The elegant Hotel La Mirande in Avignon has a fascinating history and was originally built in 1309 as the livery for the Cardinals. In the 1600s the building was sold to a lawyer, whose son, Pierre Mignard, built the beautiful baroque facade seen today. The house has since remained a private residence, before the intricate three-year restoration to make it Hotel La Mirande in 1987. To ensure the hotel maintains its classic feel and period features, modern amenities are discreetly hidden, such as televisions disguised as mirrors
The hotel features just 26 exquisitely intimate bedrooms, each of which are individually-decorated with historic French cotton prints. The rooms are even named after the great cotton prints of the past. The 18th Century theme continues throughout the rooms as you’ll notice wall hangings, decorative wallpaper and exquisite chandeliers, which perfectly compliment the high-ceilings and ornate bathrooms. Many of the rooms overlook the Popes Palace, adding to the regal atmosphere of the hotel.
La Mirande offer two completely different dining experiences, where guests can choose to dine either upstairs in its popular gourmet restaurant or downstairs in the old kitchen, where guests share a large table and dinner is prepared on the old wood burning stove, just as it was in use in the 19th century. Downstairs, the cooking concept is “farm-to-table” and guests share a selection of dishes. Many of the herbs and ingredients used in the hotel’s dishes are grown in the organic hotel garden, which features fruit trees, oaks, laurels, roses and, of course, an array of herbs.
La Mirande also have their very own cooking school; “La Marmiton”, which translates as “kitchen boy”. The class begins with a trip down to the local market where you will be guided in selecting the very best ingredients from fresh bread to garlic and cheeses. Once back in the kitchen, you will learn the fine art of Provencal cuisine and cook signature dishes and pastries, under the watchful eye of a renowned local chef. Once your meal is in the oven, you’ll be escorted to the wine cellar to select an aperitif before sitting down to enjoy the delicious lunch you have prepared.
