Location :
The Hotel is located in downtown Avignon near the Place de l'Horloge and the Palais des Papes. The most direct way to reach the hotel is through the Porte de La Republique located across from the central station (Gare SNCF) in Avignon.

Directions  :
By car
Follow the old fortified walls that surround downtown Avignon to the central station and enter through the Porte de la Republique located directly across from the station.
Follow the Rue de la Republique until you reach Place de l'Horloge. Make a right U-turn in the pedestrian area and you will reach Rue de la Bancasse. The hotel is located at N° 11.

By foot
Coming out of the central station located on the Boulevard Saint-Roch, enter downtown through the Porte de la Republique. Follow Rue de la Republique until you reach Place de l'Horloge. Make a right U-turn to reach Rue de la Bancasse.

The Hotel de Blauvac was a private building that belonged to the Marquis Jean-Baptiste de Tonduty, Seigneur de Blauvac beginning in 1664. This beautiful Hotel dates back to the 17th century and has been completely remodeled ensuring that the authentic architecture and character of the original owner were preserved. The front of the building displays a Greek fronton with a coat of arms. The inside is warm and inviting and reflects the history of the building. The original stones have been beautifully preserved and the main staircase, still in its original condition, features masterful Provencal ironwork.

Come and let us assist you in discovering a unique way of life found only in Provence.

You can walk around the delightful old streets of Avignon, full of history dating back to the Greek and Roman periods. You can also visit museums and breathtaking historical monuments.

The Popes Palace is a protected historical site. It is a magnificent structure which represents gothic art and can be counted as one of the most beautiful sites in its genre in Europe. It was the center of Christianity in the 14th century as nine popes successively lived there. Today, you can admire the sculpted friezes and frescoes still well preserved inside. The building now belongs to the city of Avignon and is one of the most visited historical buildings in France.

You can also discover the bustling cultural activities unique to Avignon which has been selected as the European city of Culture thanks to its International Theatre Festival.

Taste the Provencal cuisine and the famous wines from the Cotes du Rhone region of which Avignon is the capital. Among the most famous wines that will delight your taste buds, you will find : Chateauneuf du Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Lirac and Tavel.

Finally , you will want to take the time to walk around and discover antique shops, art galleries and streets lined with authentic shops such as rue Joseph Vernet and Saint-Agricol, also the area known as the quartier de la Balance and rue de la Republique just around the corner from the Hotel. The shopping experience offers an array of specialties from Provence such as colorful fabrics, ceramics and many other hand-made objects.

The Saint-Benezet Bridge The legend surrounding this bridge became part of the popular culture in the 12th century. Construction of the bridge was a challenge at the time and it is the oldest structure built on the Rhone between Lyon and the sea in the 12th century. The bridge then measured 900 meters long and boasted 22 arches. In the middle ages, this bridge became an integral part of the pilgrimages between Italy and Spain. It also became indispensable for the Pope and its entourage when they first came to Avignon in the 15th century. At that time, the bridge was the most direct route connecting the many residences occupied by the cardinals and the Popes Palace located inside the fortified walls of Avignon.

There are many other activities offered in Avignon such as cruises on the Rhone for an hour or even a half day accompanied by delightful dinners and shows on the ships.

Cruises One hour cruises : you will go near the Pont St-Benezet, the Palais des Papes and the Rocher des Doms. You will also see Villeneuve with its Fort St-Andre and Tour Philippe le Bel, and then back to Avignon. Two hour cruises : same as above plus visit around the Barthelasse Island and passage through the tide gate (a 12 meter slope).

Also available are bicycle rides around the Barthelasse Island as well as guided tours by cab available in Engligh and Japanese. In addition, you can visit the town in a small train or take day trips in Provence by bus.

From Avignon, you can visit PROVENCE
Here are just a few sites worth discovering :

Le Plateau de Vaucluse "Les Monts de Vaucluse"
You can go through Coustellet which is located some 31 kilometers (30 minutes drive) from Avignon towards Cavaillon to discover the Lavander Museum.

This typically Provencal building was built with stones from the region and houses a magnificent collection of copper objects dating back to the 16th century until today.

Along this itinerary, you will surely want to stop in Gordes, located 38 kilometers (40 minutes drive) from Avignon. The village was built with stones in the side of a hill and has inspired many artists.

Gordes is certified as one of the most beautiful villages of France. Its popularity rests in its unique architecture on the edge of the hill that overlooks the valley of Coulon. Its rich history (from the Romans to the Middle Age, from the Renaissance through today including the Inquisition) has contributed to its popularity. Many painters and intellectuals have passed through Gordes and Vasarely has made it famous. The 11th century fortified castle was modified during the Renaissance period (today, it houses a museum dedicated to the contemporary painter Pol-Mara). Its church was built in the 18th century and overlooks the 16th century stone houses adorned with Mediterranean plants and drenched in sunlight.

The Luberon
Cavaillon is called the door of the Luberon and it located 22 kilometers (20 minutes drive) away from Avignon.

During your visit of the Luberon, you may choose to stop in :
Oppede, Menerbes, Lacoste and Bonnieux, all located between 30 and 50 kilometers from Avignon (at the most 40 minutes by car). These villages were all part of the long history of religious wars.
Finally, you should stop in Lourmarin where the writer Albert Camus was buried. The village has an impressive castle and the villa Medicis of Provence.
Don't forget the Provencal markets in villages such as in Cavaillon on Mondays and in Lourmarin on Fridays. These are the best places to find local products and hand made crafts by local artisans.

The Wine Route
Before you start on your visit into the wine region of the Cotes du Rhone, stop by Carpentras !

Avignon, capital of the Cotes du Rhone, counts many famous wines such as Beaumes de Venise, Chateauneuf du Pape, Gigondas, Vacqeyras, Lirac, Tavel and others.
You will need about a half day to complete the wine route which is about 115 kilometers long.