We're picking up friends at the Nîmes airport and want to stop in Avignon for several hours on the way back to our hotel in Vaison-la-Romaine. I know it's a bad idea to leave their bags in the parked car while we explore, so can anyone suggest a place where they can check their luggage for 3-4 hours? Thanks!

A few years ago, I used one of the coin operated lockers at Avignon railway station in the Avignon center (not Avignon TGV).

Very few French stations now have left luggage, but Avignon Centre does:
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/in...es&tab=service

Perfect! Thanks.

It will be much more convenient if you simply park your car at the Palais des Papes parking lot. The entrance to this monitored facility is on the perimeter road near the Rhone river and shares the same driveway with the Hotel Mercure.

It's quite safe to park here and not particularly expensive (under 9€/day) but for added security, many people back their cars into a space thereby making access into the trunk all but impossible:

http://www.palais-des-papes.com/pages/parking.html