Avignon's historic walled city is very compact and during the peak season accommodation is in short supply. We offer some tips for finding a bed at busy times and the best places to stay all year round.
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Purpose-built hotels are rare in the centre: even top-of-the-range venues such as the Hotel La Mirande or luxury guesthouses like Au Coeur d'Avignon are relatively recent conversions of historic private residences.
And more unexpected buildings have also been adapted, such as the Spanish consulate transformed into the Hotel du Palais des Papes, pictured above left, or the Jesuit monastery which became the Cloître Saint Louis.
The other, increasingly popular, option is, of course AirBnB, which is very well entrenched in Avignon (though, as elsewhere in the world, hoteliers are lobbying against it).
Noise is endemic in the narrow streets and historic buildings, especially around the Place de l'Horloge, and public parking can be expensive and/or hard to find in the old town.
Rooms are at a premium, in fact, not only during the Festival d'Avignon but during the whole summer tourist season, and so it's certainly worth considering accommodation outside the walled city.
The very large Barthelasse Island is in the middle of the Rhône river opposite the city and offers a wide range of B&Bs, hotels, camp-sites - and even barges.
Depending on exactly where you're staying on the islands, you can walk into central Avignon across one of the bridges or take the free boat shuttle to the bottom of the Pont Saint Bénézet (the Pont d'Avignon) - that runs for most of the year.
Avignon also has a parc relais - park-and-ride - scheme to reduce traffic congestion in the walled city.
As part of this scheme, there is a free guarded car-park on Piot linked by a bus shuttle every ten minutes to the Porte de l'Oulle, five minutes' walk from the Place de l'Horloge. Read more about Avignon's public transport system and the bus, rail and boat links with these outlying areas.
Another option is Villeneuve lès Avignon, which faces Avignon across the river and is linked to it by regular train and bus services.
Room rates vary widely according to the season. We've provided a rough indication of the price bracket, but check the hotel websites for the latest details.
And bear in mind that prices rocket during the Festival d'Avignon in July (you'll need to reserve well ahead for this period too).
The hotels and B&Bs listed below are a purely personal selection, with no pretence at being either objective or exhaustive.
All of them have been visited in person, not written up from the hotel website or publicity material, and all of them have something special to commend them.
We will be adding constantly to this list, so check back soon for more new arrivals. Click on the links to read the full reviews. And, if you can, do support the site by making your reservation through our affiliate partner, booking.com
Hotels
Hotel Cloître Saint Louis Converted 17th century monastery - €€€
Hotel d'Europe Cosmopolitan elegance in an historic hotel - €€€
Hotel de Garlande Colourful budget hotel in the walled city - €
La Mirande Simply the best (and priciest) hotel in Avignon - €€€€
Hotel du Palais des Papes Two-star style in the heart of the city - €
Pop' Hostel Cheap and cheerful accommodation in central Avignon - €
B&B
Au Coeur d'Avignon A 19th century mansion "in the heart of the city" - €€
La Péniche Qi A Zen houseboat moored opposite the walled city - €
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