Value and Charm: The Best Mid-Range Hotels in Avignon, France
Avignon is a truly captivating city. From the imposing ramparts that encircle the historic center to the towering presence of the Palais des Papes, the city is a living piece of history. When you’re planning your stay, the primary thing to consider is location. Most of the must-see sites, like the Palace of the Popes and the Pont d’Avignon, are inside the city walls, which is the Avignon City Centre. Staying here means everything is a short walk away, but it can be busier, and parking is often difficult or expensive.
If you’re coming by TGV (high-speed train), you’ll arrive at Avignon TGV station, which is outside the main city. Some hotels near the TGV station are great for those with a car or who prioritize quick train access, though you’ll need a short shuttle or taxi ride to get into the heart of the old town. A handful of excellent options strike a perfect balance, sitting just outside the old walls but still offering easy access.
The good news is that you don’t need to splurge on high-end luxury to find a fantastic place to stay. We’ve compiled a list of excellent mid-range hotels that deliver comfort and convenience at a good value, whether you’re looking to be right in the action, close to the station, or just outside the bustle.
Inside the City Walls: Prime Locations for Sightseeing
These hotels put you right in the heart of Avignon’s historical buzz.
Hotel de l’Horloge
This 4-star hotel boasts a fantastic position right on Place de l’Horloge, the main square, and just a couple of minutes’ walk from the Palais des Papes. It offers a classic, elegant feel, and the rooms are generally spacious, clean, and well-maintained, often featuring lovely views of the city. The staff is consistently praised as friendly and helpful, and you can get a parking discount at a nearby public garage. The main drawback for some is that, as an older, charming building, it has a small elevator and several staircases, which can be a minor inconvenience.
- Pros: Excellent central location, spacious rooms, charming atmosphere, helpful staff, soundproofing minimizes city noise.
- Cons: Small elevator, can be noisy in the high season despite soundproofing, rooms can feel a bit dated for a 4-star.
Mercure Avignon Centre Palais des Papes
Located incredibly close to the Palais des Papes, this hotel provides the reliable standards you expect from a Mercure property: modern, clean, and comfortable. Its position makes it perfect for first-time visitors eager to explore the main sites. The rooms are soundproofed, offering a quiet retreat despite the central location, and the staff is noted for being efficient and friendly. It’s an ideal, straightforward choice for a comfortable base in the old town.
- Pros: Outstanding location for sightseeing, reliable chain standards (clean and modern), helpful multilingual staff.
- Cons: Can be expensive during the high season, private parking is not available on-site (public parking nearby).
Kyriad Avignon - Palais des Papes
Another excellent option for proximity to the major monuments, this Kyriad is right around the corner from the Palace of the Popes. Guests consistently report very clean and comfortable rooms, often appreciating the memory foam pillows. It is considered great value for its prime location. The rooms are generally on the small side, which is typical for the heart of the old city, but the excellent customer service and prime access make up for it.
- Pros: Incredible location, very clean and comfortable rooms, fantastic staff service, good value.
- Cons: Rooms are typically small, some past reports of inconsistent air conditioning.
Garlande Hôtel Avignon Centre
This charming, independently-owned hotel is praised for its unique character and fantastic staff. It’s perfectly situated near Place de l’Horloge. The rooms are individually decorated, giving it a less corporate feel, and the breakfast, with its homemade pastries and local delights, is a frequent highlight. This is a great choice for travelers looking for a hotel with personality and warmth.
- Pros: Excellent staff service, great central location, charming and unique decor, highly-praised homemade breakfast.
- Cons: Narrow and steep staircases can be a challenge for those with mobility issues or heavy luggage.
Régina Hôtel
A solid, budget-friendly option right in the center, the Régina is celebrated for its staff’s friendliness and helpfulness. The location is ideal for walking to all sites. While the rooms are clean, guests note that they can be small and the decor is quite basic or dated. This is a good choice for travelers who prioritize an unbeatable location and a clean room over luxurious finishes.
- Pros: Central location, very friendly and helpful staff, good competitive price for the city center.
- Cons: Rooms are small and simple, decor is a bit dated, basic breakfast selection.
Convenience & Comfort: Near the Train Station and City Centre
These hotels are perfectly positioned either near the main “Avignon Centre” train station or slightly outside the walls, offering easier access to transportation and parking while keeping the old town within easy reach.
Hotel De Cambis, Bw Premier Collection
A stylish and modern boutique hotel near the Avignon-Centre train station and just outside the main gate, making it a quick walk to the historical centre. It stands out for its contemporary, stylish decor, spotless cleanliness, and extremely comfortable beds. The staff is consistently described as super friendly and helpful. It’s a highly recommended blend of modern comfort and great access.
- Pros: Very stylish and modern, exceptional staff, excellent room comfort (especially the beds), great location close to the central train station.
- Cons: Some rooms are on the smaller side.
Avignon Grand Hotel
Located directly across from the Avignon-Centre train station and very close to the old city walls, this hotel is perfectly placed for convenience. It’s a large, full-service hotel with a rooftop plunge pool and a secure underground car park (for a fee). Rooms are spacious and comfortable. It’s a great option for those arriving by train who also appreciate the amenity of a pool and on-site parking.
- Pros: Superb location next to Avignon Centre train station, secure on-site parking available, spacious rooms, rooftop plunge pool.
- Cons: The plunge pool is small, some guests find the decor a bit dated.
Hôtel Cloitre Saint Louis
A unique 4-star experience set within the stunning architecture of a 16th-century Jesuit seminary, complete with a peaceful cloister and garden. It blends historical charm with modern touches, featuring a beautiful rooftop pool (open seasonally) with city views. Located near the main station and just a short walk to the center, it offers a tranquil haven away from the street noise.
- Pros: Beautiful, historic, and unique building (UNESCO site), tranquil cloister setting, rooftop pool and sun-lounge area, easy walk to the city centre.
- Cons: On-site parking is an extra cost, some guests feel the rooms can be inconsistent with the 4-star rating.
Novotel Avignon Centre
This is a modern, reliable chain option perfectly suited for families or business travelers, located just outside the ramparts. Novotel rooms are known for being larger and more flexible than many older city-center properties. A significant advantage is the on-site parking and a decent outdoor pool, a welcome feature during the hot Provençal summers.
- Pros: Reliable Novotel standard, larger rooms, on-site parking, and a nice outdoor pool.
- Cons: Not inside the city walls, lacks the unique character of some local hotels.
Bristol Hotel
With a great position near the Avignon-Centre train station and close to the city gates, the Bristol is an elegant, traditional hotel with a focus on service. Guests frequently praise the high-quality breakfast and the professional, helpful staff. It offers comfortable, soundproofed rooms, making it an excellent choice for a restful stay after a long day of touring.
- Pros: Excellent location near the station and city walls, professional and helpful staff, well-regarded breakfast, soundproofed rooms.
- Cons: No on-site parking, the decor is traditional and can feel a little formal.
Hôtel Le Colbert AVIGNON
A smaller, family-run hotel with a distinctive, quirky, arts-and-theatre-themed decor that gives it a unique character. It’s located on a quiet street close to the Avignon-Centre station and the city walls. Guests love the personal service, the cozy courtyard breakfast area, and the overall peaceful setting.
- Pros: Friendly, personal service from the owners, quiet street location, quirky and interesting decor, close to the central train station.
- Cons: No elevator (be prepared for a spiral staircase), rooms are generally simple.
Régina Hôtel
A solid, budget-friendly option right in the center, the Régina is celebrated for its staff’s friendliness and helpfulness. The location is ideal for walking to all sites. While the rooms are clean, guests note that they can be small and the decor is quite basic or dated. This is a good choice for travelers who prioritize an unbeatable location and a clean room over luxurious finishes.
- Pros: Central location, very friendly and helpful staff, good competitive price for the city center.
- Cons: Rooms are small and simple, decor is a bit dated, basic breakfast selection.
Perfect for Car Travelers: Near the TGV Station
If you’re using Avignon as a base for driving around Provence and want free, secure parking and quick access to major roads, these options are ideal. You will need a short bus, taxi, or drive to the old town.
Mercure Avignon Gare TGV
Located directly next to the high-speed TGV train station, this hotel is fantastic for travelers moving on by train or driving throughout the region. It features free on-site parking and modern, well-styled rooms. While it’s outside the city center, a convenient shuttle bus connects the TGV station to the main city gates.
- Pros: Next to TGV station, features an outdoor pool, free on-site parking, modern and clean rooms.
- Cons: Not within walking distance of the historic city center (requires a shuttle/bus ride).
Best Western Plus Le Lavarin
This hotel is located a bit further out, offering a tranquil resort-like atmosphere with beautifully maintained gardens and two pools (indoor and outdoor). It’s a great base for touring by car, as it offers free, secure, gated parking and easy access to the main roads. A local bus stop outside provides a quick connection to the city centre.
- Pros: Free, secure on-site parking, quiet and peaceful setting, two pools (indoor and outdoor), excellent restaurant on-site.
- Cons: Located outside the city walls (requires public transport or driving to sightsee).