What is the best area to stay in Avignon?
By Carles Barcelo. December 19, 2023
Surrounded by the sun-drenched landscapes of Provence, Avignon is a storied city on the banks of the meandering Rhône River. It’s one of the best places to stay for exploring southeastern France while offering a wealth of historic attractions to discover. During the 14th century, Avignon served as a Catholic seat, with the majestic Palais des Papes among its most important landmarks today. Also of note is the Pont d’Avignon, a medieval bridge that extends partway into the Rhône River. Avignon is particularly renowned for its annual arts festival, making it a popular destination for art, theatre and music lovers from around the globe.
For most travellers, the best place to stay in Avignon is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre, an atmospheric district of narrow, winding streets. It’s dominated by the awe-inspiring Palais des Papes and its tranquil gardens, as well as being home to the Romanesque-style Avignon Cathedral. By staying in Avignon’s historic centre, you can easily enjoy the alfresco cafes and street performers of Place de l’Horloge or discover the contemporary art exhibitions of Collection Lambert. The area also boasts an abundance of traditional restaurants, cafes and bistros serving authentic Provençal cuisine.On the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in Avignon, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.
If you are interested in where to stay in Avignon, you may also be interested in where to stay in Aix-en-Provence or in where to stay in Marseille.
Historic Centre, the best area to stay in Avignon
Anchored by the monumental Palais des Papes, Avignon’s historic centre is the best place to stay for culture lovers. It was here that the Popes lived during the 14th century and it remains a treasure trove of medieval architecture today. Carving through the heart of the historic centre is the Rue de la Republique, which connects the railway station to the Place de l’Horloge. The area is filled with peaceful squares, hidden courtyards and beautiful old townhouses, many of which have been transformed into boutique hotels.
Step outside your door to explore Avignon’s ancient cobbled streets and majestic Gothic monuments, including the 12th-century Avignon Cathedral. Dotted through the area are fascinating museums that bring the past to life while the picturesque Pont d’Avignon offers sweeping views of the city’s medieval skyline. Foodies shouldn’t miss the Les Halles d’Avignon Market, a lively destination for picking up gourmet Provençal treats.
Hotels in Avignon Historic Centre
Other areas to stay in Avignon
Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
Nestled beneath the hilltop Fort St.-André, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon lies directly across the Rhône River from Avignon’s historic centre.
It’s an atmospheric area that offers a quiet alternative for those who want to be close to the city’s museums and monuments. Clustered with well-preserved medieval buildings, boutique hotels and alfresco bistros, the area encompasses the Chartreuse de Villeneuve lez Avignon and its peaceful cloisters, as well as the art-filled Musée Pierre-de-Luxembourg.
With its Saturday market and abundance of Provençal eateries, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon is the best place to stay in Avignon for foodies.
Hotels in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
Ile de la Barthelasse
Surrounded by the flowing waters of the Rhône, the Ile de la Barthelasse is the largest river island in France. It’s the best place to stay in Avignon for a quiet escape while still being within easy access to the historic centre.
Largely agricultural, the Ile de la Barthelasse features waterfront trails where you can enjoy stunning views of Avignon’s medieval cityscape. Select from one of the island’s boutique hotels or enchanting guesthouses, all of which exude Provençal charm.
Despite its feeling of tranquil isolation, the Ile de la Barthelasse can conveniently be accessed by river shuttle or the Pont Édouard Daladier.
Hotels in Ile de la Barthelasse
Gare TGV area
Located a 10-minute drive to the southwest of Avignon’s historic centre, the Gare d’Avignon TGV is the city’s major railway hub. It’s the best place to stay for tourists with early morning connections or can be used as a base for day trips and excursions into the surrounding area.
With its modern hotels and budget-friendly accommodation, the area around Gare d’Avignon TGV is suitable for all types of travellers, as well as boasting shopping centres, restaurants and convenience stores.
From the station, there are high-speed train services to Paris and other major French cities, as well as Madrid, Amsterdam and Brussels.
Le Pontet
Around 10 minutes’ drive to the east of Avignon is the town of Le Pontet, which enjoys a convenient setting between the historic centre and the countryside.
Established in 1925, it is dotted with estates belonging to wealthy families and the remains of the area’s once-flourishing industrial industry. Le Pontet is the best place to stay for an authentic Avignon experience in the heart of a suburban residential area.
In addition to its modern hotels and traditional auberges, the town is home to the 14th-century Château de Fargues and its medieval garden. Le Pontet enjoys convenient transport connections into Avignon’s historic centre for sightseeing.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Depicted in many of Vincent van Gogh’s most iconic works, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is a gorgeous town around 30 minutes’ drive south of Avignon.
It has long attracted artists due to its exceptional light, although its history dates back to Gallo-Roman times. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is home to beautiful auberges and relaxed B&Bs that exemplify the Provençal lifestyle. Independent boutiques and alfresco eateries line its narrow streets, which open out into shaded squares.
In addition to exploring the archaeological remains of ancient Glanum, you can visit the 11th-century Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole.
Hotels in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Monteux
Sprawling across a fertile plain near Carpentras, Monteux is a large village around 20 minutes’ drive northeast of Avignon. It’s home to atmospheric churches and beautiful chateaux ringed by 14th-century fortifications.
Monteux is a great place to stay for an authentic slice of Provençal life, with lively weekend markets and elegant guesthouses surrounded by lovingly tended gardens. Be sure to admire the Gothic-style Notre Dame de Nazareth and soak up the village views from the 28-metre-high Clementine Tower.
If you’re visiting in late August, don’t miss the Fete de la Saint-Jean, which boasts one of France’s most impressive pyrotechnic shows.
Our recommended hotels in Avignon
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in AvignonNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
