The Hôtel du Palais des Papes does what its name promises: it puts you at the heart of the old town, at 3 place du Palais, with the great Gothic palace about a three-minute walk away and the cathedral and the Place de l'Horloge each two minutes from the door. Rue de la République, the main shopping street, is a minute away, which means breakfast cafés, bakeries and restaurants are all within a few steps. The hotel is a practical mid-range address rather than a boutique retreat, and that is exactly its appeal for travellers who plan to spend their days outdoors and want a clean, well-placed room at a fair price. The room range is unusually wide for a hotel of this kind, running from a single room for one traveller through comfortable doubles and twins to superior rooms with a king bed and family rooms that sleep four, so it works for solo visitors, couples and small families alike. Free Wi-Fi and air conditioning are provided, which matters a great deal in a Provençal July, and a continental breakfast is available for an extra charge.
Location and getting around
This is one of the best-placed hotels in the city for first-time visitors. The palace is about three minutes away on foot, the cathedral and the gardens of the Rocher des Doms are barely further, and the Avignon Festival venues are around nine minutes away. The Pont Saint-Bénézet and the ramparts are an easy stroll, and the shops and restaurants of the old town surround the building.
The central railway station is roughly twelve minutes on foot, and the airport at Avignon-Caumont is about a twenty-four minute drive, so arriving by train with a small bag is simple. If you are driving, plan ahead for parking, because the streets in the centre are narrow and car use is limited. An electric car charging point is available, which is useful if you are touring Provence in an electric vehicle.
The rooms and what to know
The choice of room types is the practical strength here. Single rooms suit solo travellers, comfort and superior doubles suit couples, twin rooms suit friends, and the family room sleeps four. Some rooms add a sofa bed for a third guest. As in most historic city-centre buildings, room sizes vary, so ask for a quieter room away from the square if you are a light sleeper, particularly on festival evenings when the streets stay lively late.
Pets are accepted for a daily fee, and the hotel offers luggage storage, concierge help and a business centre, which is handy if you need to print tickets for a tour. Check breakfast terms and any parking arrangements when you book, as these can change.
Who it suits
Sightseers who want to walk everywhere, solo travellers, small families and festival visitors who care more about the address than about frills. It is not the place for a spa afternoon or a long poolside lunch; for that, look at the larger hotels on the western boulevards. But for a base that lets you see the palace at opening time and be back for a late dinner on the square, it is hard to fault.
Book early for July, when the festival fills the city, and for weekends in spring and early autumn when day-trippers and short-break guests compete for the same rooms.
Why stay here
- ✓Beside the Palais des Papes
- ✓Rue de la République nearby
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓Breakfast available
- ✓Pet friendly for a fee
- ✓Luggage storage and concierge
- ✓Electric car charging
Good questions
Where is the Hôtel du Palais des Papes?+
It is at 3 place du Palais in the old town. The palace is about a three-minute walk, and the cathedral and the Place de l'Horloge are about two minutes away.
Does the hotel have family rooms?+
Yes. Its room range includes a family room for four and rooms with a sofa bed for a third guest. Check availability and bed layouts when you book.
Is it a good base without a car?+
Yes. Most major sights are within a short walk, and the central railway station is about twelve minutes on foot.
