Fancy making the final leg to the South of France or Spain a bit more relaxed? Then Avignon is a lovely place to stay overnight en route. You'll have made good progress and already feel like your holiday has begun. This is due not only to its southern location but also its atmospheric squares, charming cafés, and historic centre. That makes Avignon the ideal stopover on the Route du Soleil. Only have one night? Then we have the perfect mini-itinerary for you: a great hotel tip, a restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious meal, and a short walk through the charming centre. You don't really need anything more!
Stopover in Avignon? How to make the most of one night on your journey
Avignon is one of those cities where you could easily choose to stay for longer. Behind the imposing city walls, you can wander past atmospheric squares, narrow streets, and the impressive Palais des Papes, which is a reminder of the time when Avignon was home to the popes. Roman history is also still visible in and around the city. But for many holidaymakers, Avignon is mainly a smart stopover on the way to the South of France, Spain, or if you're taking the ferry to Corsica or Sardinia. After a long drive (Perhaps you're from BeauneIf you primarily want to enjoy good food, a comfortable sleep, and perhaps a bit of a stretch of the legs, without first having to figure out where to go, then this is for you. That's why we're sharing our ideal mini-route for one night: a great hotel tip, a restaurant you'll instantly want to dine at, and a short walk along the city's most beautiful spots.
A super nice hotel tip: Novotel Avignon Centre
After a long day's drive, you really only want three things: a comfortable bed, a pleasant swimming pool, and safe parking for your car. At Novotel Avignon Centre Is it perfectly situated for that? This modern four-star hotel lies right on the border of the old city walls. And perhaps that is its greatest advantage. You cross the street, walk through the city gate, and you are immediately in the historic centre. At the same time, the hotel is just outside the car-free city centre, where driving and parking can be quite stressful in the summer. Here, you can simply drive up, park your car in the underground car park, and you’re all set.
The hotel itself is also a picture. The swimming pool forms the cosy centrepiece, with sun loungers, a terrace, a bar and thatched umbrellas that immediately give you that South of France holiday feeling. Trust me, You'll appreciate that swimming pool. Avignon can get incredibly hot in the summer. If you're travelling with children, a refreshing dip after a long car journey is worth its weight in gold!
Novotel Avignon Centre is a perfect base for exploring Avignon.
Novotel is a hotel chain we always enjoy staying at during a road trip. It's a bit more comfortable and more atmospheric than many budget hotels, without costing an arm and a leg. We also recommend the breakfast if you're travelling with children, as two children under sixteen (staying in your room) eat for free. You really won't find anything cheaper in the city centre. You just roll out of your room onto the terrace for an extensive breakfast and then take one last dip before heading back onto the Route du Soleil. A holiday day can hardly start any better. If you're travelling as a couple or really want to eat breakfast or have a coffee outside the hotel, then Milk, Coffeecina, At Lulu's and The Nest Worth checking.
Also interesting: Nice stops on the way to the South of France!
Restaurant tip Avignon: Vivotto
After a refreshing dip in the pool, it's time to head into town for dinner. Our usual spot in Avignon? Vivotto. Every time we're here, we stop by at least once. For lunch or dinner, it's always good.
Vivotto is a special concept that we would also love to see in the Netherlands. As soon as you walk in, you grab a glass jar from the chilled display cabinet yourself. There is plenty of choice from fresh pasta, gnocchi, risotto, salads, desserts and drinks, mostly prepared with organic and local ingredients. Everything is served in glass jars and bottles, meaning hardly any disposable packaging is needed. You pay, your meal is warmed up for you, and a few minutes later you're already eating on the terrace or in the wonderfully air-conditioned restaurant. The latter is certainly no hardship, as Avignon can get extremely hot in.
Travelling with young children? Then this is an absolute golden tip. Order them a small pasta dish and then enjoy a French aperitif and/or bistro meal on the terrace yourself. Everyone's happy. The prices are also friendly, especially for such a lovely spot in the middle of Avignon. As far as we're concerned, Vivotto can open many more branches. Preferably a few in the Netherlands too!
Vivotto is a delightful restaurant in Avignon where you can eat well and affordably. It's the perfect place for lunch or for a casual evening meal before exploring the city, especially if you're just passing through!
Tips for a stop in Avignon
After eating, it's a shame to walk straight back to the hotel. Avignon is precisely a city that comes alive in the evening. Stroll through the narrow streets, admire the impressive Papal Palace, walk along the famous Pont d’Avignon and finish in the green Jardin des Doms. From this park, you have a beautiful view over the Rhône and the city, especially around sunset. Are you there in July? Then you're really in luck. During the annual Festival d’Avignon, the entire city centre transforms into one large open-air theatre. You'll encounter actors, musicians, and street performers everywhere in squares, alleyways, and street corners. There's a good chance you'll reluctantly get back in the car the next morning. Have a good trip!
Travelling through to
Photo credits: thegreenlist.nl.
