Places to stay in Avignon and the City of the Popes
Avignon, the City of the Popes between the Rhône and Provence
Avignon, capital of the Vaucluse, occupies a distinctive position in Provence. The city brings together a dense medieval centre, the banks of the Rhône, the orchards and open landscapes of Barthelasse Island and, all around, quick routes toward the Luberon, the Alpilles, Provençal Gard and the vineyards of the Côtes-du-Rhône.
Rome on Provençal ground
In the fourteenth century, Avignon’s destiny changed when the papacy settled on the banks of the Rhône. For several decades, the city became one of Europe’s major political and religious centres. From that period remain the Palace of the Popes, a vast Gothic fortress, the ramparts still encircling the city and a network of streets, squares and old residences.
The Avignon Festival and the city in summer
Every summer, Avignon changes pace. Theatre, dance, readings, performances and posters fill the historic centre during the Festival d’Avignon and its Festival Off. The season is busy, but it gives the city a very particular energy, as old courtyards, squares and medieval streets become performance spaces.
Medieval heritage and museums in the historic centre
With the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet and the Palace of the Popes, Avignon keeps a very visible medieval presence. The old centre is easy to explore on foot, between narrow streets, lively squares, churches, townhouses and museums. The Petit Palais, Musée Calvet, Musée Angladon, Collection Lambert and Musée Vouland also give the city real artistic depth.
The Jardin du Rocher des Doms above the Rhône
Overlooking the Rhône, the Jardin du Rocher des Doms offers a breathing space above the old centre. Its paths, ponds and viewpoints open wide views of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Mont Ventoux, and the Alpilles. It is one of the best places to understand how Avignon relates to the Rhône and to the landscapes around it.
The Barthelasse Island, cradled by the Rhône
Facing the city, Barthelasse Island stretches out in a landscape of meadows, orchards, tracks and riverbanks. On foot or by bike, it lets you leave the intensity of the centre without really moving away from Avignon. From its banks, the Palace of the Popes, the Saint-Bénézet Bridge, the bell towers and the ramparts form one of the clearest views of the city.
Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, the quiet counterpoint
On the opposite bank, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon offers a calmer counterpoint. Once a residence of cardinals, it is home to the Charterhouse, Fort Saint-André, the Philippe-le-Bel Tower, gardens and pale streets. For a stay, it keeps you very close to Avignon while offering a more residential atmosphere.
A practical base for exploring Provence
Staying in Avignon makes it easy to combine heritage, markets, restaurants, theatre and excursions. In little time, you can reach Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Pont du Gard, the villages of the Luberon, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the Alpilles or Arles. This location makes Avignon an efficient base for discovering several sides of Provence.
Places to stay in Avignon: guest houses in the City of the Popes
For a stay in Avignon, the historic centre places travellers close to the Palais des Papes, the Saint-Bénézet Bridge, museums, restaurants and Festival venues. This selection presents guest houses, gites and charming places to stay within the commune of Avignon, with direct access to each owner’s website.
Vacation rental
Les Airis
"Ecological" holiday rental for up to 6 people in a Provençal farmhouse, in a quiet and green environment, a few minutes by bike from the historic centre of Avignon. Large wooded park.Shared pool.
Charming Bed and breakfast
La Banasterie
Five charming guest rooms at the foot of the Palace of the Popes, in a picturesque area of the historic center for an intimate discovery in the City of the Popes in one of the most ancient guest houses in Avignon.
Prestige Bed and breakfast
Bastide de Bellegarde
Four unique guest rooms, fitted out and decorated by an art collector in a superb fully renovated country house on the outskirts of Avignon. Park, Pool, Table d'hôtes.
Charming Bed and Breakfast and Vacation rentals
Domaine de Rhodes
At the gates of Avignon on the Barthelasse island, a former 16th century hunting lodge and a superb property transformed into a holiday resort. Large park and swimming pool. The pleasure of the countryside at the gates of the city.
Prestige Bed and breakfast
Les Jardins de Baracane
Two wonderful suite and three guest rooms in a superb old mansion in the historic center of Avignon. Garden
Prestige bed and breakfast
Mas Château Blanc
Five beautiful spacious rooms including a family suite, tastefully decorated and equipped. Located on the Barthelasse island in Avignon, in a large property to enjoy the peaceful countryside at the gates of the City of Popes. Park, swimming pool.
Charming Bed and breakfast
Le Mas de l'Île
Four guest rooms of charm in Avignon on the island of Barthelasse, a large green space next to the city of the popes. Swimming pool
Places to stay near Avignon: guest houses around the city
Around Avignon, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, the banks of the Rhône, Provençal Gard, the Alpilles, the Luberon and the Côtes-du-Rhône vineyards offer quieter settings for exploring the City of the Popes. These addresses keep you close to Avignon while offering a more open environment.
Charming bed and breakfast and Gite
La Bastide des Amouriers
Five guest rooms and two gîtes in a beautiful 19th century Provençal bastide with a generous 2 hectare garden located in Caumont-sur-Durance, a pirate farming village between Avignon, Luberon and Alpilles. Swimming pool, park.
Charming bed and breakfast
La Bastide du Farfadet
Five beautiful and spacious guest rooms and suites in a superb and venerable old stone building, surrounded by vineyards, in Laudun in the Provençal Gard. Swimming pool, Park.
Charming bed and breakfast and Gites
La Bastide Sainte-Agnès
Five charming rooms and two comfortable and well-equipped gîtes in a Provençal bastide near Carpentras in the heart of the Vaucluse, ideal for cyclists at the foot of Mont Ventoux. Garden with trees, swimming pool, summer kitchen.
Prestige bed and breakfast
Le Clos des Cyprès
Four beautiful guest rooms cozy and comfortable in a guest house located near the Alpilles, the Montagnette and Avignon. Swimming pool, Large garden, Gourmet dinner, Jacuzzi
Charming Bed and breakfast
Couleur Lavande
Four charming guest rooms with contemporary design, nestled in a spacious Provençal farmhouse just minutes from L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Peace, relaxation and warm hospitality await you in the heart of a 1.2-hectare wooded park. Swimming pool, Dinner.
Charming Bed and breakfast
Fontaine des Magnarelles
Five guest rooms, including one with terrace and kitchen, and a spacious suite with lounge for 2-3 people, in a beautiful Provençal bastide in Althen-des-Paluds in the Pays des Sorgues near Avignon. Swimming pool, Large wooded park, Table d'hôtes, Bicycles.
Charming bed and breakfast
Les Intérieurs d'Angèle
Four charming guest rooms and a family suite set within a beautifully restored Provençal farmhouse, nestled in the peaceful countryside near Pernes-les-Fontaines and Avignon. Enjoy the garden, the swimming pool, and the table d’hôtes.
Charming vacation rental
Lou Brès
Large Provençal bastide of 180 sqm, accommodating up to 9 guests, located in Vedène, just minutes from Avignon. Fully enclosed property featuring a landscaped garden, swimming pool, pool house, barbecue, shaded terraces and secure parking.
Charming bed and breakfast
Maison 1643
Three superbly appointed rooms in a superb house of character, a former 17th century silkworm farm, with a large garden bordered by a river, in Laudun in the Gard provençal region. Garden, swimming pool, gastronomic dinner.
Charming bed and breakfast
Mas Cothy
Three charming guest rooms in an old 18th century Provencal farmhouse in Roquemaure, a village on the right bank of the Rhone, surrounded by the best Côtes du Rhône wines of the South. Swimming pool, garden.
Charming Bed and breakfast and holiday rental
Le Mas de l'Amandier
Five comfortable guest rooms and a gîte for 3 people in a vast Provençal house in Saint Saturnin-les-Avignon, a village 8 kilometres from the city of the Popes. Garden and swimming pool.
Charming Bed and breakfast and cottage
Mas des Fleurs d'Hilaire
Five charming guest rooms and a self-catering cottage set within a vast four-hectare park. A peaceful retreat to relax and recharge in Monteux, between Avignon and Carpentras. Swimming pool, park and table d’hôtes.
Charming bed and breakfast and holiday rental
Le Mas des Rabasses
Two charming guest rooms and a cosy gîte in a 19th century Provencal farmhouse in the heart of a green oasis located 8km from the historic centre of Avignon. Swimming pool, garden and table d'hôtes.
Charming Bed and breakfast
L'Oréliane
Four comfortable and well-kept guest rooms in a winegrowers family house in Châteauneuf-de-Gadagne between Avignon and L'Isle sur la Sorgue. Dinner, pool.
Charming bed and breakfast and Gite
Au bon Pénéquet
A quiet guest room for two people with living room and kitchenette, garden, in a Provencal villa and an independent, air-conditioned studio with private garden, in Pujaut near Avignon. Shared swimming pool and secure parking.
Charming bed and breakfast
La Souste de Jean
Just one charming independent guest room ideally located near Noves, between Avignon, the Luberon, and the Alpilles, in a vast garden, far from noise and pollution. Shared swimming pool, park, kitchenette.
Charming bed and breakfast
Villa Dupont d'Avignon
Four very spacious and comfortable rooms for up to 4 people, equipped with a kitchen, in a beautiful mansion surrounded by greenery, in Villeneuve on the heights of Avignon. Large garden with trees, swimming pool.
Charming Bed and breakfast and holiday rental
Villa Velleron
Four guest rooms, a suite and a gîte in a house of character in the heart of the village of Velleron, a pretty Provençal village with a renowned agricultural market, near Isle sur la Sorgue. Swimming pool and Dinner.
Planning your stay around Avignon
What is the best time to stay in Avignon?
Avignon can be discovered throughout the year, with each season revealing a different side of the City of the Popes and Provence.
Spring: One of the most pleasant times to visit Avignon. Temperatures are mild, gardens and squares come back to life, and the orchards of Barthelasse Island are in bloom. It is the perfect season to explore the historic center, the Palais des Papes and the Provençal markets in a more peaceful atmosphere.
Summer: The city becomes especially lively thanks to the famous Avignon Festival. Streets, terraces and squares in the historic center host performances and entertainment late into the evening. Days are very sunny, with heavy tourist crowds in July.
Autumn: Often an ideal season to stay around Avignon. Temperatures remain pleasant in September and October, the light becomes softer along the Rhône, and the surrounding villages regain a quieter atmosphere. It is an excellent time for cultural visits and excursions in the Luberon or the Alpilles.
Winter: Avignon offers a calmer and more intimate atmosphere. Temperatures remain relatively mild for southern France and allow visitors to enjoy the heritage sites without the crowds. Christmas markets, illuminated streets and often more affordable rates make this season pleasant for a weekend in Provence.
Where to stay in Avignon or around the City of the Popes?
The historic center of Avignon remains the most convenient place to explore the city on foot, while the surrounding areas offer a quieter and more typically Provençal environment. The right base depends on whether you want a cultural city stay, easy access to the Festival, or a calmer setting for exploring Provence.
Historic centre of Avignon: Ideal for a cultural and lively stay, the centre provides easy access to the Palais des Papes, the Saint-Bénézet Bridge, shaded squares, restaurants and medieval streets. Historic townhouses and old residences place the stay at the heart of the city.
Villeneuve-lès-Avignon: Located just across the Rhône River, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon offers a calmer setting, with gardens, historic streets and fine views over Avignon. It is an excellent alternative for staying close to the city centre.
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and the Sorgues area: Famous for its canals, antique shops and Provençal atmosphere, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is an ideal base for exploring the region while enjoying a more natural and refined environment.
The Luberon: About thirty kilometers from Avignon, villages of the Luberon such as Gordes, Roussillon, Ménerbes or Bonnieux offer iconic Provençal landscapes of vineyards, hills and perched villages.
The Alpilles and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: South of Avignon, the Alpilles captivate visitors with landscapes of scrubland, olive groves and small Provençal villages. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is especially appreciated for its charm, markets and Provençal lifestyle.
What to do around Avignon during your stay?
The surroundings of Avignon offer a wide variety of activities combining heritage, nature and the discovery of Provençal villages:
- Discover the Palais des Papes, the Pont d’Avignon and the Jardin du Rocher des Doms
- Cross the Rhône to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon or walk on Barthelasse Island
- Explore the villages of the Luberon such as Gordes, Roussillon or Bonnieux
- Enjoy Provençal markets and Côtes-du-Rhône vineyards, especially toward Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- Visit Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and the landscapes of the Alpilles
- Discover Arles and its Roman heritage
- Explore the Pont du Gard, Uzès and the villages of Provençal Gard
- Enjoy walks along the Sorgue River around L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Avignon is an excellent starting point for discovering all the richness of Provence, with its historical heritage, perched villages, vineyards and Mediterranean landscapes.
How to find accommodation during the Avignon Festival?
During the Avignon Festival, demand is very high in the historic center and in the close outskirts. The best-located guest houses and places to stay are often booked well in advance, especially for the most popular dates in July.
It is therefore better to plan early if you want to stay close to the main performance venues. By widening your search to the surroundings of Avignon, it is generally easier to find available accommodation, often in a quieter setting, with access to the city by car or public transport depending on the area.