Best Places to Eat in Avignon

Indulge Your Taste Buds: A Guide to Avignon’s Eats

Avignon, with its rich history and vibrant Provençal culture, offers more than just stunning architecture and landscapes. It boasts a delicious culinary scene, with plenty of options for both fine dining and casual bites. While not as renowned for its street food scene compared to other cities, you can still find some tasty local treats available on the go.

Here are a few places in Avignon where you can grab a quick and tasty meal:

  • Markets: Avignon is home to several fantastic markets, including the vibrant Marché des Halles and the bustling Marché de la Place du Palais. These are great for sampling regional specialties like:

    • Tapenade: This classic Provençal olive spread is a must-try. Many vendors sell fresh tapenade alongside other local delicacies.
    • Pissaladière: A savory onion tart, similar to pizza, that’s a staple in the region and often found at markets.

    These are fantastic places to experience the local food culture of Provence. You can find delicious cheeses, olives, charcuterie, and other fresh produce sold by passionate vendors.

Beyond the streets, Avignon offers amazing culinary experiences:

  • Restaurants:
    • Restaurant La Mirande: For a truly luxurious meal, this Michelin-starred restaurant in a historic palace is a must-visit.
    • Le Traboule: This charming bistro serves up traditional French dishes with a modern twist.
    • La Maison de la Mirande: Experience the culinary delights of Provence with their refined and elegant menu.

L’Epicurien: This restaurant features a tasting menu that highlights the best of regional cuisine.

  • Restaurants:

    • Le Petit Bistrot: Enjoy classic Provençal dishes in a cozy setting.

  • Food stalls: While not as abundant as in some other cities, you can still find a few local treats to enjoy on the go:

    • Salade Niçoise: This iconic dish with tuna, olives, and vegetables is available at many markets in Avignon.

  • Street food vendors: Many restaurants offer takeaway options.

Keep in mind:

  • “Restaurant” food culture: The best way to find out about the local flavours of Avignon is to visit its vibrant restaurants and explore the diverse menus.
  • Local bakeries: Offer fresh bread, pastries, and sandwiches for a quick bite or a leisurely lunch.

For a truly “Provençal” experience, try these local delicacies:

  • Fougasse: This flatbread with its distinctive leaf-shaped cuts is often found in bakeries and markets.
  • Tapenades and spreads: A popular way to enjoy fresh bread is with a variety of delicious tapenade and other local spreads.

Beyond the traditional:

  • Food trucks: Serving up unique takes on cuisine are increasingly popular, offering a diverse range of quick bites from around the world.

Look out for these in Avignon:

  • Street food markets: These often offer a variety of cuisines alongside classic street food.
  • Local street food: You can find local chefs and artisans creating delicious and innovative dishes using fresh, regional ingredients.

Remember: This is just a taste of what’s available for those on the go in Avignon.

Be sure to explore different “boulangeries” (bakeries) for unique bakery items that showcase the region’s culinary traditions.

Food Trucks and Beyond:

  • While Avignon doesn’t have the same kind of extensive food truck culture as some other cities, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy a casual and tasty meal.**

  • “Street food” in France:

    While traditional French cuisine is renowned for its elegance and refinement, Avignon offers a delightful mix of both, with options like fresh baguettes from “boulangeries” (fresh bread bakeries are ubiquitous throughout France) and delicious “panisses” (chickpea fritters) to enjoy.

Look for:

  • Local markets: Avignon has many fantastic “marchés” where you can find a variety of fresh, local foods and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
  • Restaurants with outdoor seating: This allows you to experience the charm of Avignon’s streets while enjoying your meal.

Enjoy the local flavours!

Remember to enjoy the deliciousness that is Avignon’s food scene, but be sure to try the “street food” options for a truly authentic taste of the region.