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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Provence, France

Accommodation Types

Types of Stays

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly options, often with dormitory rooms and private rooms. They are popular with solo travelers and younger visitors, having common areas for socializing. They typically have basic amenities, good for cost savings.

  • Hotels

    Hotels in Avignon range from economical 1-2 star establishments, to comfortable 3-star hotels with more services, and luxurious 4-5 star properties. You find both modern chain hotels and charming independent hotels.

  • Guesthouses (Chambres d'Hôtes)

    These are private homes where hosts rent out rooms, usually with breakfast. Guesthouses give a personal and intimate stay, with chances to meet local hosts and learn about Provençal life. Many are in the city walls and countryside.

  • Apart-hotels

    These combine hotel services (e.g., reception, cleaning) with self-catering apartments. They usually have kitchenettes, good for longer stays or for those who want to prepare some meals.

Other Options

  • Vacation Rentals and Apartment Options

    Widely available through platforms like Booking.com, and local agencies. Vacation rentals give more space, privacy, and full self-catering. They are good for families, groups, or travelers planning longer stays, feeling like a home.

  • Unique Local Accommodation Types

    Outside the city, traditional Provençal farmhouses (Mas or Bastide) become charming hotels or guesthouses. Within the city walls, historic private mansions become upscale hotels.

  • Homestay and Community-Based Tourism

    While not formal homestay programs, staying in a 'chambre d'hôtes' (guesthouse) is a direct interaction with local hosts, a peek into local life.

  • Camping and Outdoor Accommodation

    Several campsites are just outside Avignon, often along the Rhône river. They have pitches for tents and caravans, sometimes mobile homes for rent. A budget choice for travelers with their own equipment, near nature.

Neighborhood Guide

Avignon has distinct neighborhoods, each with a different character and advantages for visitors.

Intra-Muros Within the Walls

Advantages
  • Central location means easy walking to sights (Palais des Papes, Pont d'Avignon).
  • Many restaurants, shops, and cultural places.
  • You are in the middle of activity.
  • Radiates medieval charm with narrow cobblestone streets and squares.
Disadvantages
  • Can be noisy, especially during peak season and the Festival d'Avignon.
  • Parking inside the walls is limited and expensive.
  • Some streets are too narrow for cars.
  • More expensive accommodation.

Around Avignon Centre Train Station

Advantages
  • Excellent transport links, including the Avignon Centre train station and main bus station.
  • Often good value for accommodation, especially for chain hotels.
  • More modern feel.
  • Convenient for arrivals and departures.
Disadvantages
  • Less atmosphere than the historic center.
  • Can be busy with commuter traffic.
  • Fewer unique local experiences.
  • Less picturesque.

Villeneuve-lès-Avignon

Advantages
  • Quieter, more tranquil, and picturesque than Avignon's center.
  • Often better value for accommodation.
  • Has stunning scenic views of Avignon's skyline.
  • A local village experience.
Disadvantages
  • Cross the Pont Daladier (bridge) to Avignon's city center (bus, car, walk).
  • Adds travel time to sightseeing in Avignon.
  • Fewer immediate dining options compared to intra-muros.
  • Requires planning for city visits.

Outer Districts

Pros

Cheaper accommodation options, especially budget hotels or larger vacation rentals. Easier and often free parking.

Cons

Requires public transport (bus/tram) or a car to reach the city center, adding travel time. Less tourist-oriented with fewer immediate attractions or dining options.

Booking Strategies

Planning ahead means good options at good rates.

Advance Booking Recommendations by Season

  • High Season (July-August): Book accommodation several months in advance, especially for the Festival d'Avignon in July. Prices increase, and availability becomes very scarce. Booking 6-12 months ahead is common.
  • Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): Book 1-2 months in advance. This means a good selection of properties and competitive prices. More availability than in peak season.
  • Low Season (November-March): Good deals often appear closer to your travel date, sometimes a few weeks before. Still, booking a few weeks ahead is wise for options.
  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Prices for accommodation are much higher in July and August due to high demand and the Festival d'Avignon. Prices are generally lowest in winter. Shoulder seasons are a balance of good weather and reasonable rates.

Trusted Platforms and Policies

  • Policies vary by accommodation type, booking platform, and property. Check specific deposit and cancellation policies before booking.
  • Many bookings have free cancellation up to a certain date, giving flexibility. Some budget or non-refundable rates have lower prices for strict cancellation terms.
  • Negotiation for walk-in rates is not common practice in France. Prices are generally fixed and displayed. Haggling is not effective.
  • International Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, IHG Hotels, Hostelworld, Vrbo, TrustedHousesitters.

Trusted Booking Platforms

Major Platforms
Specialized & Local
  • Hostelworld (Budget accommodation)
  • TrustedHousesitters (House/pet sitting)
  • Local Guesthouse Websites (Direct booking for potential better rates)
  • Avignon Tourist Office (Local resource)

Important Note

Availability

Specific property availability and prices change. Verify current details before booking.

Direct Booking

Booking directly with guesthouses can sometimes mean better rates or special inclusions, avoiding commission fees.

Festival Impact

The Festival d'Avignon in July causes high prices and low availability; book very early.

Accommodation Recommendations

Avignon has good choices for various travelers. This section has examples for different needs.

Traveler Specific Options

Family-Friendly Options

Vacation rentals (apartments or gîtes) give more space, privacy, and kitchen facilities, allowing for self-catering.

  • Many hotels have family rooms or connecting rooms.
  • Look for properties with pools, especially for summer travel.
  • Staying outside the immediate city center, in areas like Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, gives more space and quiet.
Solo Traveler Recommendations

Hostels like HO36 Avignon give social opportunities to meet other travelers.

  • Centrally located hotels or guesthouses offer easy access to attractions.
  • They bring a sense of safety, especially when returning at night.
  • Choose a place near well-lit, busy streets.

Long-Stay & Unique Stays

Long-Stay Accommodations

For stays of a week or longer, vacation rentals (apartments or gîtes) or apart-hotels are generally best.

  • They have self-catering facilities.
  • More space for comfort.
  • Often have weekly or monthly discounts.
  • Makes for a more immersive and cost-effective stay.
Properties with Exceptional Cultural or Historical Significance

Stay in places rich with history.

  • La Mirande: A 17th-century mansion next to the Palais des Papes. An experience of historical luxury.
  • Hotel D'Europe: Founded in 1799, one of France's oldest hotels. Elegant, historic setting with a beautiful garden courtyard.

Budget Options

  • HO36 Avignon (Hostel)

    Located Intra-Muros, offering dorms and private rooms. Average price/night: €30-60. Features common areas, central location, and a social atmosphere.

  • Ibis Budget Avignon Centre

    Near the train station. Average price/night: €60-90. Features basic, clean rooms, good value, and convenience for transport.

  • Price Note

    Prices are approximate and subject to change based on season and availability.

  • Location Strategy

    Budget options are found both within the walls and near transport hubs.

Mid-Range & Luxury Options

  • Hotel Mercure Pont d'Avignon

    Intra-Muros, riverside. Average price/night: €100-180. Modern, good location, some rooms with river view.

  • Hotel Danieli

    Intra-Muros. Average price/night: €90-150. Charming, traditional, central, good service.

  • La Mirande

    Intra-Muros, near Palais. Average price/night: €300-600+. Historic mansion, Michelin-starred restaurant, refined.

  • Hotel D'Europe

    Intra-Muros. Average price/night: €250-450+. Historic, elegant, garden courtyard, central.

Top Picks Summary

Budget Stays

Good for travelers looking for cost-effective options without sacrificing location or basic comfort.

  • HO36 Avignon (Hostel)
  • Ibis Budget Avignon Centre
Premium Stays

For a more comfortable or luxurious experience, especially with historic character or prime views.

  • Hotel Mercure Pont d'Avignon
  • Hotel Danieli
  • La Mirande
  • Hotel D'Europe

Considerations for Your Stay

Self-Catering

Vacation rentals and apart-hotels are excellent for self-catering, good for longer visits or families.

Location Preference

Choose between the lively historic center (Intra-Muros) or quieter, more spacious areas outside the walls like Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.

Seasonal Impact

Remember price changes and availability during the Festival d'Avignon and other peak seasons.