A large outdoor pool, a covered pool in the spa, or both: hotels are often the best equipped for a warm swim. Avignon, the city of the popes, shelters behind its ramparts on the banks of the Rhône. Here are the 5 hotels I've selected in and around Avignon, all rated at least 8/10; I particularly recommend Auberge de Cassagne & Spa, L'Isle de Leos, MGallery and Mercure Avignon Gare TGV Hôtel & Spa.
Each city has its own selection, with a page for each type of accommodation.
Places are ranked from highest to lowest rated. The yellow bubble shows the advertised water temperature, when it's known.
5 places shown
The pool. Heated outdoor pool surrounded by greenery, open year-round according to Staycation, and two pools in the spa.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Combine it with the L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue market on Sunday morning.
The pool. Indoor pool, outdoor pool, children's pool and hot tub, within a large spa.
The hot tub. Hot tub in the spa.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. The pool area gets 7/10 in the summarised reviews.
Guide's tip. The spa is the heart of the place: book your treatments at the same time as your room.
The pool. Indoor pool and outdoor pool (in summer), with spa.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. The pool often comes up as a highlight in reviews.
Guide's tip. Handy if you're arriving by TGV; the indoor pool is the one to use out of season.
The pool. Indoor pool heated to 28 °C, under a glass roof, between old stone walls.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The pool is also offered to spa day guests: go early for some peace and quiet.
The pool. Indoor pool with a swimming lane, outdoor pool and sauna.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. You'll need a car or a bus to get to the walled city.
These places don't have a confirmed heated pool, but they do have a hot tub: the water is hot all year round. A good way to relax in the warm.
The hot tub. Seasonal outdoor pool, heating not stated; hot tub, sauna and hammam.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The hot tub takes over when the pool closes.
The hot tub. Outdoor pool, heating not stated; spa with jacuzzi, sauna and hammam.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Within walking distance of Avignon Centre station and the ramparts.
The hot tub. Outdoor pool, heating not stated, and hot tub.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. The pool is considered well kept and a good size.
Guide's tip. Ask whether the hot tub is open out of season.
These places were suggested to us directly by their owners. The heated pool is declared by them; they don't yet have enough guest reviews to join the selection.
In my selection, the top-rated is Auberge de Cassagne & Spa (5-star hotel), with 8.8/10 (624 reviews · Kayak). Next come L'Isle de Leos, MGallery (9.8/10) and Mercure Avignon Gare TGV Hôtel & Spa (8.6/10).
Yes at L'Isle de Leos, MGallery: the pool is advertised as heated all year round. Auberge de Cassagne & Spa, Mercure Avignon Gare TGV Hôtel & Spa and Hôtel 1770 & Spa have an indoor pool, sheltered from the wind. Either way, ask for the heating dates before you book.
Advertised temperatures: 28 °C at Hôtel 1770 & Spa. For the other places the temperature isn't published: ask the property.
Yes: Auberge de Cassagne & Spa also has a hot tub in addition to the heated pool. No confirmed heated pool, but a hot tub: Le Domaine des Carmes & Spa, Logis Hôtel Les Cèdres and Novotel Avignon Centre.
The word "heated" on a booking page isn't enough. Every place must have a rating of at least 8/10 (or 4/5) and carries one of these four levels.
Guests mention the heated water in their reviews, with the season when they say so.
A journalist or guide who stayed there describes the heated pool.
The hotel or the platform says so, but I haven't yet found a review that confirms it.
Heating isn't specified, but the water is sheltered from the wind and cold air. Ask for the temperature before you book.
I left these out because guests report water colder than advertised, or because no heating or indoor pool is mentioned.
| Place | What the sources say | Rating | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terre de Provence Hôtel & Spa | Indoor pool and hot tub in Le Pontet | 7,3/10 | Rating too low |
| Avignon Grand Hotel | Small seasonal rooftop pool, heating not stated | 8,0/10 | Heating not confirmed |
| Le Prieuré | Outdoor pool, heating not stated | 8,9/10 | Heating not confirmed |
| Hôtel la Magnaneraie | Outdoor pool, heating not stated | 8,4/10 | Heating not confirmed |
| Golden Tulip Avignon Le Paradou | Outdoor pool, heating not stated | 8,3/10 | Heating not confirmed |
| Hôtel Restaurant La Ferme | Outdoor pool in season, heating not stated | 8,5/10 | Heating not confirmed |
| Mas des Rabasses | Seasonal outdoor pool, heating not stated | 9,4/10 | Heating not confirmed |
| Le Clos Violette d'Aglaé | Hidden pool with pink mosaic in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, heating not stated | 9,5/10 | Heating not confirmed |
| Hôtel Le Cloître Saint-Louis | Outdoor pool | 7,7/10 | Rating too low |
| Residhotel Golf Grand Avignon | Pool | 7,8/10 | Rating too low |
Sources: Kayak.fr, Kayak, Staycation.
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