My Home in Provence, France

Linda Fashion Life Blog

My Home in Provence, France

Hotel La Mirande

While planning my travel to Europe in 2024 , I stumbled upon a photo of Hôtel La Mirande on Google Maps and was captivated by the beautiful decor. After visited the hotel’s website, I realized it was my dream French country-style hotel. I therefore adjusted my itinerary to include two days in Avignon. I thought it was crazy to spend so much time changing my itinerary, but I was completely fascinated by the hotel's charm during my stay. From every angle of the hotel looked like a masterpiece of art, oozing with elegance. The delicious cuisine at its Michelin-starred restaurant and the luscious afternoon tea left an Endless aftertaste. Thus, I returned to this hotel for three days in 2025 and still felt it wasn’t enough time to explore its beauty. Hôtel La Mirande is located across from the exit of Avignon's landmark 'Palace of the Popes'. After visiting the Palace, heading directly to the hotel for a Michelin-starred meal or afternoon tea was the perfect way to end a day trip.

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A Hotel Made Me Felt Like Home

Although this wasn't my first time staying at the same hotel, it was the only time I felt like home. Upon arrival, stepping into the soaring lobby I remembered, I couldn't help but whisper, "I'm home!" Gazing at the familiar corners brought back fond memories of my previous stay in 2024.

During my stay in 2024, I once encountered a black cat in the hotel foyer. This time, I saw two bowls in the hallway. One had "Fat Cat" written on the bottom, the other "Dog." I wondered if the hotel even had a dog. After asking, I learned that the hotel's owner, Ms. Caroline Stein, sometimes brings her dog to the hotel. Hôtel La Mirande is a pet-friendly hotel and therefore dogs and cats roaming freely made me feel at home. As a dog lover, I could play with them, which alleviated my longing for my Taiwanese dog friends during my travels.

Walking into the high-ceilinged lobby, I realized the hotel had slightly adjusted the space layout, displaying a variety of afternoon tea pastries in the center, giving guests more choices and allowing them to fully enjoy afternoon tea. I had originally hoped to enjoy the afternoon tea during my three-day stay, but due to a train delay, I missed out the afternoon tea when I arrived. I really hope this hotel will consider opening a dessert shop in Taiwan. I'm sure Taiwanese people who love French desserts will definitely line up a long queue.

My favorite room in the hotel, the Chinese Cabinet, remains exquisitely elegant. Its chinoiserie-inspired wallpaper and elegant, refined classical furniture create a unique atmosphere. It is a testament to the meticulous care the hotel has put into maintaining the ambiance. Every corner of the Chinese Cabinet has my footprints left on it, and the scenery still moved me deeply, bringing back memories of afternoon tea I spent there last year.

Read My Best Afternoon Tea

Walked through a door in the Chinese Cabinet, I arrived at the garden I have always dreamed to have it. It was already midsummer when I returned to hotel this year. The orange trees and jasmine flowers that had graced my photo last year were nowhere to be seen. I didn't see my old friends in this garden, and I felt a little lonely.

Walking deeper into the garden, I discovered a vibrant display of purple Plumbago. Longing to appreciate their beauty, I gently touched the delicate petals. This rare return to this place made me desperately want to take commemorative photos. After all, it's rare for me to have the leisure to enjoy the flowers up close once I return to Taiwan. Wandering in the quiet garden, leisurely observing the plants and trees, I suddenly recalled a Chinese writer Shen Fu's " Childhood Fun" , which deeply resonating with me: "I recall my childhood, when I could open my eyes to the sun, perceiving the smallest details.

When I saw something small, I would carefully examine its grain and texture, often felt a sense of detached happiness in things beyond conventional perception.

Walking through the lush green garden, I reached for a door and a staircase at the end that led to basement. It gave me a sense of mystery. I wondered where this secret garden led, but I guess it was the spa. I love sitting in the garden for a while, enjoying the greenery, and recharging myself. I hope one day I can own a hotel comparable to Hôtel La Mirande.

Luxurious Relaxation and
Unlimited Imagination

The bar has a completely different and gorgeous Baroque style. The chandeliers cast a mysterious glow on the space, and the strong retro atmosphere gave me a refreshing feeling.

The sofa area is decorated with luxurious crystal chandeliers and bold red and green color schemes, which show elegance and nobility, creating an indescribable luxurious atmosphere. Being in this retro space, I felt like traveling through time and space.

The hotel's spatial design constantly amazes me. Gazing out from the bar window toward the lobby beneath the atrium, the lofty ceilings and sunlight streaming into every corner captivated me. I found myself lost in thought, a luxurious sense of relaxation in a place where boundless imagination unfolded freely.

A serendipitous discovery, a fortuitous trip to Avignon, taught me that travel does not always have to be packed with sightseeing attractions. Sometimes, leaving some spare time allows me to pause and appreciate the beauty of the surroundings, interact with the people and experience things around me, release my soul, and re-evaluate my life. Perhaps, this is the true meaning of travel.

A Relaxing Garden Dinner

Living in the bustling city of Taipei, it is difficult to find a restaurant in a quiet garden. After a series of twists and turns, I returned to Avignon and dined at the garden restaurant at Hôtel La Mirande on my first night. It turns out the hotel's Michelin-starred chef is on leave, and if I could meet him, I would love to interview him in person.

I ordered oysters and scallops for the main course, both of which were delicious. I loved how the rustic tableware complemented the overall garden setting.

On arrival, I enjoyed a leisurely dinner amidst the lush greenery of the garden, soothing my travel fatigue. During my meal, I noticed that the other tables were all French. Unlike the common Taiwanese restaurants where diners scroll through their phones while eating, glued to their screens and watching TV shows, and then didn't interact with each other afterward, each table of French people chatted and laughed as they ate, and continued to chat and engage in casual conversation afterward. The lively interaction of the French guests was palpable. No mobile phones were on the table, let alone anyone looking at his handset. This made me wonder if cell phones have profoundly impacted Taiwanese interpersonal relationships, leading to greater alienation between families and apathy between people.

Turned to be a Princess
in the Romantic French-style Room

This hotel has twenty-six rooms, each with a unique interior design and layout. I was so greedy that I suddenly wanted to experience every room and see what it would be like. Room 34, which I stayed in this year, features delicate wallpaper, simple French furniture, and lighting, creating a rich French country style. The warm atmosphere made me feel at home.

The sofa area is my favorite spot; every detail exudes a touch of French romance. The wallpaper and curtains match each other, and the miniature classic sofa and side chair complement each other perfectly, giving this small space an elegant charm. The room photos on the hotel's website had caught my eye when I made reservation. However, I noticed something different from the official website photos upon entering the room. After carefully comparing the room to the official photos, I realized the wall paintings and sofa cushions were different. I was surprised at how sensitive I was to color and pattern. I could tell the difference after only seeing the official photos once.

Sitting on the sofa, I felt as if I were transported to the story of Sarah, the protagonist of my favorite American children's novel, "A Little Princess." After her father's death, she became a maid and was forced to live in a shabby, cold attic at school, which was suddenly transformed into a gorgeous bedroom overnight. The indescribable excitement brought back memories of reading "A Little Princess" in my childhood.

Reliving the Magic Cake,
I was Filled with Happiness

I developed a habit of afternoon tea while studying in the UK. I am quite picky about afternoon tea pastries, but last year I tried a cheesecake at this hotel that left me wanting more. After a day of sightseeing, I enjoyed afternoon tea alone in my room, with the soothing music playing, savoring the cheesecake I'd been longing for. It was the most delicious cheesecake I have ever had. The rich cheese had a slightly sweet, refreshing tartness, and topped with berry jam, it tasted exactly as I remembered it.

I devoured two pieces of cheesecake that day, a truly satisfying afternoon for both my taste buds and my soul. Reliving the deliciousness of this cake filled me with a joy beyond words.

A Relaxing and Healing French Romantic Breakfast

This hotel's French breakfast is imbued with romance. Breakfast is served daily in the Louis XV Salon. Gentle morning light filters through floor-to-ceiling windows onto the dining table. The elegant ambiance and exquisite interior decor are captivating. Dining here every morning and evening, enjoying afternoon tea, reading, and listening to music would be a truly pleasurable experience.

The Provençal-inspired breakfast offers a rich variety of choices, each dish meticulously presented and mouth-watering. During my three-day stay, I chose a different table for breakfast each day, sometimes admiring the paintings on the walls, sometimes taking in the exquisite elegance of the entire space, each day capturing the unique atmosphere and creating beautiful memories.

Sitting in front of the windows, the gentle morning light shimmering onto the dining table, and gazing out into the courtyard through the windows, it soothes and relaxes the body, mind, and soul. For someone who grew up in the city, this is a true luxury. This incomparable moment of healing will be unforgettable.

Hotel's Dreamlike Illusion after Night Fell
Made Me Reluctant to Leave

The night before checking out, I take a final tour of the hotel. After dark, dim lights flicker throughout the hotel. The sophisticated lighting creates a hazy beauty, more like a warm home.

The high-ceilinged lobby, where the dim glow of crystal chandeliers and wall sconces intertwine, creates a completely different atmosphere from the daytime. Gazing at this vast space, memories of my journey from England to Avignon come flooding back to me, and I drift off into a trance. I feel so fortunate to be able to return to my favorite hotel and experience its beauty once again.

My beloved Louis XVI Salon exudes a mysterious and romantic atmosphere at night, taking my breath away. Who wouldn't want to live in such a beautiful house forever? For some reason, I suddenly want to move it here back to Taiwan and redecorate my home to look just like this!

The chandelier, wall sconces, and scattered small table lamps in the Chinese Cabinet complement each other, emitting a soft glow that adds a hazy beauty to the space and creates an unparalleled, tranquil ambiance that makes me unwell to leave here.

At night, the dazzling chandelier sheds golden light from the ceiling, illuminating every corner, creating a completely different experience from the daytime. Imagine if this were my home, I could switch between different rooms every day according to my mood and preferences, and my life would be full of variety and fun. How wonderful it would be!

The banquet hall at night is captivating. Imagine guests gathering there, toasting and drinking. I can't help but think how happy it would be to hold a wedding in Hôtel La Mirande!

Dog and Cat Appear in the Hotel
Made Me Feel Like Home

Before checking out last year, I saw a black cat wandering in the lobby, but I wasn't sure if it was a lady or a gentleman. When I asked the hotel staff, they told me the cat’s name is Mirande. The receptionist corrected me that Mirande is a gray, not black cat. However, I believe black cats tend to turn gray as they age, so Mirande should have been black. For Taiwanese people, regardless of black or gray cats, as long as they can catch mice, they are good cats. This year, I occasionally met her again at the hotel entrance and was surprised that she looked much fatter than before. I wondered if she was pregnant or caught a lot of mice over the past year. Even though I greeted her, she just ran away.

Before checking out for my second stay at this hotel, I was pleasantly surprised to meet the owner, Ms. Caroline Stein. I was delighted to express my admiration for the hotel. Ms. Stein explained that her family has painstakingly run the hotel for generations. I could not help but marvel at how she and her family have maintained the hotel in such a beautiful and elegant state through the generations. During our conversation, her beloved dog, Mali, came over and leaned against my leg, making me feel very friendly. As a dog lover, I always give them massages. Unfortunately, my checkout time was approaching, so I didn't have time to give Mali a massage. I wonder if I'll have the chance to see Mali and Mirande again in the future. I wish them both a long and happy life.

This was my second stay at this hotel in 2025. Three days flew by in the blink of an eye. Before checking out, I invited the hotel's general manager, Mr. Francis Lacoste, to take a photo together to express my respect for his and the team's management and meticulous maintenance for this work of art. Ms. Mali was still lost in her own world while taking the photo. I was so happy to have the opportunity to meet her before leaving. She has added a sweet memory and a touch of color to my life.

A hotel that meets guests' needs for accommodation and dining, providing them with a wonderful experience, must be the result of the dedication and efforts of the entire team. I happened to see Hôtel La Mirande shared a staff photo on their Facebook fan page. This is the first time I've seen a hotel prioritize teamwork and frequently post photos. I'd like to thank all the staff for their help during my stay. I wish them all the best in their work. See you again someday!