A Hotel I Want to Spend the Rest of
My Life Here
I want to spend the rest of my life here
Hotel La Mirande
While planning my 2024 European trip, I initially didn't plan to visit Avignon. However, I stumbled upon Hotel La Mirande on Google Maps and after exploring their website, I felt compelled to visit. I ended up adjusting my itinerary and spending two days in Avignon. Although I initially thought it was crazy to spend so much time changing my plans, the hotel's interior design was worth it. From every angle, it looked like a work of art and exuded elegance. The Michelin-starred restaurant and the most delicious pastries I've ever had in Europe made it all the more memorable.
A Hotel Full of Stories and History
This five-star boutique hotel is located next to the landmark Palais des Papes in Avignon. It has experienced the Roman era, the "Babylonian" Pope, and the French Revolution, and has an intricate connection with the local history. Therefore, it is named after "La Mirande", a room in the Papal Palace used to receive celebrities and dignitaries.
In 1309, the Pope established the Papal Palace (Palais des Papes) in Avignon. Later, Cardinal Pellegru, the nephew of Pope Clement V, built a "livrée" (the name of the Cardinal's Palace) next to the Papal Palace. ) This is the predecessor of Hotel La Mirande. When the Papal Palace was besieged in 1410, the "livrée" was partially destroyed and only four floors survived.
In 1653 the remains were sold to a lawyer, his son Pierre, Marquis of Bedouin commissioned the architect Pierre Mignard to design and build the building we see today. The classical appearance of La Mirande was the architectural style of the aristocratic residences in the town at that time. This architect had a good background. His father and uncle were both painters for the royal family and had painted many portraits of Louis XIV.
It was not until 1796 that it was sold to the health official Jean-Baptiste Bénézet-Pamard and became the property of a prominent family in Avignon.
This hotel has gone through those long years and shows the bourgeois life during Napoleon III. The interior is filled with neo-Gothic decoration inspired by Violet Leduc, heavy curtains and 19th-century paintings. In 1966, it was also the location for director Jacques Rivette's second film, "La Réligieuse" ("The Nun").
The Founder Couple Restored Historic Sites Become a Masterpiece of Art
After Mr. and Mrs. Steins purchased the building in 1987, they commissioned Parisian interior designer François-Joseph Graf and Avignon architect Gilles Grégoire to transform their idea into practice, a unique restoration process was carried out in order to create a hotel that harmonized the 18th and 19th century styles. After careful restoration by the Steins, this monument-level building became an artistic masterpiece. This reminded me of an article I once wrote to introduce the Musée Jacquemart-André and made me deeply realize that in France, couples love to work together to create an art work because of their common interests. Deeds are common. This also added a romantic and loving legend to the works they created.
Explore the Beauty of 200 Year's Decor in the Stunning Art Treasure Trove
When walking through every space of the hotel, it feels like exploring 200 years of French exquisite decorative art. This hotel looks like a work of art from every angle. The hall is full of Provence colors. Plants and rattan seats create a relaxed atmosphere in the hall. A simple chandelier in the center of the ceiling makes the Provence charm of the entire space more prominent.
Each corner of the lobby is decorated with nobility and elegance. When I just arrived, I ordered a cappuccino and looked around, savoring the elegance of the Provence-style hall.
The bar creates a unique atmosphere with its luxurious Baroque style, crystal chandeliers shining brightly, and a mysterious and noble ambiance. Enjoy a drink and conversation in this historic space, feeling a sense of mystery and timelessness.
The Chinese cabinet located in the lobby leading to the garden features 18th-century wallpaper imported from China, which is considered a historic treasure. The interior is decorated with coordinated home decor fabrics, lighting fixtures, and furniture, creating a unique Chinese-style atmosphere.
The other more private dining area in the hotel features a rare ochre color scheme, complemented by appropriately colored curtains, creating a unique impression.
The ceiling-high cabinets displayed many porcelains with beautiful patterns. As I have collected porcelains for decades, I had appreciated each piece carefully. I couldn't help thinking about that the porcelain originated from China, but how many Chinese people have the habit of collecting porcelain as heirlooms? On the contrary, in Europe, I often see hotel owners and many national and private museums exhibit porcelain as treasures and passing them on from generation to generation.
French Country Style Room
Cozy & Relaxing Ambience
There are no unnecessary decorations in my room. The patterns of the wallpaper and curtains, as well as the simple French furniture and lamps present a French country style, which makes me feel cozy without feeling oppressive.
My Most Worthy Michelin Dinning Experience
Among the various spaces at Hotel La Mirande, my favorite is Louis XV Salon, which is also home to the Michelin-starred restaurant La Salle A Manger, led by Florent Pietravalle. Dining in such a beautiful space is truly an inimitable precious experience.
During my stay, the dinner I had here was the most enjoyable Michelin meal I have had in Europe, and it made me realize that Michelin restaurants are not necessarily expensive and that star chefs can also make delicious and affordable dishes.
Louis XV Salon serves breakfast and offers a variety of breakfast items around a beautiful flower-filled table. As soon as you enter the restaurant, you will be delighted by the artistic space, making it a perfect place to dine and relax.
An Enjoyable Afternoon Tea
Made Me Still Unfinished
As someone who loves experiencing 5-star hotels and famous cafes for afternoon tea while traveling in Europe, I had experienced several afternoon tea during my travel in 2024. Surprisingly, the most unforgettable one for me was the simplest one at Hotel La Mirande. This experience made me realize that sometimes going back to basics and savor the true flavors of desserts can be more satisfying than fancy and gimmicky presentations.
Indulged in authentic French pastries and sipped tea while admiring the 18th-century Chinese-style wallpaper in the Chinese cabinet is a rare unique experience. Witnessing the preservation of historical artifacts while enjoying afternoon tea is truly memoriable.
An Accidental Journey
Made Me Return to Nature
I had no plans to travel to Avignon, so I suddenly changed my itinerary and embarked on a spiritual journey. Staying in this hotel is like being in an art treasure. I enjoyed it every day, and I also tasted great value Michelin dishes and the best afternoon tea. Sometimes I walked through the garden and observed various herbs and plants. When I saw fruit trees bearing fruit, I excitedly picked up the fruits and sniffed them secretly,and worried that the hotel staff would have seen my silly behavior.
As a gardening enthusiast, I really want to have a garden like this. Before leaving, I stayed in the hotel garden again with a cup of coffee and wanted to imprint every plant and tree in my mind and keep them in my memory.
The hotel’s cat was wandering around the lobby. As I am a dog person, if this was a dog, I definitely would have played with it and create a happy memory.
If You Ask Me: How I Feel about this Hotel?
I Would Say:I Want to Spend the Rest of My Life Here
An unexpected discovery and an unintentional trip to Avignon made me realize that it is not always necessary to arrange a full itinerary of sightseeing spots during the trip. Sometimes leaving some blank space allows you to calm down and appreciate the beauty of the surrounding scenery, interacte with the people, pay attentions to things around you, calm your soul, and re-examine your life. Perhaps this is the significance of travel.
Hotel La Mirande Tour Video
New Journey in 2024
My 70 Days in Europe
In 2024, my close travel companions and I spent
70 days in Europe,
Go where we want to go,
See the scenery we want to see,
Experience a wonderful experience like never before
Here I share our unique 70 days of travel,
Hopefully, my articles can bring a little light
to the world and inspire the travel lovers.
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