Are you planning a trip to Avignon, in the Vaucluse? A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Avignon will charm you with its Palais des Papes, its well-preserved medieval ramparts, and its… To help you choose where to stay in Avignon, we’ve tried out several places in these two areas. Here’s what you’ll find in this article:
- our top picks among the accommodations we tested,
- a guide to the two areas to help you decide where to settle,
- Our selection of hotels by category, with reviews and booking links.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Best Hotels in Avignon: Our Top Picks
Before we present our complete selection by category, here are the places that made the biggest impression on us during our stays in Avignon and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.
- La Divine Comédie Hotel – Deluxe Suites
Charming guesthouses with a pool – Check photos and availability - Hôtel d’Europe, a16th-century mansion just a 5-minute walk from the Palais des Papes – Check photos and availability
- Hotel Cambis, a boutique hotel nestled within the city walls, with décor inspired by the world of wine – Check photos and availability
Where to Stay in Avignon: The 2 Areas + Map
Why stay in Avignon?
Avignon was the seat of the papacy inthe 14th century, which explains the presence of the Palais des Papes—the largest Gothic building in Europe—and the ramparts that still encircle the old town for nearly 4.3 km. The famous Saint-Bénézet Bridge, immortalized in the nursery rhyme, juts halfway out over the Rhône.
We found the city pleasant to explore on foot, with its shaded alleyways and lively squares. Across the river, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon rounds out the tour with its own historic sites, which are less frequently visited by passing tourists.
Discover the best attractions in Avignon.
Map of Avignon and its surrounding areas
Here is a map showing the two areas we highlight below:
1. Staying in Central Avignon (within the city walls)
The entire city center of Avignon lies within the ramparts, surrounding the Palais des Papes, the Place de l’Horloge, and the Rue des Teinturiers. It’s the most popular area in the city: it has the highest concentration of hotels, restaurants, and shops, as well as most of the festival venues in the summer. We enjoyed being able to walk everywhere, from the Petit Palais to the banks of the Rhône. Staying within the city walls remains our top choice for a first visit to Avignon.
Benefits:
- Walking distance to the Palais des Papes and the main monuments
- A wide selection of restaurants, cafes, and shops
- Avignon-Centre Train Station is a short walk away
Disadvantages:
- A very lively and crowded area during the festival in July
- Traffic restrictions and paid parking within the city walls
- Higher hotel rates in the immediate vicinity of the Palais des Papes
Our favorite hotel: Hôtel d’Europe
2. Where to Stay in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
On the opposite bank of the Rhône, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon was once the French counterpart to the papal city, back when the river marked the border between the Kingdom of France and the Papal States. The village is home to the Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction, Fort Saint-André, and a tower that faces the Palais des Papes from the opposite bank.
We found this area to be much quieter than downtown Avignon, while still being about a 15-minute walk or a few minutes by car from the Édouard-Daladier Bridge. It’s a great option for travelers looking for a relaxing setting without giving up the convenience of being close to the city.
Benefits:
- A quieter setting, far from the hustle and bustle of the festival
- Local Landmarks: Chartreuse, Fort Saint-André, Place du Chapitre
- Several accommodations with gardens and swimming pools
Disadvantages:
- You must cross the Rhône to reach downtown Avignon
- Fewer restaurants and shops than in the city center
- A car is useful when buses aren’t running
Our favorite hotel: Hôtel Le Prieuré
Other useful tips to keep in mind
The Avignon Festival takes place every year in July: be sure to book your accommodations several months in advance if your trip falls during this time, as prices also go up.
Parking within the city walls is limited: ask your hotel about nearby parking lots, particularly the Italiens parking lot or the train station parking lot. In addition, Barthelasse Island, located between Avignon and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, offers a scenic spot for a stroll or a picnic along the banks of the Rhône.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Remember to take outcomprehensive insurance (some roads are winding and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Our curation: best hotels
To help you find the accommodations that best meet your needs, we’ve organized our recommendations by category. Below you’ll find detailed descriptions of our favorites, as well as other places that inspire us.
Best 5-Star Hotels in Avignon
Avignon and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon are home to several upscale establishments, many of which are located in historic buildings.
The one we reviewed: Hôtel d’Europe
The Hôtel d’Europe is housed in a16th-century mansion on Place Crillon, just a short walk from the Palais des Papes and the Pont d’Avignon. The decor combines period furniture and antique paintings, creating an elegant look without being over the top. We enjoyed the tranquility of the inner courtyard, where breakfast is served on sunny days, away from the hustle and bustle of the square. What sets this establishment apart is its long history: it is one of the oldest hotels in France still in operation, having been open since the late18th century.
- Neighborhood: Avignon Center, Place Crillon
- Price range: 5 stars
- Restaurant: yes, gastronomic
- Family rooms: please ask at the establishment
- No swimming pool on site
- Amenities: courtyard, period living rooms, terrace
- The Palais des Papes and the Avignon Bridge are about a 5-minute walk away
- Parking: Check with the hotel (limited parking within the city walls)
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
Our curation of other excellent luxury options
- La Mirande Hotel
Across from the Palais des Papes
A historic residence with rooms decorated in an18th-century style. Several rooms offer remarkable views of the palace.
Check photos and availability - Le Prieuré Hotel
Place du Chapitre, in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
A former monastery converted into a hotel, featuring a large garden and an outdoor pool, located in the heart of the village’s historic center.
Check photos and availability
Best boutique hotels and unique accommodations in Avignon
If you prefer smaller, more intimate establishments, Avignon and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon have several of them, often housed in historic mansions.
The one we reviewed: Hotel Cambis
Nestled behind the ramparts, the Hôtel Cambis has developed a unique concept centered on the world of wine: deep hues, fine materials, and room names inspired by wine appellations and vintages. We found this theme to be well-handled, without going overboard. L’Orsan, a wine bar located on the ground floor, is the perfect spot for a break at the end of the day before heading out to explore the city again. The Palais des Papes is about 700 meters away, a distance that is easily covered on foot.
- Neighborhood: Avignon Center, within the city walls
- Price range: 4 stars
- Restaurant: L’Orsan Wine Bar, breakfast buffet
- Family rooms: please ask at the establishment
- No swimming pool on site
- Amenities: 41 air-conditioned rooms, luggage storage, room service
- Palace of the Popes, about a 700-meter walk away
- Parking: nearby; please ask the hotel for more information
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
The second one we tested: Le Chardonnay Hotel Boat (a unique overnight stay on the Rhône)
Moored at Quai de la Ligne, the Bateau Hôtel Le Chardonnay offers a unique experience: sleeping aboard a boat docked on the Rhône, about 700 meters from the city walls. The cabins are modest in size but air-conditioned and well-maintained, evoking the spirit of river cruises from a bygone era. We took advantage of the panoramic lounge and the rooftop terrace to enjoy the view of the river and the city walls at the end of the day. The breakfast, served buffet-style, seemed plentiful and varied to us.
- Neighborhood: Quai de la Ligne, Avignon Center, along the Rhône River
- Price range: 4 stars
- Restaurant: breakfast buffet, bar
- Family rooms: please ask at the establishment
- No swimming pool on site
- Amenities: panoramic living room, rooftop terrace, outdoor terrace
- City walls and the Palace of the Popes, about a 700-meter walk away
- Parking: street parking available nearby
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
Our curation of other excellent charm options
- La Divine Comédie Hotel – Deluxe Suites
Avignon City Center
A bed-and-breakfast with five suites, surrounded by a large garden. It features an outdoor pool and a wellness area, located about 400 meters from the Palais des Papes.
Check photos and availability - No. 15: Confidences
Avignon City Center
An elegant bed-and-breakfast featuring a garden, a terrace, and a small outdoor pool open year-round, located about 300 meters from the Palais des Papes.
Check photos and availability - Insolas Castle
Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
A resort offering studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, and villas, including several units with multiple beds. Garden, outdoor pool, and wellness facilities.
Check photos and availability
- Orsini House
Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
A historic bed-and-breakfast offering several rooms, suites, and a bungalow, with remarkable views of Avignon, the Palais des Papes, and Fort Saint-André.
Check photos and availability - La Suite Hotel
Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
A small, contemporary hotel housed in a charming historic home, featuring works of art, a garden, and a terrace. Some rooms open directly onto the garden.
Check photos and availability - Le Philippe-le-Bel Guest House
Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
A private mansion offering three guest rooms in a quiet setting, featuring a garden with an outdoor pool.
Check photos and availability - The Livrée Gardens
Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
A bed-and-breakfast located in a14th-century mansion, set in a large garden with an outdoor pool.
Check photos and availability
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
- Panoramic Cruise – View Options and Availability
- Gastronomic Activities: Cooking Classes and Tours with Tastings— see options and availability
- Art and photos: see options and availability
Best Accommodations for Families in Avignon
Few accommodations strictly meet the criteria for a group-friendly option, with several separate sleeping areas. You’ll mainly find apartments for rent. Here are a few suggestions;
- La Maison Grivolas – Apartments and Guesthouse
Avignon City Center
Several apartments can accommodate up to four people, with separate sleeping arrangements. On-site garden and outdoor pool.
Check photos and availability - The Banner
Avignon City Center
A selection of studios and duplexes equipped with multiple sleeping arrangements, including double beds and sofa beds, as well as a kitchen or kitchenette.
Check photos and availability - The Dyers’ Wheel
Avignon City Center, Rue des Teinturiers
A residence consisting of several apartments, each equipped with a kitchen, accommodating up to four or eight people, depending on the unit.
Check photos and availability
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Best 2- or 3-star hotels in Avignon
No 2-star hotel in either area clearly exceeded our usual quality standard. So we’ve selected three 3-star hotels for those on a tight budget.
- Hôtel de l’Atelier
Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
A 3-star hotel housed in a16th-century mansion, featuring an inner courtyard and a shaded terrace, located in the village’s historic center. No swimming pool listed.
Check photos and availability - Hôtel de Garlande
Avignon City Center
A small 3-star hotel with eleven rooms, located on a pedestrian street in the historic center. The Palais des Papes and Place de l’Horloge are just a short walk away.
Check photos and availability - Le Colbert Hotel
Avignon City Center
A 3-star hotel near the Avignon-Centre train station and the main historic streets, featuring a lovely inner courtyard garden. No swimming pool listed.
Check photos and availability
Other Types of Accommodations in Avignon
See the top-rated accommodations in Avignon… You can also find
- B&Bs and guesthouses
- apartments for rent
- and campgrounds, particularly on Barthelasse Island
SHE MADE THE TRIP Morgane
