Avignon

Avignon Travel Guide

• About Avignon

A brief stint as the seat of Papal power in the Middle Ages gave Avignon an architectural majesty that still endures today. Encircled by 800-year-old stone ramparts that rise grandly from the bank of the wide river Rhône, the UNESCO-listed centre boasts one of the most iconic skylines in France. At its heart is the Palais de Papes – a vast turreted fortress that overlooks a magical mixture of mansion-lined streets and medieval quares. The 12th-century Pont Saint-Bénézet (the arched bridge of nursery rhyme fame) only retains four of its original 22 arches, but history buffs will still find plenty to tickle their fancy in Avignon. From the old papal mint and three spectacular Gothic churches, to the artworks of the Musee du Petit and Collection Lambert, the city is a cultural treasure box of epic proportions. The prestigious annual Avignon Festival in July brings the cobbled streets around the Palais de Papes to life. Even out of season, the vast square in front of the fortress is the scene for all sorts of entertainment, including buskers and shows. Take a stroll through the nearby Rochers des Doms gardens to enjoy wonderful, airy views far across the Rhône and the sunlit Provence countryside. Cosy pavement cafés and fantastic restaurants make Avignon the perfect place for a romantic weekend away. It has a range of hotels from great little budget places to grand luxury establishments, some of which are in converted mansions and convents. It’s also a fabulous shopping city, with elegant jewellers and chic fashion stores standing shoulder to shoulder with quirkier boutiques. You’ll find Provencal specialities like fragrant flowery perfumes, prestigious local Côtes du Rhône wines, and edible treats such as fougasse bread, Papalines d’Avignon liqueur chocolates and nougat in the markets of the medieval quarter. Foodies will also find a generous smattering of traditional Provencal eateries and a few prestigious Michelin star establishments. Capital of the Vaucluse region in the heart of Provence, Avignon makes an ideal base for out-of-town excursions. Some of the prettiest corners of southern France are within a couple of hours of the city.

• Avignon History

Avignon’s history is one of acrimony. Fought over, occupied and the centre of papal and political intrigue, this city only became part of France in the late 18th century. Although civilisation here dates back as late as 4,000 BC, it was the arrival of the Romans, followed by Christianity, that turned Avignon into one of Europe’s biggest and most important settlements. Its key position on the Rhone meant it was squabbled over by Gothic, Saracen and Frankish tribes throughout the early Middle Ages. Website: www.avignon-et-provence.com Chosen by Pope Clement V as his preferred seat instead of Rome, popes stayed in the city until 1377, when a schism in the church saw church leaders installed in both cities. The Papal Palace, still Avignon’s most remarkable building and first built as a fortification in 1252, played home to the popes. From here they administered power throughout Christendom, also ensuring the surrounding region became renowned for its wine, especially around the area of Chateauneuf du Pape. Although Avignon remained a papal enclave, the city inevitably lost some of its lustre after the church returned to Rome in the early 15th century. After endless invasions and sieges, Avignon eventually became part of France in 1791; two years after the country’s revolution began. The city grew beyond its walls over the following one hundred years, its population booming during the inter war period, before being occupied by the Nazis during WWII. The post–war years saw the city gain cultural significance through its annual theatre festival, founded in 1947, with the historic centre earning UNESCO world heritage status in 1995. Crowned Europe’s City of Culture in 2000, Avignon has become a hub for contemporary art, thanks in large part to a €100 million gift of artworks by gallery owner Yvon Lambert.

• Did you know?

Avignon holds two arts festivals each year. The official Festival d’Avignon (‘Festival In’) as well as the smaller ‘Festival Off’, which features unknown works. The Pont d’Avignon, also known as Pont St Benezet, dates back to 1177, part of it still standing today. The original Avignon Roman Forum stood where Place de l’Horloge does today.

• Weather in Avignon

Early summer is usually ideal, with clear skies and warm days lightly tempered by a pleasant breeze. Avoid July, though, unless you are attending the Avignon Festival, as the town is crowded and prices at their peak. Temperatures rise in August, sometimes uncomfortably. The weather becomes briefly turbulent in autumn, with some dramatic storms. Winter’s frequent fine days are often marred by a strong, cold north wind called the mistral.

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Things to see in Avignon

Attractions

• Musée Angladon

Set inside a handsome 18th-century mansion, this museum is home to a remarkable collection of 18th-, 19th- and 20th-century art. Works include masterpieces by Degas, Daumier, Sisley, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Picasso and Modigliani. On the first floor, the rooms of the house are immaculately furnished and decorated in period style. Address: 5 rue Laboureur, Avignon. Telephone: +33 4 9082 2903 Opening times: Daily 13:00-18:00, Mon Closed. Website: www.angladon.com Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Pont St Bénezet (St Bénezet Bridge)

“Sur le pont d’Avignon on y danse, on y danse” – the old song still draws visitors to this 12th-century bridge, formally known as Pont St Bénezet. Only four of its original 22 arches remain, leaving the bridge uncompleted in the middle of the Rhone. Its Chapelle St Nicholas should not be missed. Its museum contains a 3D exhibition. Address: Rue Ferruce, Avignon. Telephone: +33 4 3274 3274 Opening times: Daily 09:00-19:00. Website: www.avignon-pont.com Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: Yes

• Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes)

More fortress than palace, this mighty landmark looms above Avignon. The square in front is the impressive setting for the Avignon Festival. Built for popes who decamped from Rome to Avignon in the 14th century, it combines two structures – the austere ‘Old Palace’ and the extravagantly gothic ‘New Palace’. Address: Place du Palais des Papes, Avignon. Telephone: +33 4 3274 3274 Opening times: Daily 09:00-19:00. Website: www.palais-des-papes.com Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: No UNESCO: Yes

• Villeneuve-lès-Avignon

Buses link Avignon with its suburban villeneuve (new town) across the Rhône in Languedoc. Originally Villeneuve allowed the King of France to keep an eye on the popes on the far side of the river. It soon became a pleasant village with luxurious residences, a fort, a monastery and lavish gardens. Address: Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. Telephone: +33 4 9025 6133 Opening times: Daily 24 hours. Website: www.avignon-et-provence.com Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

• Île de la Barthelasse (Barthelasse Island)

Peaceful Île de la Barthelasse, Europe’s largest river island, rests between two arms of the Rhône. Easily reached on foot, by bus or by a free ferry, the island is Avignon’s principal leisure spot. There are parks, cycle paths, waterside walks, and campsites, plus restaurants and sports facilities, including boat and bike hire. Address: 84000 Avignon. Opening times: Daily 24 hours. Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Rocher des Doms

The ramps from the Palais des Papes lead to the Rocher des Doms, site of Avignon’s earliest settlement. The rocky area was landscaped in the 18th century into a pleasant shady plateau with an artificial rock garden. Terraces were laid out in the 20th century, offering views of the Rhône, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and the Alpilles. Address: Above Place du Palais, Avignon. Opening times: Daily 07:30-17:30. Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Musée Calvet (Calvet Museum)

Housed in a splendid 18th-century mansion, Musée Calvet displays a varied collection of artworks from the 15th to the 20th century. It ranges from fine arts to decorative crafts such as tapestry, jewellery and porcelain, as well as works by Corot, Manet, Sisley and Modigliani. It has a remarkable archaeology collection too. Address: 65 rue Joseph Vernet, Avignon. Telephone: +33 4 9086 3384 Opening times: Daily 10:00-13:00. Website: www.musee-calvet.org Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

• Musée du Petit Palais (Little Palace Museum)

On the northern end of place du Palais, the Little Palace Museum houses an impressive collection of frescoes and Italian art from the 13th to 16th centuries, including works by Botticelli and Carpaccio. The Angel of the Annunciation, by Sano Di Pietro, is one of its most remarkable paintings. Address: Place du Palais des Papes, Palais des Archevêques, Avignon. Telephone: +33 4 9086 4458 Opening times: Wed-Mon 10:00-1830. Website: www.petit-palais.org Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

• Musée Louis Vouland (Louis Vouland Museum)

Art collector Louis Vouland (1883-1973) bequeathed his 19th-century townhouse and huge collection of arts and crafts to the state. His home was restored and opened in 1982, displaying quirky 17th- and 18th-century decorative arts. A dainty travel tea set in Sèvres faïence, which belonged to the Comtesse du Barry, steals the show. Address: 17 Rue Victor Hugo, 84000 Avignon. Telephone: +33 4 9086 0379 Opening times: Daily 13:00-18:00. Website: www.vouland.com Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

• Collection Lambert en Avignon

Housed in the Musée d’Art Contemporain, this collection contains work by many of the world’s leading contemporary artists, including Cy Twombly, Sol LeWitt, Donald Judd, Niele Toroni, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Anselm Kiefer, Christian Boltansky, Nan Goldin and Douglas Gordon. The museum was greatly expanded ahead of its reopening in July 2015. Address: 5 rue Violette, Avignon. Telephone: +33 4 9016 5620 Opening times: Daily 11:00-18:00. Website: www.collectionlambert.com Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

Tourist Offices

• Office de Tourisme d’Avignon

Address: 41 cours Jean Jaurès, Avignon. Telephone: +33 4 3274 3274 Opening times: Daily 09:00-19:00 Website: www.avignon-tourisme.com The tourist office has an extensive selection of brochures on sights, accommodation and restaurants, as well as information on what to do in the Vaucluse department. It can also arrange tours of the city and surrounding area.

Tourist passes

The free Avignon PASSion card offers discounts at attractions and concessions on tourist transport. Available from participating museums and the tourist office, markdowns take effect once the holder visits the first attraction at fullprice. Participating sights include Musée Calvet, Musée Vouland, Musée du Petit Palais, Palais des Papes and Pont St Bénezet. The pass is valid for two weeks.

Things to do in Avignon

• Buy some decent olive oil

For any food with a Franco-Mediterranean bent, olive oil is the golden glue that holds it all together. Guided excursions arranged by the

• Tourist office

Address: 41 cours Jean Jaurès, Avignon. Telephone: +33 4 3274 3274 Website: www.avignon-tourisme.com Leave Avignon for the area around the pretty village of Les Baux-de-Provence, just to the south. At traditional oil mills you’ll be shown how olive oil is made and get to taste plenty.

• Cook like a local

The South of France’s culinary reputation is unparalleled, so why not use some of your time here trying to cook like them. At

• Concept Chef

Telephone: +33 6 2536 1240 Website: www.conceptchef.com There are courses for adults and children, and anyone who wants insight into the local style of Provençal cuisine will be well pleased (not to mention well fed).

• Go horse riding on Barthelasse Island

Horse riding is a highly regarded activity in the western Provence region, and there’s no better place to do it than on Barthelasse Island.

• The Centre Equestre d’Avignon

Telephone: +33 4 9085 8348 Website: www.cheval-avignon.ffe.com Runs a variety of short riding courses on the river island, which is accessed by a free ten-minute ferry from the Pont d’Avignon.

• Haggle in the local flea markets

Nothing quite says immersive holiday like getting into a robust argument about the price of a knackered old Cezanne print. There are two excellent flea markets in Avignon: the Petite Brocante d’Avignon in Place des Corps every Tuesday, and the Puces de Bonpas in Monfavet on a Saturday morning. Arrive early for the best bargains.

• Tackle the River Sorgue in a canoe

For the amateur, river canoeing on the Rhône can be a little too challenging. For a gentler canoe outing, head to nearby Fontaine-de-Vaucluse on the pretty River Sorgue with

• Canoe Evasion

Telephone: +33 4 90 38 26 22 website: www.canoeevasion.net Two-hour trips go downstream for 8km (5 miles) from Fontaine-deVaucluse to l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Groups leave several times daily.

Avignon tours and excursions

Avignon tours

• Boat tours

Nothing beats seeing Avignon’s medieval fortifications and landmarks from the River Rhône. Grands Bateaux de Provence offers several river excursions, including trips between Avignon and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, and dinner cruises. In addition, there’s a frequent free ferry from Pont St Bénezet to  Barthelasse Island. Telephone: +33 4 9085 6225 Website: www.avignon-et-provence.com

• Walking tours

A selection of guided city walks, in English and French, can be booked through the Avignon Tourist Office. Tours are based on specific themes and cover the major sights. The office also has details of a self-guided route that takes in the city’s key attractions. Telephone: +33 4 3274 3274 Website: www.avignon-tourisme.com

Avignon excursions

• Vaison-la-Romaine

With its two large Roman archaeological sites and high Roman bridge, the pleasant country town of Vaison-laRomaine is a spectacular stop for history lovers. The remains here are in exceptionally good condition. There’s a big, colourful traditional street market every Tuesday morning too. Vaison is located some 40km (25 miles) north of Avignon. Telephone: +33 4 9036 0211 Website: www.vaison-la-romaine.com

• Arles

Charming Arles is 40km (24 miles) south of Avignon at the gateway to the Camargue wetland wilderness. The town’s well-preserved Roman amphitheatre is still in use for bullfights – as well as plays and concerts in summer. There’s a Roman theatre here too, the strange Alyscamps necropolis, and some good art galleries. Telephone: +33 4 9018 4120 Website: www.arlestourisme.com

Shopping in Avignon

Avignon is an ideal town for buying presents. Most Provençal specialities are on sale here, with all the vivid colours and flavours of the South. The city’s shopping streets are crowded with locals and visitors, and there’s a surprising range of contrasting stores in a small area. Designer fashions and pricey jewellers are right alongside everyday butchers and bakers, gourmet chocolatiers and tourist-oriented souvenir shops.

• Key areas

Running through the centre of the walled Old Town, Avignon’s main street is rue de la République, with branches of French chain stores, as well as interesting boutiques and tempting food shops. Look down the side streets – chic boutiques line rue Joseph-Vernet, west of République, while Rue St Agricol is lined with fashions and accessories, including designer outlet Donna at number 35. The pedestrianised area at the heart of the old city allows for a leisurely, traffic-free shopping experience.

• Markets

A market with 40 stalls selling local and regional food and wine is open Monday to Saturday at the main market, Les Halles d’Avignon in place Pie. In addition to the covered market at Les Halles, south of place Pie, there are colourful outdoor markets at the Rempart St Michel (a food market on Saturday and Sunday) and place des Carmes (a flower market on Saturday and flea market on Sunday). Shopping centres Rue de la République is where you’ll find Monoprix department store, with a big choice of men’s and women’s fashions, the audio and books department store FNAC, and a large branch of H&M. North-east of the city centre are the large modern shopping malls of Auchan (at Le Pontet) and Buld’air (at Vedène).

• Opening hours

Department stores are open Monday to Saturday 09:00-19:00, while smaller shops close 12:00-14:00 and Monday morning. Almost all shops are closed Sunday, except boulangeries and pâtisseries which often open on Sunday mornings.

• Souvenirs

Local specialities include olive oil, lavender, brightly printed fabrics, sugared fruits, chocolate and fig or melon jam. Take home a taste of Avignon with some Papalines d’Avignon liqueur chocolates, or famous wines of the region such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape. A good selection of regional wines can be found at La Cave du Bouffart, 14 rue des Fourbisseurs. Lovers of the mustard yellow and olive green of Provençal pottery will be spoilt for choice at Terre et Art, 29 rue des Fourbisseurs, or Terre et Provence, 26 rue de la République. For a souvenir in silver or gold, shoppers should head for Vincent Joaillier, 12 place du Change, a jewellery design shop founded in 1897.

• Tax information

TVA (or VAT) varies between 5.5% (on books and essential foods) to 19.6% (standard rate for most goods). An increase to 21.2% is expected. Visitors from outside the European Union can claim a tax refund upon departure for each occasion over 175 euros has been spent in any shop on the same day. Ask the retailer for the refund form, called the “bordereau de détaxe”  before leaving the store.  Keep all recipts and at the airport on departure look for the Détaxe sign to claim the refund.

Restaurants in Avignon

Almost any of Avignon’s bars and cafés can provide a simple three-course menu at a modest price. The busiest streets and squares, especially Place de l’Horloge, are lined with brasserie-style restaurants. Avignon also has some top-quality places serving excellent Provençal cooking. The Avignon restaurants below have been grouped into three pricing categories: Expensive (over €50) Moderate (€25 to €50) Cheap (up to €25) These Avignon restaurant prices are for a three-course meal for one, including half a bottle of house wine or equivalent. Most restaurants include tax and a 12-15% service charge in their prices. If service is good, guests will often leave an extra €2 tip or the small change from their bill, if they pay in cash. If service is not included, it is customary to leave a 12-15% tip.

Expensive

• La Fourchette

Cuisine: French Provençal This well-established restaurant offers a varied and accomplished menu prepared by Philippe Hiély. La Fourchette is popular for classic French fare and traditional Provençal dishes such as beef daube (slow-cooked stew). Decor is attractive and simple, with plenty of polished wood. Closed weekends. Address: 17 rue Racine, Avignon. Telephone: +33 4 9085 2093 Website: www.la-fourchette.net

• La Mirande

Cuisine: French, Provençal Set in the La Salle Cardinalice dining room of the La Mirande hotel, this restaurant continues to set the standard for haute cuisine in Avignon. Classic French cooking with a modern twist, plates always have local Provence and Languedoc touches and are served in an atmosphere of old-fashioned elegance and style. Address: 4 place de la Mirande, La Mirande, Avignon. Telephone: +33 4 9014 2020 Website: www.la-mirande.fr

• Restaurant SEVIN

Cuisine: French The eponymous chef here, a Maître Cuisinier de France (Master Chef of France), specialises in seafood and game. The set menu at lunchtime is very good value, but rarely as ambitious as the more expensive menus on offer. The restaurant is in an enviable location next to the Palais des Papes. Tasting menus of artfully plated contemporary dishes with wine pairings in a centuries-old house. Address: 10 rue de Mons, Avignon. Telephone: +33 4 9086 1650 Website: www.restaurantsevin.fr

Moderate

• Fou de Fafa

Cuisine: French An intimate little restaurant run by a British couple (the husband cooks, the wife is front of house), Fou de Fafa has a fresh take on classic French cuisine with some exotic touches. It’s tiny and is open only in the evenings, so make certain you book ahead. Address: 17 rue des Trois Faucons, Avignon. Telephone: +33 4 3276 3513 Website: www.restaurantfoudefafa.com

• Restaurant Maison de la Tour

Cuisine: French This is an excellent restaurant run by Jean-Marc Larrue, an experienced and creative chef who also offers cookery courses here. The decor is cheerfully red, and the cuisine is in classic French style, emphasising the best of Provence – sometimes slipping over the border into Italy. Its bouillabaisse is a speciality. Address: 9 rue de la Tour, Avignon. Telephone: +33 9 8622 2973 Website: www.maisondelatour.fr

• Le Vintage

Cuisine: Modern French Contemporary Southern French cuisine with cocktails in a cozy, lively bistro tucked down an alley. This is an excellent restaurant The decor is cheerfully red, and the cuisine is in classic French style. Address: 10 Rue Galante, 84000 Avignon Telephone: +33 4 8665 4854 Website: www.levintageavignon.com

Cheap

• Ginette & Marcel- L’Épicerie de Ginette

Cuisine: French This quirky, friendly café in Places des Corps-Saints is decked out like an old-fashioned French épicerie with colourful tables spilling out under the plane trees of the square. This is the place for simple yet tasty lunches of tartines (toasted country bread with a range of toppings). Address: 25 place des Corps-Saints, Avignon. Telephone: +33 4 9085 5870 Website: www.lepicerie-de-ginette-restaurant-avignon.metro.rest

• Le Petit Comptoir

Cuisine: American You’ll need either luck or a decent sense of direction to find Le Petit Comptoir (The Little Counter), buried deep among Avignon’s ancient lanes. But once you stumble over the place, preferably onto its outside terrace, you’ll be leaving a trail of breadcrumbs from its handsomely sized burgers just so you can find your way back again. Address: 5 rue de Tremoulet, Avignon. Telephone: +33 4 9088 3510 Website: www.lepetitcomptoir-avignon.fr

• Restaurant l’Agape

Cuisine: French The innovative mix of French and Provençal cuisine fits the industrial chic interior of this classy restaurant in Place des Corps-Saints. The lunch menu is particularly good value with seasonal dishes that could include pan-fried red mullet with artichoke purée or saddle of lamb with fritters of courgette flowers. Address: 21 place des Corps-Saints, Avignon. Telephone: +33 4 9085 0406 Website: www.restaurant-agape-avignon.com

Avignon Nightlife

Avignon is not a big nightlife centre. Even the dance venues tend to be bars rather than nightclubs. Late-night bars are mainly focused around place de l’Horloge, place du Palais, rue Carnot and place des Corps-Saints. However, things become especially frenetic during the Avignon Festival. Avignon is more of a high-culture place, even outside festival time, with frequent classical performances.

Bars in Avignon

• Caves des Pas Sages

In the southeast part of town, the picturesque lanes of the old Teinturiers quarter lie just inside the city wall. Tucked away on a cobbled waterside lane is this relaxed bar inside a wine shop. Open Monday to Saturday from 1000 to midnight, it offers a mellow atmosphere and live music on Saturday. Address: 41 rue des Teinturiers, Avignon. Telephone: +33 4 3274 2586

• Le Cid

The pick of the bars in the Place de l’Horloge, gay-friendly Le Cid offers ringside seats to the action in this busy main square. Choose from the chilled-out interior or heated terrace, where you can also grab a plate of sushi to go with your aperitif. Address: 11 place de l’Horloge, Avignon. Telephone: +33 4 9082 3038 Website: www.lecidcafe.com

• Pub Z

This buzzy bar around the corner from Avignon’s Les Halles food market in Place Pie offers a long list of rum-based drinks served in a cool and funky interior dominated by wacky zebra motifs. Open till 0130, it features everything from electro and rock to soul and disco. Address: 58 rue de la Bonneterie, Avignon. Telephone: +33 4 9085 4284

Clubs in Avignon

• Bokao’s

Open from midnight until 0700, there’s a non-stop party atmosphere at Bokao’s. Dance and electro pump from the speakers in this sleek setting with its glass bars and pink and blue lighting. It has themed evenings mid-week and free admission on Thursdays, plus an onsite restaurant. Address: 9 bis Quai St Lazare, Avignon. Telephone: +33 4 9082 4795 Website: www.bokaos.fr

• Club Les Ambassadeurs

This stylish, crowded dance club is open Thursday to Saturday from 2330 to 0600. Entry is free but drinks are pricey, and there’s a strict smart-casual dress code. There’s cosy seating arranged around the dance floor, as well as a quieter comfortable bar area, but tables have to be reserved in advance. Address: 27 Rue Bancasse, Avignon. Telephone: +33 4 9086 3155 Website: www.clublesambassadeurs.fr

• Red Zone

In this eclectic club and bar, DJs play anything from salsa to house to hip-hop. Open until 0300 daily, it’s often packed, but retains an intimate feel. It has two separate bars and a terrace as well as the dance floor. It often hosts theme nights or has live music from guest bands. Address: 25 rue Carnot, Avignon. Telephone: +33 4 6581 7413

Live music in Avignon

• AJMI Jazz Club – La Manutention

AJMI Jazz Club at La Manutention arts centre is the city’s most respected cutting-edge and contemporary jazz venue. It hosts a wide variety of performers in the evening in a warm, convivial and intimate setting. There are also jazz masterclasses during the day and it even has its own recording label. Address: 4 rue des Escaliers Sainte Anne, Avignon. Telephone:+33 4 1339 0785 Website: www.ajmi.fr

Theatres in Avignon

• Théâtre du Chien qui Fume

Théâtre du Chien qui Fume puts on a varied programme of theatre, music and improvisation evenings. Set among the watery lanes of the Teinturiers district, it has long been a leading venue for performing arts in western Provence. There’s an emphasis on contemporary drama and it’s noted for its creative, imaginative flair. Address: 75 rue des Teinturiers, Avignon. Telephone: +33 4 9085 2587 Website: www.chienquifume.com

Music and Dance in Avignon

• Opéra d’Avignon

The graceful Opéra d’Avignon, built in 1847, pts on operas, operettas and symphonic and chamber music concerts, as well as theatre and ballet. It’s the foremost stage in this part of Provence for classic high culture. It also allocates part of its season to experimental and contemporary works and young performers. Address: Place de l’Horloge, Avignon. Telephone: +33 4 9014 2640 Website: www.operagrandavignon.fr

Avignon Food And Drink

Avignon punches well above its small-town weight with what it delivers in terms of food. The bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes impressed visitors over and over again. Avignon is not only for French food lovers. The city’s cuisine is a fusion of traditional Provençal flavors and Mediterranean influences. Local markets brim with produce, herbs, and seafood, inspiring dishes like Ratatouille and Bouillabaisse .

• Ratatouille (a hearty vegetable stew)

French Provencal vegetable stew that’s bursting with summery Mediterranean flavours! Simple & humble, yet a stunner! Ratatouille is traditionally made with tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, onions, and eggplant when they are at the peak of their season at the same time. Garlic, thyme, and basil are often added to the mix as well.

• Bouillabaisse (a flavorful fish soup).

True bouillabaisse must be made with Mediterranean fish, including the essential racasse (a bony rock fish), plus whiting, conger eel, mullet, chapon, saint-pierre, and a number of others. Spiny lobsters and crabs are used, as are mussels in the Parisian version of the dish. You will try, among others, la salade camarguaise (Camargue salad), l’anchoïade (anchovies, oil, and garlic paste, usually served with raw vegetables), les moules de Bouzigues en brasu-cado (Bouzigues mussels in a sharp sauce cooked on a wood fire), les anguilles du Rhône en bouillabaisse (Rhone eels in a fish soup).