This Stylish Flat in Avignon, France, Kept Me Cozy During the Offseason

"The notoriously cold and relentlessly fierce northwesterly wind that blows from France's heartland into the Mediterranean Sea can reach up to 20 miles per hour, last for several days (the record is 65 hours straight), and buffet everything in its path when it peaks in the winter and spring."

"It's a supremely chic space, simple yet overflowing with charismatic texture. The cream-colored stone walls, the high ceilings done in dark wood, linen fabrics on the sofa and queen-size bed in the bedroom, and woven seats exuded a strong sense of place; this is an apartment in an ages-old city with great history."

"The induction stovetop, Nespresso machine, dishwasher, flat-screen TV equipped with Chromecast, Wi-Fi, washing machine, electric towel warmer, and combination air conditioner-heater kept this abode firmly in the 21st century while maintaining historic charm and character."

The mistral, a fierce northwesterly wind reaching 20 miles per hour and lasting several days, makes traveling to South France difficult during winter and spring. Despite these conditions, visiting the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in November offers advantages of fewer crowds and lower prices. A traveler spent five nights in Avignon during mistral season, planning to explore Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine cellars, Cézanne's atelier, and Marseille restaurants. The severe weather forced most activities indoors, but the stay in a renovated Airbnb apartment provided comfort. The space combined historic charm with modern amenities, featuring cream-colored stone walls, dark wood ceilings, linen furnishings, and contemporary conveniences like induction stovetops, Nespresso machines, and climate control.

Read at Conde Nast Traveler