Hôtel La Mirande ★★★★★

Set at the foot of the Palais des Papes in the centre of Avignon sits La Mirande, located in a fourteenth-century cardinal’s palace. A living historical monument with its sand-coloured stone, sculpted front door and rows of olive trees, the building looks as if it has just stepped out of the pages of a story book. The hotel may only be 20 years old, but decked in gold threaded tapestries, oriental rugs, marble staircases and brightly patterned wallpapers, upholstery and curtains, it brings back the glory of days of old.

The large and spacious rooms come in a range of unique and lavish designs. Their 18th century style is what you’d expect from the times of Louis XV and XVI with bold patterned wallpapers, elegant furniture, chintz wall hangings, cornices and panelled doorways. Mediterranean style shutters open out onto private balconies with views of the Pope’s Palace, and bathrooms are just as stylish with marble floors and historic block print wallpapers. Dimmable lighting, mirrored televisions, air-con and Wi-Fi bring it all into the 21st century.

Each morning breakfast is served in the bright, floral breakfast lounge, and in summer on the light and sunny terrace – you can of course choose to enjoy it in the privacy of your own room too. Fruit, jams and freshly baked breads and pastries are set out buffet style, while hot drinks and eggs (any way you want) are made to order.

The dining room is as sophisticated and as elegant as one would imagine in such a beautiful and historic property, filled with oversized oil paintings and a cosy fireplace. Chef Claude Eveno cooks up a range of innovative dishes, using gourmet ingredients in the most creative of ways. Plates such as sea bass fingers with blue lobster and sweet chestnuts in a crustacean sauce, perfumed with absinthe or breast of grouse flavoured with juniper berries and cooked in red wine are sure to please. And for dessert, think scrumptious dishes such as pumpkin waffles with chestnuts and rhum soufflé or chocolate bar with blackcurrant and chocolate ganache and a raspberry and hibiscus sherbet.

For something a little different, book yourself a place at the Guest Table – a recreation of a nineteenth-century kitchen where dinner is dished up in a theatrical manner. Chef and scriptwriter Jean-Claude Altmayer will prepare the food in front of you and explain the old methods used. There may even be historic parlour games to be played.

Being in such a central location, close to many of Avignon’s main sites, means that exploring by foot is easy, right from the door of the hotel. It would be unforgivable to stay so close to the Palais des Papes (the Pope’s Palace) without making a visit there, so make sure you have time to fit this in. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the world’s largest Gothic palace and was built in 1309 after Pope Clement V left Rome. The palace was the papal seat for over 70 years. Another must-see is the Avignon City Wall, which encircles the entire town. At over 800 years old, the stone ramparts make for an interesting history lesson. And of course you can’t leave Avignon without walking over the famous Pont Saint Bénézet. The impressive bridge was completed in 1185 and spans 900m across the River Rhône, linked by 20 majestic arches. You may even find yourself singing the popular nursery rhyme as you dance your way across.

You may be in France, but there’s always time for tea at La Mirande. In winter, sink down into the plush sofas of the red lounge with its chic patterned wallpapers, elegant fireplace and gilt-framed paintings; while in summer you can enjoy tea and cakes in the romantic central courtyard with its graceful statues and wicker chairs, or in the lush and sunny garden.

La Mirande is more than just a hotel; it’s an experience, and the best place from which to enjoy the charming city of Avignon.