Room at the Top of the Palace of thePopes
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Coming soon to Avignon, France
One of our favourite cities in France is Avignon. When we joined a virtual tour of the Palace of the Popes presented by Explore France, we found the perfect reason to return.
A room to rent soon available at the top
The room is the brainchild of Avignon’s tourist bureau. In collaboration with the one- minute walk away 5-star hotel, La Mirande, the room is exclusive and exceptional. The décor is in the spirit of the 18th century.
One room only with culinary delights
It will be the only room with a view for rent in the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes)
The virtual tour showed off the room’s ambiance and promoted its additional culinary delights. The latter included a gourmet picnic basket prepared by the Michelin-starred La Mirande chefs.
The basket featured local organic foods like truffles, cheeses, chocolate treats, and of course, a Côtes du Rhône wine.
Availability
This one-of-a-kind room is expected to be available to rent in the Spring of 2022.
View from the top
One can imagine waking up on the palace rooftop to a beautiful view of Avignon. At first, you will see the 4.3 km stone wall that has surrounded the historical centre of the city since mediaeval times.
Then your eye will catch 13 different Chapels, the Bell Tower, and the famous Bridge of Avignon. The bridge is renowned through the children’s rhyme, Sur Le Pont, D’Avignon, L’on y danse, L’on y danse….
The Palace of the Popes
The Palace of the Popes is one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. Once a fortress as well as a palace, the papal residence was the seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century.
It was a rare move for Pope Clement V to locate in Avignon, leaving Rome. But political considerations, civil unrest and fear for personal safety drove the change in location. Eight successive popes continued the papacy in Avignon.
A tour of the palace helps visitors appreciate and understand the magnitude of life among the popes of that period.
Book your tour of Avignon and the Palace of the Popes by clicking here
Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine
Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine is divine nectar that is internationally renowned. Its origins go back to the Popes in Avignon, specifically Pope John XXII in 1316.
The new pontiff, who came from an upper-class family in Cahors, southern France, settled permanently in the Palace of the Popes.
However, he chose to go 20 km north of Avignon, to establish the popes’ new summer residence, Châteauneuf du Pape.
Since winemakers from his hometown were part of his pontifical court, the new Pope ordered the planting of the first papal vineyard here.
And this is where and how the now-famous vineyards began producing the finest wines in the world.
Book your tour for wine tasting at Chateauneuf du Pape by clicking here.
Keep the room at the Palace of the Popes
at the top on the top of your rooming list!
Map of France
Sights and Sounds of Avignon
How to get to Avignon
Air France flies to Paris (CDG airport) from many major cities in the world. Most major airlines also have flights to Paris. From Paris take a high speed train
The train from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Avignon TGV usually takes 4 hours 19 minutes on average to travel 367 miles (590 km), although the quickest services can take as little as 2 hours 41 minutes. You can expect to find 14 trains per day running on this popular route. Good news! There are direct trains available to Avignon TGV, so you can just make yourself comfortable as soon as you board the train and just enjoy the journey. Cost ~$20 to over $100 CAD, one way. Upon arrival in Avignon take a taxi to the centre of town.
Where to stay in Avignon
We found a small apartment through Airbnb just outside the ancient wall of the old city and near the domestic train station. Easy walking distance to everywhere in the old city.
A list of hotels in Avignon can be found here.
Next time we may try the Hotel La Mirande, a 5 star hotel steps from the Palace of the Popes. The restaurant has a Michelin star. This hotel will manage the new room in the Palace of the Popes. The rooms are pricey but elegant. Service superb. Booking information for the room in the Palace is through Avignon Turisme in Spring 2022.
Where to eat in Avignon
Our favorite restaurant in Avignon is Le Petit Chaudron. It is small and chef owned. Food and service were excellent. The chef actually served us. It was a quiet night and at our request he prepared an outstanding saboyan dessert. It is at 4 Av. de la Foire, a few streets outside the historic walls.
Visa for France
All the information for visas is here
Travelled: Last there in November, 2018
See our other blogs from France
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