Hôtel du Palais des Papes is a mid-range hotel at 3 Place du Palais in Avignon, Vaucluse, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The property occupies a historic building on the principal square of Avignon's UNESCO-listed historic centre, directly in front of the Palais des Papes, the vast 14th-century Gothic palace that served as the seat of the papacy from 1309 to 1377. Few hotels anywhere in France can claim a more immediate association with a UNESCO World Heritage site: the palace facade and the Rocher des Doms cliff fill the windows of the front-facing rooms.
The hotel's terrace and bar allow guests to observe the comings and goings on the Place du Palais throughout the day. The terrace is particularly well placed for the evening light on the palace stone, which takes on a golden tone at sunset. The restaurant serves classic Provençal cuisine with a wine list focusing on Rhône Valley appellations.
Room categories include Standard Rooms, Superior Rooms, and a small number of Suites with direct palace views. Superior rooms on the upper floors command the best vantage points across the square toward the palace's northern and eastern towers. All rooms include en-suite bathrooms, WiFi, and air conditioning.
Avignon's historic centre is one of the best-preserved medieval walled cities in France, and the hotel's central position makes virtually every sight walkable. The Pont d'Avignon (Pont Saint-Bénézet), the Rocher des Doms park, the Musée du Petit Palais, and the Villeneuve-lès-Avignon fortress across the Rhône are all accessible on foot.
The annual Festival d'Avignon, one of the world's largest performing arts festivals, takes place every July across stages throughout the city, including the Palais des Papes itself. The hotel fills months in advance for the festival period.
Room types
- standard room
- superior room
- suite with Palais view
Amenities
- restaurant
- bar
- terrace
- WiFi
Location
3 Place du Palais, 84000 Avignon, France
43.9504, 4.8076 View on map
Highlights
- Prime position on the Place du Palais, directly opposite the Palais des Papes UNESCO World Heritage monument
- Terrace bar ideal for sunset views as the evening light turns the palace stone golden
- Walking distance from the Pont d'Avignon, Musée du Petit Palais, and all major sights within the walled city
- Superior rooms with direct views of the papal palace towers on the upper floors
- Centrally located for the annual Festival d'Avignon, one of the world's largest performing arts events
Tips for visiting
- Book at least three to four months in advance for the Festival d'Avignon in July; the hotel and much of the city sell out rapidly
- A Place du Palais-facing superior room is worth the premium — sunrise and sunset light on the palace stone is exceptional
- The Rocher des Doms park behind the palace is a shaded free garden with benches and Rhône river views, ideal for a quiet midday break
- Avignon's old town is largely traffic-restricted; arriving by train and walking or cycling is easier than driving into the centre
- The Villeneuve-lès-Avignon fortress across the Rhône provides the best distant panorama of Avignon's skyline, a 20-minute walk via the Pont Daladier bridge
Accessibility
The hotel is located in Avignon's historic walled town, where some street surfaces are cobbled and uneven. The hotel building has a lift serving main guest floors. Accessible rooms may be available on lower floors; guests with mobility requirements should contact the hotel directly to confirm suitability before booking.
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Frequently asked questions
Can the Palais des Papes be visited by hotel guests?
Yes, the Palais des Papes is open to visitors daily (hours vary by season and closure periods). The hotel's central position makes it a natural base; tickets can be purchased on site or in advance online.
Is parking available at the hotel?
The hotel is within Avignon's restricted traffic zone, and private parking is limited. Several car parks operate near the city walls, including Parking des Italiens; the hotel can advise on the most convenient option.
How far is Avignon TGV station from the hotel?
Avignon TGV station is approximately 5 kilometres south of the city centre. A free shuttle bus (Navette TGV) connects the TGV station to Place de l'Horloge, from which the hotel is a five-minute walk.
Is the Pont d'Avignon visible from the hotel?
The Pont Saint-Bénézet is approximately 400 metres north-west. It is not directly visible from the hotel building but is a 5-minute walk through the pedestrian streets of the old town.
What is the best time to visit Avignon?
Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer the most comfortable conditions. July brings the Festival d'Avignon with exceptional cultural programming but also peak crowds and high prices.