Avignon, the heart of Provence, is a paradise for food lovers. With its rich Mediterranean influences, fresh local produce, and deep-rooted culinary traditions, this historic city offers a feast for the senses. From lavender-infused desserts to hearty Provençal stews, here’s everything you must try while visiting Avignon.
🥖 Traditional Provençal Dishes
1. Ratatouille – A Classic Vegetable Stew
This famous Provençal dish is a slow-cooked mix of eggplant, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, and onions, flavored with garlic and herbs. It’s often served as a side dish or on its own with crusty bread.
📍 Where to Try It: Restaurant La Fourchette – A cozy spot known for its authentic Provençal cuisine.
2. Daube Provençale – A Hearty Beef Stew
This slow-cooked beef stew is marinated in red wine with garlic, herbs, and orange zest, making it incredibly tender and flavorful. It’s the perfect comfort food, especially in the cooler months.
📍 Where to Try It: La Cuisine du Dimanche – A family-run restaurant serving traditional home-style dishes.
3. Papeton d’Aubergine – Avignon’s Signature Dish
A dish unique to Avignon, papeton d’aubergine is a savory eggplant flan served with a rich tomato sauce. The name comes from the city’s history as the seat of the Popes, as "papeton" means "of the Pope."
📍 Where to Try It: L’Agape – A charming restaurant specializing in local delicacies.
🧀 Cheese & Charcuterie
4. Banon – A Unique Goat Cheese Wrapped in Chestnut Leaves
Banon is a soft, creamy goat cheese aged in chestnut leaves, giving it a distinct earthy flavor. It pairs perfectly with a glass of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine.
📍 Where to Try It: Les Halles d’Avignon – The city’s famous food market, where you’ll find the best selection of cheeses.
5. Caillette – A Provençal Meatball Specialty
A local favorite, caillette is a mix of pork, spinach, and herbs, shaped into small meatballs and served cold or hot. It’s often enjoyed with fresh baguette and mustard.
📍 Where to Try It: Maison Ventier – A well-known charcuterie shop in Avignon.
🥐 Breads & Pastries
6. Fougasse – Provence’s Signature Bread
Fougasse is a soft, flatbread similar to focaccia, often flavored with olives, rosemary, or cheese. It’s perfect for snacking or dipping in olive oil.
📍 Where to Try It: Boulangerie Violette – A local bakery known for its authentic Provençal breads.
7. Oreillettes – Crispy Sweet Treats
These thin, crispy pastries dusted with powdered sugar are a favorite during festivals and holidays. They’re light, airy, and perfect with a cup of coffee.
📍 Where to Try It: Pâtisserie Mallard – One of Avignon’s best pastry shops.
🍇 Local Wines & Drinks
8. Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine – The King of Rhône Valley Wines
Just a short drive from Avignon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is one of France’s most prestigious wine regions. These bold red wines are made from a blend of up to 13 grape varieties, creating rich and complex flavors.
📍 Where to Try It: Cave du Palais des Papes – A wine cellar offering tastings of the best Rhône Valley wines.
9. Pastis – Provence’s Iconic Anise-Flavored Drink
A popular apéritif, pastis is a strong anise-flavored spirit served with water and ice. It’s the drink of choice for locals on a warm afternoon.
📍 Where to Try It: Le Café Saint-Jean – A classic spot for an apéro with a view of the Rhône River.
🍨 Desserts & Sweets
10. Calisson d’Aix – Almond & Melon Candies
While originally from Aix-en-Provence, calissons are popular throughout Avignon. These diamond-shaped candies are made from almond paste and candied melon, coated in a thin layer of royal icing.
📍 Where to Try It: Confiserie Lilamand – A historic candy shop with a great selection of Provençal sweets.
11. Lavender Honey – A Taste of Provence
Provence is famous for its lavender fields, and lavender honey is a sweet souvenir you must try. It has a delicate floral flavor and is perfect drizzled over cheese or toast.
📍 Where to Buy It: Marché des Halles – The best place to find locally produced lavender honey.
🥗 Street Food & Market Finds
12. Panisse – Chickpea Fries
These crispy chickpea flour fries are a favorite Provençal street snack, served hot and sprinkled with sea salt.
📍 Where to Try It: Les Halles d’Avignon – The market has several stalls selling fresh panisse.
13. Pissaladière – The French Answer to Pizza
A flatbread topped with caramelized onions, anchovies, and black olives, this dish originates from Nice but is popular throughout Provence.
📍 Where to Try It: Chez Bodus – A bakery known for its fresh pissaladière.