Not yet ready to head back to Paris after so many magical days cruising the Rhone River, I reserved the most breathtaking address in Avignon of a last night of luxury. We arrived to hotel La Mirande in the heart of this historic city and immediately fell in love with this palatial address.

Upon opening the curtains in our room, we discovered the most stunning view of the Popes’ Palace. This medieval Gothic fortress and palace was the seat of Western Christianity in the 14th century.

We quickly made ourselves at home in the outdoor patio, led by the hotel’s mascot, a cat named Mirande.

This 5-star hotel revealed even more magnificence within the refurbished quarters of this private home dating back to the 14th century, where cardinals once took residence.

Paying respect to the unique 18th and 19th-century design elements, Hotel La Mirande was brought back to life.

The breakfast room appeared as though from a fairy tale. But it was dinner that transported us to another era.

Little did we know what awaited us at Guest Table, a 4-course dinner prepared by Chef Séverine Sagnet.

Beginning with an apéritif in La Mirande’s wine cellar, we made a toast with guests from around the world.

A communal wooden table for thirteen was set in the family kitchen, a wood-burning stove ready to cook our farm to table meal as we feasted on the first course. Memories were shared and friendships made during this extraordinary dining experience. Next time I plan to dine at their one Michelin star restaurant helmed by Chef Florent Pietravalle, as well as book the cooking class and learn a few culinary tricks.

While staying at La Mirande, we spent the day visiting neighboring Popes’ Palace and legendary Pont d’Avignon.

There was no better place to call home on our last days of such an epic trip from Lyon to the South of France.