Brilliant 4 night stay at the Maison Orsini’s truly special accommodations high above Avignon with stunning views of the Palais des Pâpes across the Rhone River and Mont Ventoux. Folco Pisani is the warm and generous host, whose fluent English was a gift. We learned that Folco’s grandfather bought this 15th century Cardinal Orsini’s Palace in 1947, which Folco’s family has both lived in and thoughtfully renovated over the decades since. There is a pool surrounded by an exquisite garden area across the street next to a private locked parking area. We stayed in the Suite Panoramique—a very large bedroom that easily accommodated a king sized bed, a desk, chair, and ample areas for luggage. The bath has a grand built-in tub with another large window. The suite also includes a side room with a desk and couch that can be closed off with a door if needed. All of the rooms we saw were lovely and well maintained. They surround a luscious courtyard with old trees shading another colorful garden of many floral varieties. There are tables and chairs that offer calming, yet breathtaking views. We enjoyed wonderful breakfasts in a dining room straight out of the middle ages. Folco brings freshly baked sweets daily from a local boulangerie like croissants and pastries, breads, various cheeses, yogurt, four or five bowls of freshly cut fruits and orange juice as well. He made the best American coffee of our two week trip in France! Villeneuve les Avignon is a 9 minute walk from Maison Orsini and includes a small but excellent choice of restaurants, and the fascinating and beautiful Saint-André Abby and award winning gardens which are well worth visiting. You can walk down to Bus #5 which takes you across the bridge to Avignon, where you can explore the historic sites and local restaurants and stores without struggling to park a car. But the best part of Maison Orsini is Folco’s attentiveness, kindness, and willingness to be helpful in every way possible. He created such a relaxing and comfortable environment that we chose to stay in Villeneuve for all of our dinners, several which Folco arranged, and an extra day that had been planned for side trips elsewhere. Could not recommend more highly!
Excellent
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