Hotel La Mirande's story begins as a livrée built atop the remnants of a Roman thermae back in 1309. A livrée refers to a cardinal's palace, and it was built here due to its proximity to Palais des Papes, the Papal Palace. It was damaged in 1410 during a siege caused by the Papal Schism, which mainly targeted the Papal Palace. Come 1653, the property was acquired by Claude de Vervins, whose son Pierre de Vervins remodeled the livrée with architect Pierre Mignard into much of the form it's seen in today.

The building was known as L’hôtel de Vervin up until 1796 when it was purchased by Jean-Baptiste Bénézet-Pamard, who rechristened the property as Hôtel Pamard. The Pamards were particularly close to Napoleon III, and the hotel was inspired by the French emperor for years to come. It was thrust into the limelight again when it was used as a filming location for the movie La Réligieuse, which was banned before its 1966 release for offending religious feelings.

It was finally in 1987 that the hotel met its current owners, the Stein family. The Steins commissioned Parisian interior designer François-Joseph Graf and Avignon local architect Gilles Grégoire to build a unique hotel that draws from the property's rich history to create a unified and bespoke luxury experience.

Design and Architecture

Fancy isn't enough to describe the beauty of Hotel La Mirande's gorgeously intricate decor. With François-Joseph Graf's artistic genius, the Steins restored and recreated a palace truly fit for the French aristocracy. Each bedroom is decorated with tapestry-like cotton prints set alongside centuries-old antiques and period fixtures, transporting guests to the 18th century and further back. Various locations in and around the hotel provide similar glimpses of the past, especially the famed Old Kitchen and the Cardinal's Room. To be a guest at Hotel La Mirande isn't just to enjoy the luxury and heritage ambiance, it's to feel the essence of Avignon's history and live like one of its people. 

Le Restaurant

Recognized with both a Michelin Star and a Michelin Green Star, Le Restaurant and Chef Florent Pietravalle stand at the forefront of what makes Hotel La Mirande a truly exceptional establishment. Its dining areas consist of the Cardinal's Room with its beautiful Renaissance architecture and decor, and the verdant garden with views of the Palais des Papes.

Opening Hours: Thursday - Sunday: 12 pm - 1:15 pm (lunch), 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm (dinner)

La Salle à Manger

A stylish bistro also led by Chef Pietravelle, this establishment lets guests enjoy a charming bistronomic dining experience with a posh 18th-century ambiance inspired by the opulence of King Louis XV.

Opening Hours: 12 pm - 1:45 pm (lunch), 7:30 pm - 9:45 pm (dinner)

La Table Haute

Set in Hotel La Mirande's 19th-century kitchen, Chef Thomas Longuesserre presents an intimate dining experience where strangers can come together in conviviality and leave as friends.

Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 8 pm

Le Mirage

Born from a pun and turned into an iconic part of Hotel La Mir ande, this gar age converted into a medieval-style tavern offers a unique and wholesome setting to enjoy Avignon's cultural ambiance.

Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 6:30 pm - 11 pm; Available July 5 - 26, 2025

Reservations: Guests can make bookings for a table via their website's reservation platform.

Bespoke and extravagant would be good descriptors for how Hotel La Mirande will handle your destination wedding. Available for modular privatization, the hotel is ideal for guests who wish to celebrate their matrimony and reception in Avignon. They can book separate sections of the hotel or whole floors if they wish. Options include the patio, the Napoleon III dining room, and the Cardinal's room.

Cultural Experiences

A multitude of wonderful cultural events and experiences await you at Hotel La Mirande throughout the year. Starting with those not bound by annual schedules, guests can partake in cooking classes in the hotel's Old Kitchen led by the hotel's resident chef Thomas Longuesserre, and joined by guest chefs from around Avignon. Children at least 7 years old can also participate in the pastry classes. Next are recitals and chamber music concerts at Hotel La Mirande, scheduled regularly each month with local and guest artists performing classical pieces.

Yearly events are very much looked forward to, as Hotel La Mirande is well-known for hosting exhibitions, arts and crafts markets, as well as culinary events. Of particular note are the Christmas markets, which involved exceptional Christmas delicacies and crafts.

Other Celebrations
Unique from many other boutique hotels, Hotel La Mirande offers a wide selection of modular event venues for your private celebrations. Guests can book specific sections of the hotel to fit their group size as well as budget. This makes Hotel La Mirande perfect for holiday trips meant to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and even weddings.