Hotel d’Europe

This sumptuous townhouse (built 1580) in the heart of medieval Avignon became a hotel in 1799 – when it was baptised Hotel d’Europe by none other than Napoleon Bonaparte, a friend of the owner and the first in a long line of famous guests.

The magnificent courtyard, with its 300-year-old plane tree, is a peaceful spot; and it’s in a convenient location in the heart of the old town. The Junior Suites have views over the city of Avignon; the Suites overlook the Palais des Papes.

The hotel’s much-travelled chef, Bruno d’Angélis, has earned a Michelin star for his Mediterranean cuisine with a fresh exotic touch at La Vieille Fontaine; his winter truffle menu is especially fabulous.

Infused with period elegance and run by a staff with old-world courtesy and class, it’s a dream for history lovers and first-time visitors to Avignon.