When the Festival begins, Avignon changes completely to a different rhythm. The streets fill up early in the morning, the terraces overflow, and the days often end much later than expected. Even if you know the city, you quickly find yourself improvising between two performances, a lunch that drags on forever, and a drink taken on a square.
So I have gathered here the hotels, restaurants and cafés I know and would recommend to anyone who is coming to spend a few days in Avignon. For the dates and the program, everything is grouped together in my article about the Festival d’Avignon 2026.
Where to sleep during the Avignon Festival
La Mirande — 4th place of the Amirande
La Mirande is probably the first address that comes to mind when asked where to stay in Avignon. The hotel is right next to the Palais des Papes, in an old palace, but what I prefer is its atmosphere. The fabrics, the objects, the colors and the furniture give the impression that every room has lived its own life. This is not one of those hotels where everything has been chosen to please no one.
During the Festival, the location is quite ideal: you leave the hotel and you’re already in the middle of everything. It’s also a great place to just have a drink or watch the interiors, which is something I always do with far too much attention.
Le Bristol — 44 cours Jean Jaurès
The Bristol is a simpler and more accessible option, a few minutes’ walk from the ramparts. Its location is convenient when you want to be able to get home late without having to go through the entire city, and the open reception day and night prevents you from checking your watch during the final show.
Where to eat and drink
Le Change — 24 Place du Change
Le Change is one of the places where I naturally return. You can have a coffee there in the morning, have lunch on the terrace, or stop for a drink when the place starts to get busy. During the Festival, I especially love the moment when you sit down for five minutes and end up watching people pass by for much longer than expected.
This address also holds a special place for me, since I worked on its new identity, its photographs, its printed materials and its website with Minuit d’Orsay. I have told the story The backstage of the Change overhaul on the blog, and the complete project is visible on The Minuit d’Orsay website.
Some plates from the Change
I also slipped you some photos of the dishes I created for the Change website. You can click on each image to find the article dedicated to the dish on their website.
During the Festival, Le Change is open 24/7 from 7:30 a.m. to midnight.
Le Bèou — Rue Violette
The Bèou is a bit removed from the hustle and bustle. That’s exactly what’s good after spending several hours in crowded streets. The food is good, the plates are generous, and you can take your time having dinner without feeling like you have to leave immediately.
Casa Bronzini — 13 Place de l’Horloge
Casa Bronzini is just as good for morning coffee as for an evening drink. The location is very central, which can be convenient when you’re attending various performances, but it still maintains a pleasant atmosphere despite the hustle and bustle of Clock Square.
Le Festival — 2 rue Saint-Agricol
The festival lives up to its name. The location is within walking distance of everything and remains convenient for eating between performances, having breakfast, or settling in when you don’t feel like searching for a free table for an hour.
Where to have a drink after a show
Le Bibendum — 83 rue Joseph Vernet
With its moldings, its large volumes and its somewhat Parisian atmosphere, Le Bibendum changes things up from the small terraces in the city center. You can have lunch there, have a cocktail, or prolong the evening with a glass of wine. I also go there for the decor, of course.
A city that I also look at through my profession
Since I am a graphic designer, web designer and founder of Minuit d’Orsay, When I’m watching the posters, the frontages, the programs and the identity of the venues, I inevitably also look at them. During the Festival, Avignon becomes a huge observation ground: the walls change, the streets are covered with images and each theater tries to attract the attention of the public. It’s another way to discover the city, between two performances or two terraces.
Also read before coming
- Avignon Festival 2026: dates, program and atmosphere
- My view of Avignon in July
- The backstage of the new identity of the Change
Information to be taken into account
La Mirande is a great choice if you’re looking for a place with character right at the foot of the Palais des Papes. The Bristol is more convenient and accessible. For lunch or a drink, Le Change remains my first choice, while Le Bèou offers a bit of a break from the hustle and bustle.
And what is the address where you always return during the Avignon Festival? I’m curious to discover your habits.
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