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Stay at Affordable Architectural Gem Medieval Town of Avignon, France
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler
We hopped back into our upgraded Mercedes van this time with our driver Sophie from Provence Reverie after finishing our absolutely fabulous French Palace experience at Airelles Gordes, La Bastide in Gordes, France. It felt like we were still soaking in all of that dreamy day and then literally we were driving on the streets of Avignon, France. No for real, like the cobblestone streets with these giant, circular cement pillars that rose from the ground where you had to provide a pass to get through. It was rather rad because you’re getting the walking tour, without the walking but also watching the French world fly by. Eventually we stopped, however the first thing I learned about this city within the walls is to walk – or ride a bike – to get around. Driving is best left to French professionals like Sophie or park outside the walls and make a plan for the day inside the city limits. Or better yet, take a train to get there and around from whatever major city you fly into. My first takeaway of Avignon is that it is certainly a city, although smaller than my stomping grounds of Philly and Phoenix, located on the left bank of the Rhône River.
It is hard to pin down a population number however according to WikiPedia, the current metro area population of Avignon in 2025 is 92,209 which seems too large but I’m assuming that is within and outside the city walls. According to our guide who I will share about later, it is safe in the walls and a bit sketchy outside of them. I certainly experienced city vibes the morning before I left which I will share below! The nice thing about the Avignon Tourism office or any office in France, is it is there to help visitors navigate each town they land in, get tickets, provide ideas, etc. It’s not some elusive office building where they gate keep working with creators depending on how many Instagram followers you have like in the USA (insert eye roll here). How inclusive!
Soap Making in Avignon, France
The very first thing we did was make our own artisanal soap with Savon Stories in Avignon, France! Lovely owner Moute brought her artisanal soap-making skills from London to her very own storefront. Little did she know she would get a group of clueless, tired journalists trying to measure and make soap that actually works. We appreciate you muddling through with us and I’m happy to say, my black Halloween style soap made it home safe and sound and is being gifted to my friends to enjoy. Using only organic ingredients as organic plants contain more vitamins and nutrients, making it healthier for both the skin and the local environment. Meanwhile, Sophie was hooking it up to have our luggage delivered to our hotel rooms. Let’s just say on a press trip, the timed schedule is more of a suggestion and always a living, moving, breathing creature of change. We were very grateful for it!
Hotels in Avignon, France
The last two nights of the Cote D’Azur press trip, we spent at Hôtel Cloître Saint Louis in Avignon, France. This 16th century building is built on the remains of a Jesuit novitiate (like a Jesus school) and has been a military hospital and a branch of the Hôtel des Invalides de Paris over the centuries. Keeping all the beautiful architectural bones in tact since 1991, the Cloître has been a hotel and center of cultural activities with 80 spacious guest rooms. Walkable for just a few minutes from the famous Pont d’Avignon (bridge of Avignon) and Palais des Papes (Palace of Popes), it is rated a 4-star hotel with many views of the courtyard, onto the private garden and includes an unusual chapel walk to access rooms. Yes, there are tiny elevators if needed and lots of stairs as an alternative. An expanded European style buffet breakfast is included each morning to get you going and quite satiating. It’s an old building obviously so hot water may be an issue with so many rooms. If only I looked upwards to admire the magnificent dome as well!
Where to Eat in Avignon, France
Honestly the first dinner we had deserved more time, love and attention however we were all absolutely exhausted – so much so we skipped dessert in lieu of sleep. Dinner in France usually starts late with 7 p.m. being dubbed as “early” so most start at 8 p.m. and linger into the night. Normally my night owl self is fine with that schedule but we were all dragging. In the center of Avignon, French restaurant le Bèou Bistrot is part of a beautiful building with equally gorgeous patio – and with a female chef. Fresh market cuisine changes with the seasons and they pride themselves in freshness, delicacy and finesse. There was a sort of simplistic style and taste to the food that is only found with clean eating.
The Bridge of Avignon
The Bridge of Avignon is a famous medieval bridge covering the Rhône River. Better known in French as the Pont d’Avignon but also known as Pont Saint-Bénézet, it was built in the late 12th century and rebuilt with 22 stone arches in the 13th century. In the mid-17th century, they were mostly destroyed by floods. A popular tourist site and UNESCO World Heritage Site now, only four of the original arches remain. We swung by after a long day of exploring the area to catch the moody, rainy sunset. Literally jumping out of the van to grab some shots and back inside… that’s the pace of a press trip!
Dinner Near Palace of Popes
The restaurant to enjoy the view of the Palais des Papes is most definitely Le Carré du Palais. Known for many AOC wines, this elegant and bustling bistro offers indoor and outdoor seats with palace views. There is also a dreamy patio in the back of the space without the palace views but just as good vibes. The plating was complete artwork, the suggested wine pairings were perfection for weary travelers and the ambiance was amazing. The only weird thing about this place was there was a man in the corner I swear taking photos and videos of the ladies at our table… myself included. I didn’t want to disrupt the dinner but you know when the hairs on your neck stand up? Yeah, that! I eventually ignored him and enjoyed my wine – and limoncello with the group as it was the last night for a press trip dinner. He left before we did which was good… no stalkers allowed at our hotel!
Next up, we explore the Palace of the Pope and some other breathtaking architectural gems as well in Avignon, France. Keep going down the Explore with Cassie rabbit hole of the French Riviera, I promise it’s a fun ride. Until then, keep exploring and stay curious my friends, foes and fellow travelers!
