How to get there
The simplest way is on a TGV (high-speed train) from the Gare de Lyon in Paris (2 hours, 40 minutes) or from the Charles de Gaulle Airport station (2 hours). The fare to Avignon is $102 (second class) or $131 (first class) each way. A France SaverPass ($186/$215 per person for four days of travel in a month) can be a much better deal. Purchase before leaving the United States from Rail Europe, 877-257-2887, www.raileurope.com. The lowest round-trip air fare to Paris from Boston at press time was $523 on Northwest Airlines.
Where to stay
Htel de l'Horloge
1-3 rue Flicien David
011-33-4-9016-4200
www.hotels-ocre-azur.com
Sunny, somewhat old-fashioned rooms in the heart of Avignon start at about $90 for a double with shower.
Where to eat
Lou Mistrau
13 place de l'Horloge
011-33-49-08-24-098
Cafe-brasserie with outdoor tables offers inexpensive ($3.50-$5) sandwiches and a casual menu of salads and light entrees for $8.50-$15.
La Mirande
4 place de La Mirande
011-33-49-08-59-393
This elegant hotel has an even more elegant restaurant in 18th-century-style rooms with a very 21st-century international menu. Entrees from $45. Full meal menus start at about $75; tasting menu with wines $180. Classes at Le Marmiton cooking school offered five days each month, $90-$145 per class, including meal.
Auberge de la Treille
le PiotChemin de l'Ile Piot
011-33-49-01-64-620
This "country" estate is across a bridge from Avignon, but the emphasis on the bounty of the countryside (fresh fruits and vegetables, local game, its own wine, and fish from the nearby Riviera) argues for its rustic authenticity. Entrees from $25. Full meal menus from $48; tasting menu with wine $75.
What to do
Palais des Papes
Place du palais
011-33-49-02-75-000
www.palais-des-papes.com
Open daily 9 a.m.-7 p.m., later in July and August. Admission $11.50.
Boutellerie du Palais des Papes
011-33-49-02-75-085
Open Tuesday-Saturday 10-5. Admission free, tastings $2.50-$40.
Chteau La Nerthe
Route de Sourges
Chteauneuf-du-Pape
011-33-49-08-37-011
Open daily 9-noon and 2-6 for tastings. Admission free.
Resources
Avignon Office of Tourism
41 cours Jean Jaures
011-33-43-27-43-272
www.ot-avignon.fr
