Location 8/10
On smart and leafy Place Crillon, with its pavement cafés and bars, close to Avignon's best-known historical treasures, including the 12th-century Pont St-Bénézet bridge (of Sur le pont d'Avignon fame).
Style/character 8/10
Constructed in the 16th century for the Marquis of Graveson and a hotel since 1799, Hotel d'Europe boasts a number of original features, among them 18th-century key fobs and a bell positioned for the ease of approaching carriages. Entry is via a tranquil courtyard shaded by a magnificent 18th-century plane tree and bordered by fragrant wisteria. Public areas are rich with antiques, tapestries and vintage maps of this former papal city.
Service 7/10
Warm and knowledgeable in the restaurant and friendly and attentive elsewhere. However, tables were slow to be cleared at breakfast.
Rooms 7/10
Standard rooms are a good size but the marble-clad ensuites are rather more compact. Room 102, which was a favoured bolt-hole of Bonaparte, has an original beamed ceiling.
Food & drink 9/10
The hotel's La Vieille Fontaine restaurant is that rarest of things: a Michelin-star restaurant with atmosphere.
Frequented by discerning Avignonians, as well as hotel guests, the dining room – ornate cornicing, glittering chandeliers and murky antique mirrors – positively buzzed with laughter and appreciative chatter, while the polo-shirted waiting staff added to the relaxed air. Chef Bruno d'Angélis's dishes are devised with typical French flair, and diners might find pan-sautéed foie gras, red mullet filet, or pumpkin mousse with Scottish half-cooked salmon on the imaginative menu. The garlic sorbet, however, tastes as unpleasant as it sounds. Starters from €21 (£18), main courses upwards of €35 (£30), and a 12-course tasting menu at €98 (£84).
Value for money 7/10
Doubles from €210 (£180), excluding breakfast €19 (£16).
OVERALL RATING 7.5/10
Access for guests with disabilities
No specially adapted rooms but there's a lift to all floors.
Details
Hotel d'Europe, 12 Place Crillon, 84000 Avignon, France (0033 4 9014 7676; heurope.com).
CHECK AVAILABILITY FOR THIS HOTEL
Telegraph readers can enjoy a “lowest price” guarantee on all 130,000 hotels on the Telegraph website, unless otherwise stated. Readers can now benefit from a further five per cent discount on any hotel booking. To claim the discount, go to telegraph.co.uk/hotels and enter the code TMGDEC5 into the “Coupon Code” box on the “Complete Your Booking” page. The discount is valid until December 31, 2011.