rather than pie, this is the area to keep a lookout for the optical illusions hidden all over the city. Painted scenes in non-existent windows trick the casual glance and will have you double-taking all over the city. Place Pie is your start point, and with over 50 of these to be found, you’ve got a busy eagle-eyed day ahead!
Les Halles is, of course, the most famous part of this neighbourhood, the giant covered food market where locals and tourists rub shoulder to get the freshest and tastiest delights. Paper cones filled with cheeses, olives, sliced meats abound and give you the most unique antipasti experience. Find a standing spot at one of the small raised tables and savour the tastes, smells (strong over by the fishmonger), and sounds of your surroundings.
Place Pie is also a great base for the Avignon Blues Festival, being central enough to be right in the action, but not right on the tourist trail. Just like the rest of the city, everywhere is walkable, including the hauntingly picturesque Cimetière Saint-Véran, on the other side of the walls.
This studio is located in the heart of the city and in a building that’s classified as a historic monument. Recently renovated, everything within the studio is completely new and is designed to make you feel right at home. From the studio, you’re able to discover the markets of Provence along with the beautiful laneways of Avignon.
Located in Avignon City Centre, Le Magnan Hotel Avignon is close to well-known nightlife destinations. This hotel provides rooms with an en suite bathroom, air conditioning and a TV. A satisfying breakfast is available each morning, and there are also numerous cafés and eateries close by.
Conveniently located in the centre of the city, this 4-star property makes for an excellent base in Avignon. Guests can also enjoy free internet access. Cote Square is located in the heart of Avignon’s entertainment district with restaurants, cafés and nightlife on the doorstep.
This bed & breakfast is rated 10.0 on travel sites and is located in the heart of Avignon’s entertainment district. Additionally, the multilingual staff are available to offer local information. Les Jardins de Baracane has 5 charming rooms that are fitted with all the essentials to ensure a comfortable stay.
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Situated next to Les Angles on the far side of the river, Villeneuve-les-Avignon is an ideal spot for the family to stay, combining the convenience of the green spaces of this neighbourhood, with the proximity to the walled city.
Villeneuve has plenty of attractions itself that lend themselves to a self-guided walking tour. There are a number of towers, abbeys and forts from which you can look down over Avignon and the Rhone river and valley.
The small square in the middle of Villeneuve hosts live music throughout the summer months. It’s lined with cafes serving coffee or wine (amongst other, less important things!) to refresh the parents and cakes for the kids.
The large gardens in the middle of Villeneuve are a great place for kids to cut loose after a day of sightseeing, or the local pool, or there’s the nearby Ile de la Barthelasse we mentioned earlier. You might catch some slack line walkers set up between some trees. They’ll give the young ones a go if you ask!
Directly across from Villeneuve, and in walking distance, are the remnants of the Pont Saint-Benezet, commonly known as the Pont d’Avignon, like in the song. You can see the bridge clearly from all angles but if you want to walk down it and say you danced ‘sur Le Pont d’Avignon’ then you’ll need to head back into the walls and pay.
Discover the charm of this luxury apartment that’s located on the first floor of a 19th century castle in the heart of a large park. There’s a total of three bedrooms within this gorgeous space with exceptional views of the Palais des Papes in Avignon. You’ll truly feel like royalty staying in this beautiful space with the centre of Avignon being just a stone throws away.
Hotel De L’Atelier offers 22 charming rooms, all of which are fitted with a telephone and a hairdryer. There are also several rooms geared towards families. Villeneuve-les-Avignon’s attractions, such as Fort Saint-Andre and the Tour Philippe le Bel, are easily accessible on foot from Hotel De L’Atelier.
Hotel La Suite Villeneuve-les-Avignon is a short walk from Fort Saint-Andre and provides an indoor pool. This 4-star hotel offers a terrace, a concierge and room service. Additionally, the multilingual staff are on hand to provide assistance. The stylish rooms at Hôtel La Suite have all the necessities for a comfortable stay.
Le Prieure Villeneuve-les-Avignon provides 5-star accommodation, as well as outdoor tennis courts and an outdoor pool. It has a fitness centre, as well as meeting rooms, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour reception. Guests can make the most of the outdoors on the terrace or have a drink at the bar.
Further reading – Check out some more top hotels in Avignon!
Avignon is straight out of a children’s picture book of a castle town. Its neighbourhoods are distinct and equally charming.
Thanks to our guide, you’ll be able to find your perfect place based on what matters to you.
Once you’ve sorted your stay with us, why not explore a bit further? You have to let us know about any other neighbourhood gems you find!
Staying at our best overall hotel La Mirande will see you right in the centre of all Avignon has to offer, and in the lap of luxury at the same time!
That’s it for our insider guide on where to stay in Avignon. Now to decide on your favourite French cheese…
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Gin lover. Coffee addict. Nicola has traveled the world for 7 years and is a staff writer for Hotel Jules. Born in London, Nicola first got the taste of travel studying abroad in Barcelona. Since then she's been hooked - traveling the world non-stop. Passionate about green travel and vegan lifestyle, Nicola spends more of her free time staring at maps wondering where she will head to next!