The Hôtel Boquier proves that a stay in the walled city does not have to be expensive. This small, family-run hotel occupies an eighteenth-century building at 6 rue du Portail Boquier, on a quiet street close to the ramparts and a short walk from the railway station, with the restaurants and bars of the old town all around. It is a three-star property with only thirteen rooms, so the welcome is personal, and the family who run it speak English and French. The rooms have air conditioning and Wi-Fi, and there is a cosy lounge area where you can plan your day. A breakfast is available at a modest price per person, there is luggage storage, a secure shelter for bicycles and mountain bikes, a paid car park and baby equipment on request, which makes it a practical choice for budget-minded couples, solo travellers and small families. The building has no wheelchair access, which is common for small historic hotels, so check before you book if mobility is a concern. It is a simple, friendly place rather than a luxury hotel, and that honesty is its charm.
Location and getting around
The street sits just inside the southern ramparts, so you are a few minutes from the station and about a fifteen-minute walk from the Place de l'Horloge and the Palais des Papes. The covered market and lots of restaurants are nearby, and the quiet street means evenings are calm. The location also suits day trips: the station is close for trains to Arles, Nîmes or Orange, and tours depart from points in the centre.
The rooms and what is good to know: with only thirteen rooms, the hotel books out early in summer and festival weeks, so reserve well ahead. Rooms are modest in size, as you would expect in an eighteenth-century house, and the stairs are part of the experience, so pack lightly. Air conditioning is welcome in July and August. Breakfast is charged separately at a low price, and the hotel is happy to store luggage before check-in or after check-out.
If you are driving, ask about the paid car park, as the streets in the centre are narrow and parking is limited. Bring bicycles if you plan to ride the ramparts or the surrounding countryside, since there is a secure place to leave them.
Who it suits
Budget travellers, solo visitors, cyclists and couples who prefer a friendly guesthouse to a large hotel. It is also good for families with babies, thanks to the equipment on offer, though the rooms are small. If you want a pool, a restaurant or a spa, choose the Cloître Saint Louis or one of the larger hotels, but if you want a clean, central base at a fair price with a real welcome, the Boquier is hard to beat.
Combine it with day trips to the Luberon, Pont du Gard and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and spend your savings on dinners and a good bottle.
Why stay here
- ✓Family-run with 13 rooms
- ✓Eighteenth-century building
- ✓Quiet street by the ramparts
- ✓Air conditioning and Wi-Fi
- ✓Breakfast available
- ✓Luggage storage
- ✓Secure bicycle shelter
- ✓Baby equipment on request
Good questions
Is the Hôtel Boquier good for budget travellers?+
Yes, it is a small family-run hotel with fair prices, air conditioning, Wi-Fi and a central location near the station and the ramparts.
Is the hotel accessible for wheelchairs?+
No, the eighteenth-century building is not accessible by wheelchair, so check with the hotel if mobility is a concern.
Can I leave luggage or bikes?+
Yes, the hotel offers luggage storage and a secure shelter for bicycles and mountain bikes. Ask when you book.
