On the west bank of the Rhône, this historic little town above Avignon has a splendid charterhouse and other noble buildings, including this 14th-century priory, now a luxurious hotel (Relais & Châteaux). Owned by Jean-André Charial and managed by Alexandre Favrier, it stands in a big flower-scented garden with a spacious swimming pool and shady dining patio. 'We had a great stay,' says a visitor. 'Excellent food, which we ate in the courtyard.' Others wrote: 'Dinner is serious: an army of waiters and waitresses.' Fabien Fage, the chef, won a Michelin star in 2010. Dishes include pollack poached with baby leeks, truffle vinaigrette sauce and puffed potatoes; traditional hare “à la Royale” with duck liver from the Landes region and mushrooms. Breakfast is a buffet. Two old buildings, approached on foot down a long rose arbour, contain the public rooms, 'all charming', with some antiques; but their bedrooms are quite small. The '70s annexe, the Atrium, has large rooms of quality, many with balcony and overlooking the swimming pool. Some train noise at night.