L'Atelier

The charming, family-run Hotel l'Atelier is a super sightseeing base and is suitable for a longer stay too. In the centre of tranquil Villeneuve-lez-Avignon, it has bags of atmosphere, and Avignon's key sights are not far off. Traditional, lavender-coloured wooden shutters embellish l'Atelier's typically Provencal exterior. Inside, walls are pale limestone and floors are polished red tile. A giant skylight and French windows bring sunlight into public areas, which include a ground-floor breakfast room, lounge (where coffee and snacks are supplied all afternoon) and a 'travel workshop' with guidebooks, maps, and a selection of holiday reading. Dark oak doors open into sunny, individually-decorated rooms with big double or twin beds, antique furniture, and huge free-standing tubs in bathrooms. Beyond, a honeysuckle pergola shades an inner courtyard and a sun terrace overlooks a small garden beneath cypress trees. There's no bar as such, but drinks – including local wines and craft beers – are served in lounge or courtyard. There's free on-street parking 200 yards away (except on market days) and secure parking is also available. There's no restaurant, but there are more than a dozen places to eat and drink just steps away.