The city walls of Avignon are well furnished with medieval assets, including a variety of hotels. Although Hotel La Mirande and hotel La Divine Comédie may be the renowned boutique hotels in Avignon, for a more affordable price point, Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis offers a heritage option in the south of the old city.

Set in central Avignon, a 12-minute walk from Palais des Papes and Pont d’Avignon, the 16th-century building that houses Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis offers a historic backdrop with modern amenities. Some of the stylish rooms are located in the original building featuring archways and vaulted ceilings, with modern rooms in an extension. There are three room types – a constrained set.

Aside from a buffet breakfast option, dining options at Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis aren’t a selling point for the property. For specialty coffee in Avignon, visit Tulipe is half a mile due north of the hotel. Book a table at Pollen for fine dining – Michelin-rated, or breakout venue Restaurant Acte 2.

Training Notes

Avignon’s small footprint is well occupied by facilities for runners, cyclists and swimmers. Aside from having no hill to speak of, the city represents the disciplines for triathlon training.

Quiet, flat lanes are found to the north of the city on île de la Barthelasse – the largest river island in France (finding hills isn’t easy) Stade Gillardeaux is Avignon’s prime athletic track located south of the city walls (Google Maps) – home to local running club CASA.

Cyclists will notice the top of Mt. Ventoux on arrival, also visible from the city on clear days. With that as a pinnacle and point of orientation, also note the dedicated, off-road cycle route that reach out from Avignon in the direction of the Luberon range and Cavaillon to the east, and Saint-Rêmy to the south. Fontaine de Vaucluse is in the direction of Mt. Ventoux to the north-east of – visit Gordes if heading that way. Restaurants to book a lunch at: Le Moulin de Lourmarin, édu (Saint Remy) and Restaurant Philip (Fontaine-de-Vaucluse). Road-worthy gravel bikes can be rented via Dynamo Cycles – note they are closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Swimmers can enjoy La Palmeraie Olympic Pool from June until September, using Le Stade Nautique or Stuart Mill as other 50m pools.

For booking, visit hotel-cloitre-saintlouis-avignon.fr