La Mirande
18th-century French aristocratic townhouse. Formal but not stiff. Feels more like staying in someone's grand private home than a hotel — one that happens to border the largest Gothic palace in the world.
Book Le Restaurant at least 3–4 weeks in advance, especially Thursday to Sunday when it operates — it fills up fast
Why It Matters
2 Michelin Keys (2024), 1 Michelin star + 1 Michelin Green Star for sustainable gastronomy (2025), 4 toques Gault & Millau 17/20 (2025). One of the only hotels in France where you dine in a room with a Renaissance coffered ceiling once used by cardinals to host popes. The cooking school has been running since 1994. Member of Virtuoso, Fine Hotels & Resorts, and other prestige consortia.
La Mirande is a 26-room, 5-star private hotel occupying a building that traces its lineage to 1309 — first a cardinal's palace during the Avignon papacy, later a noble townhouse. The Stein family took it over in 1987 and restored it obsessively in the spirit of 18th-century French domestic life: hand-printed cotton wall hangings, Carrara marble baths, oak parquet, antiques, and original art throughout. It sits flush against the eastern face of the Popes' Palace, and almost every room has a view of the Gothic fortress next door. The food operation is a serious affair — Michelin star, Michelin green star, and Gault & Millau 4 toques — with five distinct dining formats under one roof.
Where You'll Stay
3 room types available
Eat & Drink
6 venues on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A traditional Christmas market held in the hotel each year, typically the first weekend of December. Now in its twelfth edition. Open to the public — not just hotel guests. A mix of artisan vendors, local produce, children's activities and festive atmosphere.
La Mirande regularly hosts conceptual art exhibitions and temporary art installations throughout its rooms and salons. In collaboration with 'L'Atelier vagabond', drawing and painting workshops are also offered in the hotel's salons. The medieval Le Mirage tavern hosts a permanent exhibition of works by American painter Timothy Hennessy.
Internationally acclaimed musicians performing house concerts in the Salle Cardinalice — the atmospheric room with a Renaissance coffered ceiling. The Musique Sacrée et Orgue en Avignon association is a regular partner. Past performers have included ensembles covering Gesualdo, Purcell, Bach, Vivaldi, and Philip Glass. Concerts are ticketed and open to non-guests.
One of Avignon's most established cooking schools, running since 1994 in the original 19th-century kitchen of the hotel. Resident chef Thomas Longuesserre and rotating guest chefs from across Provence lead hands-on cooking and pastry classes for all levels. Themes follow the seasons and Provençal gastronomy. Classes end with a communal meal with the dishes made and wine pairing suggestions from the sommelier. Aprons, utensils and recipe sheets are all provided. Pastry classes cover macaroons, profiteroles, and more. Children's classes also available for ages 7 and up.
La Mirande can host weddings and private events for up to 150 guests across its historic salons and garden. Also available for corporate meetings, board meetings, incentives, product launches and press conferences. Wine and cheese tastings in the hotel's cellar can be arranged for groups.
Periodically, La Mirande hosts collaborative dinners with Provençal vineyards and artisans. A recent example: a 5-course dinner at La Table Haute in collaboration with Château La Nerthe, with wine pairing hosted by the estate's sommelier. Also jazz evenings with charcuterie boards in the Salle Cardinalice.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Rooms adapted for guests with disabilities available in both Deluxe and Large Deluxe categories.
Multiple historic salons available for professional events: board meetings, incentives, product launches, press conferences. Capacity up to 150 guests for banquets. Business center also available.
Free high-speed WiFi available throughout the property, including all guest rooms.
Breakfast buffet using local, organic Provençal produce. Served in the Louis XV garden room or in the garden at the foot of the Popes' Palace. Can also be taken in-room.
Baby cots available at no charge for families with infants.
All rooms are fully air-conditioned.
Pets accepted in all room categories with a supplement.
Round-the-clock room service available to all guests.
On-site boutique selling local Provençal produce, linen, decorative items, porcelain tableware and handbags. Also accessible online.
Valet parking on site. The historic city centre is pedestrianised — valet is the primary car parking solution. Parking garage also available at €25 per day.
Airport shuttle service available to/from Marseille Provence Airport (65 km) and Avignon-Caumont (5 km), at additional charge.
Tesla supercharger and universal battery charger available on site. Listed as a standard amenity for all room categories.
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Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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