There are places that capture the essence of history and transport you to another era, where every detail whispers stories of the past. La Mirande in Avignon is one such place. One of the most beautiful hotels in Provence, La Mirande is a sanctuary of refined elegance, where the grandeur of the 18th century is alive in every fabric, fresco, and flickering candle.

A beautiful Provence Hotel.

Nestled in the heart of Avignon, just steps from the Palais des Papes, the residence is a 5-star hotel with a soul steeped in history. One of the most beautiful hotels in Provence, La Mirande was originally built in 1309 as the residence of a cardinal, it has been meticulously restored to reflect the opulence of the Age of Enlightenment. Walking through its doors feels like entering a world of quiet luxury, where silk-lined curtains sway gently in the Provencal breeze and parquet floors echo with the whispers of centuries past.

I was fortunate enough to experience a private tour with the charming and erudite Directeur d’établissement, Monsieur Francis Lacoste, who has lovingly attended to La Mirande and its guests for nearly 25 years. With his warm smile and deep knowledge, he guided us through the hotel, sharing tales of its past, its unique textiles, and its legendary salons, each a masterpiece of interior design and historical preservation.

As Monsieur Lacoste, with his kind, bespectacled face and an unmistakable air of old-world French hospitality, walked with us through the residence, he spoke with deep reverence for the building’s history, recounting tales of noble visitors, its transformation over the centuries, and the careful preservation of its authentic character.

Iconic Provencal Interiors.

The heart of La Mirande is its 26 beautifully appointed rooms, each one an intimate masterpiece. Unlike modern hotels where uniformity reigns, here, every room tells its own story through historic antique furnishings, and softly gleaming oak parquet floors. Each room is individually adorned with historic French cotton prints, these”Indiennes” fabrics, once imported from India but later perfected in France at the Royal Manufacture at Jouy in Versailles, add a uniquely provençale style and charm to the interiors.

Thanks to the hotel’s collaboration with the prestigious textile house Pierre Frey, these fabrics are not mere reproductions but authentic continuations of an 18th-century tradition. The rooms are further enhanced by block-printed wallpapers, antique wood paneling, and delicate embroidered linens, evoking an atmosphere where history is not just remembered but re~lived.

The Fabric of La Mirande: Archival Pierre Frey prints

It was clear from the moment we stepped into the first bedroom that La Mirande’s textiles are no ordinary hotel décor. Monsieur Lacoste’s eyes twinkled with enthusiasm as he described the extraordinary history behind the wall coverings and fabrics—a passion project for the hotel that has made each room a living museum of 18th-century design.

As we moved from room to room, I was captivated by the evocative names of the prints ~ La Rivière Enchantée, Le Grand Corail, Le Bambou, Le Perroquet, Le Singe Savant… Each pattern carries the romance of a bygone era, transporting guests to a time when Anglo-Chinese gardens, exotic travel, and poetic literature shaped interior design.

The hotel works closely with Pierre Frey, one of France’s most esteemed textile houses, to ensure that each fabric and wallpaper is a faithful reissue of archival designs. The attention to detail is breathtaking ~ from the silk-lined curtains that catch the morning light to the delicate embroidery on linen, every element has been chosen to honour the past while remaining timeless.

The Salons: A Lesson in Elegance

If the bedrooms are jewel boxes of intimate luxury, then the salons are grand theaters of history and conversation. As we entered each exquisitely restored space, I found myself completely enchanted by the grandeur, the warmth, and the sheer artistry that surrounded us.

The Chinese Cabinet

If the Salon Rouge is a warm embrace, then the Chinese Cabinet is a transportive dream. This rococo-style treasure features hand-painted Chinese wallpaper from 1750, a stunning testament to Europe’s fascination with the Far East. The delicate florals, birds, and intricate details create an atmosphere that is both whimsical and sophisticated, the perfect setting for afternoon tea or a quiet escape with a book. Oh and don’t be surprised to see the resident handsome chat lounging in his favourite chaise.

Louis XV Garden Room (Salon Jardin)

Bathed in golden Provencal sunlight, the Louis XV Garden Room is a luminous retreat. Its six grand French windows open onto a secluded terrace and garden, offering breathtaking views of the Palais des Papes. Here, guests can enjoy a leisurely breakfast, with the scent of jasmine in the air and the sound of church bells in the distance.

A Culinary Destination in Its Own Right

Though time did not permit me to dine at La Mirande on this occasion, its culinary reputation precedes itself.

The hotel offers several distinct dining experiences, each designed with the same meticulous attention to detail as the rest of the property.

The Michelin-starred restaurant, led by Chef Florent Pietravalle, presents a Carte Blanche tasting menu, an ode to the flavours of Provence, rooted in sustainability and seasonality. The kitchen itself sources herbs from its rooftop garden, an understated but meaningful nod to the hotel’s ethos of authenticity.

For something more intimate, La Table Haute offers a truly unique dining experience. Set within the historic 19th-century kitchen, guests are invited to gather around a grand wooden table, where a three-course meal is prepared on a traditional wood-fired stove—a rare glimpse into the way meals were once cooked in grand French homes.

There is also Le Mirage, a seasonal medieval tavern, tucked within the hotel’s ancient vaults. With its candlelit tables and rustic Provençal menu, it is the sort of place that feels like a secret, a hidden chapter of La Mirande known only to those lucky enough to discover it.

La Mirande, A Provencal Hotel for the interior design and history lover.

There are few hotels in the world where one can say, with absolute sincerity, that there is nothing else quite like it. La Mirande is one of them.

Perhaps it is the unwavering dedication to authenticity, or the way every fabric, every painting, every chandelier is chosen not simply for beauty, but for historical integrity. Perhaps it is the feeling of waking up in a canopy bed, surrounded by the very same prints that adorned aristocratic homes centuries ago. Or perhaps it is the quiet, unspoken magic of the place, the way time slows here, the way history is not simply preserved, but lived.

Stepping back onto the cobbled streets of Avignon, I was once again struck by La Mirande’s charm, with its bold colours and traditional Provençal design capturing the essence of the region with effortless elegance. I think on my next visit, I might not want to leave.

If you are charmed by La Mirande, you may also like to have a look at Chateau de Varenne, a charming hotel de charm in Sauveterre, very close to Avignon. This 4 star residence features many of the same refined and historical designs and furnishings but with a more relaxed and family friendly atmosphere. Visit the website here ~ www.chateaudevarenne.com

If you’ve enjoyed this visit into the iconic La Mirande, explore my other posts about French chateau and the charm of life in the South of France. Want to stay connected? Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive updates, and follow me on Instagram @clairemacintyrexoxo for daily inspiration from Provence and beyond.

Bisous! Claire M xoxo

Photos by Claire Macintyre and La Mirande Hotel.