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This sumptuous townhouse (built 1580) in the heart of medieval Avignon became a hotel in 1799 – when it was baptised Hotel d’Europe by none other than Napoleon Bonaparte, a friend of the owner and the first in a long line of famous guests.
The magnificent courtyard, with its 300-year-old plane tree, is a peaceful spot; and it’s in a convenient location in the heart of the old town. The Junior Suites have views over the city of Avignon; the Suites overlook the Palais des Papes.
The hotel’s much-travelled chef, Bruno d’Angélis, has earned a Michelin star for his Mediterranean cuisine with a fresh exotic touch at La Vieille Fontaine; his winter truffle menu is especially fabulous.
Infused with period elegance and run by a staff with old-world courtesy and class, it’s a dream for history lovers and first-time visitors to Avignon.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Avignon, Provence, France[0.3 miles]
The world’s biggest Gothic palace was home to popes during their 14th-century exile from Rome. Seven reigned here until 1377, in a colourful period of greed and depravity.
Best for ages: 18+ | £10
Avignon, Provence, France[0.4 miles]
Nearly a thousand shows and exhibitions over three weeks, showcasing world-class drama, music and dance. France’s answer to the UK’s Edinburgh Festival.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 3 weeks
Avignon, Provence, France[0.5 miles]
A superb private art collection in a townhouse, including the only Van Gogh in Provence. There are also paintings by Chardin, Manet, Cezanne, Degas, Modigliani, Sisley and Picasso.
Best for ages: 18+ | £7
Provence, France[14.8 miles]
Postcard-perfect vineyards yielding world-famous wines – Provence is the home of the most prestigious Cotes du Rhone wines, including the reds of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, and Beaumes-de-Venise.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Avignon, Provence, France[0.4 miles]
Papal Avignon was the centre of the European art for decades, and over 300 works of (mostly) Italian medieval and renaissance paintings and sculptures commissioned by the wealthy prelates of the church, including a Botticelli Madonna, are displayed in this 14th-century palace.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Saint-Remy-de-Provence, Provence, France[19.5 miles]
The asylum where Van Gogh spent 1888-89 is a masterpiece of Provencal Romanesque, and today specializes, appropriately, in art therapy. His room and reproductions of the paintings he made there are on display, along with temporary exhibitions.
Best for ages: 18+ | £4
Les Baux-de-Provence, Provence, France[23.8 miles]
In the stunning setting of Les Baux, learn all about Provence’s greeny-golden nectar on these free tastings of these award-winning oils. Open all year-round, but short walks through the olive groves and visits to the mill are also offered from June to September.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 2 hours
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
Provence, France
Gorgeous landscapes peppered with beautiful villages, sunflowers and lavender, art-filled towns, lively cultural festivals and exquisite food and wine. Provence is everything you imagined it would be.
