Avignon city center Hotel Le Colbert

A great thing about traveling in France (I think even more than in other countries) is how the characteristic, family-run little hotels survive. Follow me as I greet my host, Patrice, and climb the spiral staircase in my choice in downtown Avignon, Hôtel Colbert. At about $100 for a double room with breakfast, it's about half the price, double the rough edges, and double the memories of a more modern place.

Hotel Le Colbert With its central location inside the city walls and neat (if a touch kitsch) Provençal décor – a riot of red, orange and yellow, this budget-friendly two-star hotel is one of Avignon’s best spots to bed down. Breakfast (€8) – with bread and croissants sourced each morning from the owners’ favourite bakery – is served on the sunny patio.

Hotel le Colbert A quirky and characterful budget option is the three-star Hôtel Le Colbert (0033 4 90 86 20 20), which is peacefully situated on rue Agricol Perdiguier. Rooms are vibrant in colour, ochre with accents of orange, and film and theatre posters adorn the walls throughout.

Hotel le Colbert This cheerful little hotel is Avignon’s best budget option. It’s well located just north of the town’s train station, yet inside the city walls. The hotel manages to be both quiet—due to its position on a side street—and with easy walking distance of Avignon’s action. Comfortable guestrooms are painted in warm tones and decorated in traditional Provençal textiles. During sunny weather, breakfast is served at colorful tables on the patio, under palm and olive trees. Note that the hotel does not have an elevator.