An hotel since the time of Napoléon, the Europe continues to go from strength to strength. Did you know that Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning once stayed here, having searched the Memorable Hotel Guide site before they eloped? Despite a long line of distinguished guests – from Dickens to Dali, from Picasso to Jackie Kennedy – the ambience in the hotel is far from overbearing or pompous.
This is all down to the friendly staff who are helpful, respectful and totally unfazed by the Europe’s illustrious past. The basics here are much in their favour. The grand aristocratic palace became an hotel when the Marquis de Graveson departed unceremoniously during the French Revolution. His loss is our gain.
The location is perfect – right in the heart of Avignon and ideally situated for the Palais des Papes and the Pont St-Bénézet. The Michelin-starred Vieille Fontaine is exactly how a great hotel restaurant should be – rather formal, with impeccable service and exquisite cuisine.
The classique rooms are absolutely fine, even though they are half the price of the larger superior accommodations (marble bathrooms plus robes and slippers) and a third of the rates for the even bigger prestige rooms. Suites are huge, some with terraces that overlook the Palais des Papes. Antiques and tapestries abound in the interior which is sensitively decorated in keeping with the elegance of the building.