The Hôtel d’Europe occupies a sixteenth-century townhouse on the Place Crillon, just inside the city walls near the Porte de l’Oulle and the Rhône. It has been a hotel for more than two centuries, and over that time it has welcomed a long line of writers, artists and travellers passing through Provence, which gives its reception rooms and corridors the air of a well-kept family house. Rooms and suites are decorated with antiques, fabrics and paintings in a classical style, and many look onto the square or the quiet courtyard, where plane trees shade a terrace used for meals in mild weather. The old town, the Place de l’Horloge and the Palais des Papes are all within a short walk, which makes it a convenient base for a first visit to Avignon.
Location and getting around
The hotel stands on the western edge of the old town, a short walk from the river and the ramparts, and about ten to fifteen minutes on foot from the Palais des Papes through lively streets. The railway station is a little farther, roughly twenty minutes on foot or a short taxi ride. Because the centre is largely pedestrian or restricted, drivers should ask the hotel in advance about arrival, loading and the nearest paid car park, as parking near the square can be tight.
Rooms and facilities
The rooms vary a good deal in size and layout, as you would expect in a building of this age, with beams, high ceilings and period furniture in many of them. The larger rooms and suites are worth the supplement if you plan to spend time indoors, and rooms overlooking the courtyard are usually the quietest.
Dining is a feature
The hotel has a restaurant serving Provençal and classic French cooking, a bar and a garden terrace, and breakfast is served on site and is often charged separately from the room rate, so compare prices with and without it. Air conditioning and Wi-Fi are generally available, though it is sensible to confirm before booking if either matters to you.
Who it suits
Couples, travellers who like historic hotels and anyone who wants to be inside the walls without being in the busiest lanes. It is less suited to travellers who want a pool, a large modern room or a lively social atmosphere. In November the old town is calm, rates are usually lower than in summer and the courtyard is quiet.
Weekends and the Christmas period can still fill, so book early for the dates you want. Ask about quiet rooms away from the square, about packages that include dinner and about the best way to arrive by car or train. If you are staying several nights, request a room with a view over the courtyard or the square.
Why stay here
- ✓Sixteenth-century mansion
- ✓Courtyard garden terrace
- ✓Restaurant
- ✓Bar
- ✓Antique-furnished rooms and suites
- ✓Walk to the Palais des Papes
- ✓Wi-Fi
- ✓Air conditioning in many rooms
Good questions
How far is the Hôtel d’Europe from the Palais des Papes?+
It is about ten to fifteen minutes on foot through the old town, so most sights, restaurants and shops are within easy walking distance.
Is there parking?+
The old town is restricted for cars, so ask the hotel about arrival, loading and the nearest paid car park before you travel.
Is breakfast included?+
Breakfast is served on site but is often charged separately, so compare rates with and without it when you book.
