Hotel Cloître Saint Louis Avignon ★★★★

A charming and peaceful enclave, located in the heart of Avignon, Cloître Saint-Louis was once a Jesuit novitiate and a military hospital before it became a boutique four-star hotel.

Arriving at your accommodation, you’ll notice the grand and elegant façade of the 16th century cloisters, surrounded by shady trees, plants and flowers. Inside, historic and modern structures have been married seamlessly, inspired by the work of architect Jean Nouvel who designed Barcelona’s multicoloured Torre Agbar, among many other famous buildings, all over the world.

Upstairs, you’ll find your room to be simple with stylish Aztec-style patterns on the wall hangings and bedspreads, and colours of cream and warming terracotta on the walls and floors. From here you can settle in by grabbing yourself a drink from the mini bar and watching the sun-dappled garden through the window or sitting at your sleek writing desk to check your e-mails using the hotel’s free Wi-Fi.

Being located so close to the centre of town; you’re in a prime position to explore the Papal City on foot. In just five minutes you’ll reach Avignon’s prized possession – the Palais des Papes or the Pope’s Palace. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is the largest Gothic palace in the world and was built in 1309, being the papal seat for around 70 years.

From here you can discover the city’s ramparts and city walls, which entirely surround Avignon. Parts of the stone walls date back to 1359. Chic boutiques, leafy squares filled with al fresco cafes and fascinating architecture fills the centre, making for a great morning of both relaxing and discovering.

When you tire of the hustle and bustle of the city, head back to the sanctuary of the hotel, where you can chill out in the serene Secret Garden. Here you can step back into the mind of your childhood, remembering the story of Mary, Dickon and Collin in their own Secret Garden. Refuel with a drink and snack from the lounge bar or take a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool to cool off after a busy day exploring.

Everyone knows that French cuisine is among the best in the world – and the dishes from Provence are particularly exceptional. Typical regional cuisine includes stews, ratatouille, olive tapenade and goat’s cheese and you’ll find plenty of places to try them in the centre of Avignon, as well as at the hotel’s own restaurant. The elegant Saint Louis Restaurant with its graceful vaulted arched ceilings makes for a romantic dining option, serves contemporary French and Provençal dishes. Try the seared duck foie gras with figs, toasted brioche and balsamic cream for starters, followed by the monkfish medallion with Colonata bacon, black risotto rice, Parmesan cheese and a saffron cream sauce. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with a traditional crème brûlée, jazzed up with Tanzanian dark chocolate and Tonka beans.

When you’re done with your meal, head over to the corner of the restaurant, where you’ll find a cosy bar serving up delicious cocktails or glass of classic French Champagne. Finish up your evening by savouring the peace and tranquillity of the Secret Garden once more.