Sipping a glass of Côtes du Rhône while the setting sun paints the ancient Papal Palace in shades of burnt orange is a quintessential Provençal experience. Avignon, a city of immense historical weight and theatrical charm, offers a drinking scene that moves far beyond the tourist traps surrounding the Place de l’Horloge. From hidden wine caves to bustling terraces, the city pulses with a vibrant energy once the cathedral bells fall silent.
Navigating the cobblestone labyrinth of the intramural city can be overwhelming, especially if you are looking for an authentic local haunt rather than a generic pint. The key to drinking well in Avignon lies in understanding the duality of its character: it is both a grand, medieval stage and a modern, university-driven town. This blend creates a unique ecosystem of bars ranging from historic institutions to trendy, mixology-focused speakeasies.
Whether you are seeking a natural wine from the nearby Luberon, a perfectly executed classic cocktail, or a lively spot to debate the latest Festival d’Avignon performance, this city has a venue for you. We have explored the narrow alleyways and sun-drenched squares to curate a list that prioritizes atmosphere, quality of pour, and the distinct character of the neighborhood.
The following guide is designed to help you drink like a local, bypassing the mediocre spots that often plague historic centers. We have focused on establishments that offer genuine value, whether through an exceptional wine list, a unique view, or an ambiance that captures the soul of the Vaucluse region. Prepare to discover the best places to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Below is our handpicked selection of the finest drinking establishments in the City of the Popes, ensuring your evening is just as memorable as your daytime explorations.
La Cave Des Pas Sages
| Address | 41 Rue des Teinturiers, 84000 Avignon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | — |
The owner is a wonderful host in her authentic cave. The medieval Street and structures are astounding. Enjoy a drink by the historic water wheel,cobblestone art, ancient plane trees & historic stone benches. It's fantastic prices for quality drinks, high-end taps for beer with a glass rinse before each pour. Don't miss her wonderful formage specials and happy hour starts at 6:00 p.m.. Remember the French tradition for a cave, you need to go to the bar and order then pay each order. And you really need to tip. Travelers you need to experience where the locals hang out.
Nice bar during summer time
Really nice to sit outdoors on the street by the big water wheel with a glass of nice, local wine!
Perfect place to have a quick mid-afternoon drink in a calm tree-shaded side street. Live music rosta looked fun, too.
A great local bar, I'd love to go every day. Go to drink, not to eat.
The Pipeline
| Address | 34 Cr Jean Jaurès, 84000 Avignon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 AM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 AM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 AM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM Friday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 5:00 PM – 12:30 AM |
| Phone | 04 65 87 05 56 |
Stopped for a quick refresher after a long day out. Tapes, beer and bubbles was all we needed but staff were great. Do pop in if you have the opportunity - Chloe takes the best selfies 😅.
We ordered the chicken salad and chicken burger. The 5 stars are for their size of serving. The salad is equivalent to a meat main course and the fries come with the burger could fill every space you have in the stomach. I like the food in overall but they are a little less flavourful especially the chicken on both dishes and that's not particular to this place, generally that's how I find the food in France. I like the taste of the sauce with the burger, that's the main flavour of the burger. Recommended especially for a place for salad.
Nice bar to chill with friends, they have happy hour 17:30 and local beer here.
On the way from the center to the station, we were looking for a place to have lunch in Avignon for quite a long time. We went to this restaurant more out of desperation, we didn't want to eat right on such a main street. What a nice surprise. They have a solid selection of food. Everything we had was very tasty, the portions were generous. There is a huge selection of draft and bottled beer. The service was very nice, helpful and above all fast. And the prices? Very very affordable for the center of Avignon. Total satisfaction from our side, we highly recommend.
Very friendly and welcoming restaurant. It has a good atmosphere with great food, wine, and beer. Most, if not all, of the staff speak English. It is frequented by locals and tourists alike. This is a great place that I couldn't recommend more to anyone visiting the area.
The Red Sky
| Address | 23 Rue Saint-Jean le Vieux, 84000 Avignon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 1:30 AM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 1:30 AM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 1:30 AM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 1:30 AM Friday: 9:00 AM – 1:30 AM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:30 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 1:30 AM |
| Phone | 04 90 85 93 23 |
Cafe located in Place Pie across from Les Halls. Lots of comfortable seating inside and outside. There are mostly shaded tables and some sunny tables.
Service is excellent. We have settled on this cafe after using several others over the years.
Nice cafe for cafe and croissants or a lite lunch.
Recommended.
The Nutella and sugar/citron crepes were very good.
Worst mojito of the galaxy. Mint leaves were brownish.
Beautiful pub in the style of typical English pub. Lots of young people hang around spending time there probably thanks to comfortable sofas.
A great choice of beers, and very nice people: behind and in front of the counter!
Delicious beer. Expansive outdoor patio. Service could be more attentive- I had an empty glass for 30 minites.
O'Collins's Irish Pub
| Address | 38 Cr Jean Jaurès, 84000 Avignon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 1:30 AM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 1:30 AM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 1:30 AM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 1:30 AM Friday: 10:00 AM – 1:30 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:30 AM Sunday: 4:00 PM – 1:30 AM |
| Phone | 04 32 76 33 40 |
We had a very nice experience, while watching the match. The service was excellent! Fast no mistake with a lovely smile always. Food quality was decent. The fries could have been less oily, but nice fish fry, smooth Guinness, good burger, all in all good food, great service! Went back today too for some drinks. Bravo for a very efficient service despite being quite full.
Great atmosphere for match. Friendly staff. Seatinh in and out. We did not eat but staff were busy with it and it looked good! I'd just pop a sign on wall at the top of stairs to the WC - I counted about 5 people asking. Us Brits know where to find loos in Irish pubs but clearly others don't🤣 Great evening and well done Spain!
Horroble service. Ordered a Belgiun beer that did not look right. Tried to ask after if it really is right one as saw others get served it with right class. Could not reach anyone until people were leaving. They confirmed it is right beer. Afterall paid the beed after waited 2 hours, Maybe it was langueage barrier. But service could be improved a lot.
Our waitress was so good! Spoke terrific English and treated us tourists with such kindness. Our family will remember our conversation fondly when thinking back on this trip.
Oh, the food was good too and Guinness on draft is always a win.
Service was fantastic! The nachos were great. The Poke bowl was quite large, and the rice was not sticky rice. The cheesecake was yummy. It was a little hard to enjoy it all as where we were seated outside smelled like dog piss.
Bar La place ️| Terrasse Cocktail Music
| Address | 3 Pl. Pie, 84000 Avignon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:30 AM – 1:00 AM Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 1:00 AM Friday: 7:30 AM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 7:30 AM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 7:30 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Phone | 06 19 01 03 94 |
Fantastic place for a pre- or post-dinner drink. Nice vibe! The service is exceptional. Great happy hour prices (1700-2000 hrs) for beer, wine and cocktails. Esteban is an amazing cocktail connoisseur! Ask for recommendations 😉
The beer was good but the bald waiter tried to rob us, everytime check your recipe or dont go there. The waiter after this incident kept the tip.
Rude, impatient servers who are "over" having to deal with Americans who can't fully speak French. They'd rather you go someplace else...and so would you.
Best place in town!
Mattia the best mixologist in the world. His name is Hugo. Jason might be better though
Le Central Bar
| Address | 35 Rue de la République, 84000 Avignon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 90 86 70 81 |
Nice place in a lovely Avignon. The food was really good, but I want to point something out the first thing is time, the waiting time was quite long, second the most important for me there were problems with communication (speaking and trying to explain something to them in english was quite hard there). The toilet is old and wasn’t clean. Apart from this the restaurant looks nice and the surroundings is fabulous (the biggest advantage is definitely location)
Did a chat review for cocktail for 6pm Avignon and this was the highest rated! Awful! Sunday night Avignon not a lot open. Cocktail awful.
Fantastic cocktails by a very good mixer. Prices are amazingly low by London standards. Very friendly atmosphere drinking cocktails in an open courtyard.
Perfect cocktails and super nice staff!
Amazing cocktails, staff were very friendly. Will be returning!
Le Carré du Palais
| Address | 1 Pl. du Palais, 84000 Avignon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 65 00 01 01 |
We stopped in at Le Carré du Palais by accident, as we were passing by on a hot day. We were not that hungry but shared a risotto dish and had a couple of cold beer. The food tasted so good, and what we saw being sent to the nearby tables looked so awesome that we booked a dinner reservation for that night.
Returned at 7:30, sat on the same terrace in front of the Palace of the Popes, and had an absolutely astounding meal. Service was great, and the pace of the evening was relaxed. Highly recommend this restaurant.
The dessert — Fraîcheur Meringuée Citron et Yuzu🍋🟩— was the undisputed star of the entire meal. A lemon sauce base at the bottom, a caramelized sugar shell with a satisfying crack, a molten yuzu center that flows out when you break through, and on top, what looks like whipped cream but turns out to be a cool, airy meringue frost hiding underneath. Delicate, complex, and genuinely unlike anything I’ve had before. I left a convert to French pâtisserie for life.
The starter, Foie Gras mi-cuit with Cévennes onion and raspberry condiment, was decent. I expected that signature silky, almost gelatinous texture, but this leaned drier and more terrine-like. The flavor was right, just not the mouthfeel I was hoping for.
And then there was the main. The Agneau de Provence en Deux Façons itself was forgettable, but the mashed potato deserves its own paragraph. The chef, seemingly determined to honor the spice trade routes of the Mediterranean, appears to have built the purée around a generous hand of cumin and coriander — the same aromatic backbone of South Asian cooking — and finished it with rendered lamb fat instead of butter, which coats the palate in a way that lingers long after the last bite. The result is a dish that tastes, with startling precision, less like Provence and more like a Pakistani kitchen on a Sunday afternoon. First bite: confusion. Second bite: genuine regret. Technically explainable. Spiritually unforgettable.🤮Also the portion was so small.
At €49, it feels steep for Avignon, though the location next to the cathedral is lovely. The service was a little bit rude.
5 stars, entirely for the dessert.
A must visit restaurant in Avignon.
Fantastic service and even better meal! The chicken dish and the lamb were superb. Go with the wine selections recommended for each dish. Do Not pass on the deserts. Wonderful presentation of all dishes and a very friendly and helpful staff! A+!!
This restaurant uses its perfect location to attract. But from the first moment all looks like global food network restaurant. Noisy. Waiting for seating even you have reservation. Nobody asks where do you want to be seated. Long waiting for waiter. All the time long waiting time. And noisy like in the pub. Food average. But rather poor. Cold foil gras from the can was not something I expected. Fist was cold and sauces and pure was not good. Winelist OK but only 2025 and 2024 vintages by the glass. For tourists not foodies
The location and views are definitely the highlight of Café du Palais. It’s a beautiful setting and a very nice place to sit and enjoy the atmosphere in Avignon.
Unfortunately, the food did not live up to the surroundings. We felt the quality was quite poor.
With such a wonderful setting and view, this place has so much potential. If they improved the quality and preparation of the food, it could be a truly great experience.
Lalogène
| Address | 1 Pl. Pie, 84000 Avignon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:30 AM – 1:00 AM Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 1:00 AM Friday: 7:30 AM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 7:30 AM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 8:30 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Phone | — |
Friendly fast service. They only sell drinks so you can ask to eat your lunch here that you buy in one of the foodstalls in Les Halles or around and take a bathroom break.
Bathroom not accessible for wheelchairs
Great service. No food. Well priced. Friendly. Music very good. 60-80's.
Terrible experience, slow service, rude staff and the worst experience, my brother in law paid, and the waiter then took payment for a second time from my husband, who had not seen the original payment. The waiter blantently lied. Dishonest.
my job brings me here in avignon once a week and i can’t hardly wait to go to lalogene 🤗👍🤘
Nice way to spend the evening having a drink. Crowded, but ok.
Les Célestins
| Address | 38 Pl. des Corps Saints, 84000 Avignon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 1:30 AM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 1:30 AM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 1:30 AM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 1:30 AM Friday: 9:00 AM – 1:30 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:30 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Phone | — |
We waited for over an hour for a small apero bite. Afterwards we asked multiple times for the bill which also took a while. Not friendly, quite slow and disappointing food (already cold or not baked well).
We asked for normal water as usual in France, to our white wines. He did not give us one. Told us to go to the toilett to drink!! All the french people get one, we austrians not. Also others tourists not.
Had the same thing yesterday in Arles.
Choose the neighbour Bars, they offer normal water to everybody!
I waitef for over half an hour and no one even showed up to take my order. This was my second time coming here and last time it was packed so it was understandable why the service was slow. But this time it was quite empty yet the servers didn't even look my way and served the other tables. Bad service.
Great place in a small square. They offer tapas style snacks and the service was excellent. I imagine this is packed in the summer with tables outside.
Very cool cocktail bar for a quick drink and snack !!
Le Tom Tip
| Address | 55 Rue Joseph Vernet, 84000 Avignon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 1:00 AM Friday: 7:00 AM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 90 14 64 35 |
I had a wonderful meal at Le Tom Tip recently and left very satisfied with both the food and the overall experience.
The service was excellent, particularly thanks to a pretty and warm female waitress who looked after us. She was friendly, attentive, and had such a pleasant, welcoming personality that made us feel comfortable right away. Her warm smile and helpful attitude really enhanced our visit.
The Food:
We enjoyed a delicious meat patty topped with a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg — the runny yolk was rich and decadent. It came with thick-cut, crispy fries and a generous portion of fresh green salad. The dish was hearty, well-seasoned, and very satisfying.
We also tried the refreshing tomato salad with creamy mozzarella. The tomatoes were sweet and juicy, paired beautifully with the fresh lettuce — a simple but high-quality starter.
To finish, we had the coffee, which was excellent — rich, smooth, and perfectly brewed. Just what we needed after a good meal.
What also impressed us was the reasonable pricing. The portions were generous and the quality was solid, making it excellent value for money.
Le Tom Tip offers tasty, comforting brasserie classics in a relaxed setting. With friendly service, good coffee, and fair prices, it’s a great spot for a casual meal. We’ll definitely be back!
Highly recommended! ⭐
Simple but pretty good food (I would avoid Caesar Salad if you expect authenticity).
Best buy, in town!!! €3.50 and a good pour!!! Thx!!! Nice server...Craig!!!
I was on my way to the museum but it didn't open till 14:00 hours. I stopped here for a Caffè Americano or Americano. The bar keep was extremely friendly and made a good cup of coffee. He even added more hot water to make a full cup. I sat outside and enjoyed it. After the museum I stopped the locals were in good spirits. The new bar keep also made a good cup of coffee. The cost € 1.50. Also not as expensive as other places.
I think, it is one of the best places in Avignon for a drink. Ice cold Beer and very tasty Aperol Spritz. The Barkeeper was very friendly and polite.
Barberousse Avignon
| Address | 4 Rue Carnot, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 7:00 PM – 1:30 AM Wednesday: 7:00 PM – 1:30 AM Thursday: 7:00 PM – 1:30 AM Friday: 7:00 PM – 1:30 AM Saturday: 7:00 PM – 1:30 AM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 90 87 08 02 |
Great pub, beer pong, many different shots, good drinks
Brilliant bar. Have speciality rums but also other drinks. Very friendly staff & good atmosphere would recommend
Very foreigner-friendly 😉
Nice meals
Definitely stop in for a drink!
Le cid café
| Address | 11 Pl. de l'Horloge, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:30 AM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:30 AM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:30 AM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:30 AM Friday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 90 82 30 38 |
Our lunch today was the best meal that we have had in our first week in France.
On arrival we were greeted with a smile and directed to a nice table.
We ordered two different salads and were very impressed when they arrived.
The presentation was very nice and all the ingredients seemed very fresh. The chicken was very moist.
A lovely meal and would definitely go back.
Such lovely staff who were very kind enough to let us use the bathroom even though we hadn’t even purchased anything. The food and drinks looked great!!
The food was great. The personell was really nice especially Victor and the owner was a real personality! A place to visit!
I tried the salmon crêpe with a cidre. The
crêpe was loaded with salmon inside and out. It was a very generous serving with a hearty cheese. I don't recall the type of cheese. It really satisfied my craving 😋. Very good. As with most ancient buildings, finding the bathroom is part of the adventure. It's inside and down some tight, windy stairs.
As someone else said, I dont understand the negative reviews. The food was great. I ordered a bruschetta with salami, some wine and a salad. We told the server we had an hour to eat and all was well. The food was delicious and you can’t beat the view! I will definitely go back.
Baryum 56
| Address | 21 Rue Des Trois Faucons, 84000 Avignon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | — |
we had the chance to have an amazing class with the couple managing the place.
It was truly amazing, they explain really well what is the true essence and balance of a cocktail.
We did this as a team building and they provided great content, great tips.
They strive to provide with local alcohols, they replace what you currently see in most bar by spirits made in France.
We did their activity with A La Francaise team, and at the distillery Manguin.
Discovered late night after seeing 3 shows in one day 😅. The owner is very creative, his cocktails are unique - and delicious!
Moreover he's very patient and welcoming. The location is quite central.
An Avignon gem. Went multiple times. Supremely finessed cocktails with inventive effects. The menu is impressive, but their improvised cocktails are equally satisfying.
Great cocktails. Wonderful bartenders. Nice menu of cocktails but we don’t speak or read French and were sitting at the bar so we just asked them to make us something, they asked some questions and then made us some amazing cocktails.
Enjoy the experience of old classics remade or base liquor used in new ways. Don’t like the mix on the list, tell the bartender what you like and explore ideas. If you want the old standard drinks, go to the hotel bar. Want to explore, come here!
Mon Bar
| Address | 17 Rue Portail Matheron, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 AM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 AM Friday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 06 61 13 29 39 |
Lovely little bar. Welcoming waiter with a smile and so relaxing.
One waiter was really friendly. An older one didn’t even want to listen to me. Because he was serving other tables. Wow. So arrogant, never so this in my whole life. And I work in hospitality, owned a restaurant, went to park A LOT of bars and restaurants. This is wow!
Stopped in for an evening drink around 7:00. Ended up having a delicious dinner. Great service and value
The bar owner was absolutely delightful and hospitable - great value for money, awesome location and excellent atmosphere for a coffee/croissant or afternoon/evening vino! We will miss
‘old mate’ - regards, Di&Lee from Australia!
Excellent coffee and wonderful location.
I was lucky enough to meet a very nice local to sit with and trade some stories. He was kind enough to help me with my terrible French.
Pub Z
| Address | 58 Rue de la Bonneterie, 84000 Avignon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Friday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Phone | — |
Pub Z does it all: art gallery (local artists are exhibited), sports show (decent football in the background without sound), cool rock music (but never too loud)...and best of all: great and fast people behind the bar, delicious beers (recommendation La Goudale), fine rum shots and cocktails. The zebra design is the programme. Lots of seating outside and inside. We have been there several times and always felt comfortable.
The Zebra Pub, or Pub Z it's a bit of the essence of nightlife of Avignon. Beside the traditional well-known brands of liquors and beers, you should try the local ones. They taste so good, you'll want another one. And another. The bartender will recommend you what to choose from the list. And will take you places you've never been able to recognize, from the Greek Ouzo, Caraibean Rhum and the home-made ones that taste like Russia, The Mauresque. You'll go home happy and a little bit tipsy. Like the Zebra.
Extremely rude service on entrance. Disgusting bathrooms and service would not bother going, as did no one else as was completely empty when we got there. Avoid at all costs !
Spent a few days in Avignon and this was the best Bar for us. They have really reasonable prices and a lot going on and the service is very friendly and fast. They were showing the Rugby World Cup when we visited
There are a lot of pubs better. I didn't like it at all. Not kind. . Too simple and nothing special
Tips for Enjoying the Avignon Bar Scene
To make the most of your nights out in Avignon, it helps to understand the local customs and timing. The rhythm of drinking here is distinctly French, favoring long, leisurely sessions over quick rounds. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or a cocktail enthusiast, a few practical tips will help you navigate the scene with confidence and avoid common tourist pitfalls.
Embrace the Late Start: Avignon does not wake up for the evening until late. Most bars are quiet before 7:00 PM, and the true energy begins closer to 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM. If you arrive early, enjoy a quiet apéritif, but do not expect a raucous atmosphere until the dinner crowd begins to filter out.
Look Beyond the Main Squares: While the Place de l’Horloge is beautiful, the bars directly on it often charge a premium for the view and serve lower-quality drinks. Venture into the side streets, particularly around the Rue des Teinturiers or the Place des Carmes, to find where the locals actually drink.
Master the Apéritif: The pre-dinner drink is sacred. Opt for a Pastis, a local Rosé, or a Lillet Spritz. Many bars offer complimentary snacks like olives or nuts with your drinks, but this is more common in traditional bars than modern cocktail lounges.
Check for Festival Closures: If you are visiting in July during the Festival d’Avignon, the entire city transforms. Bars are packed from noon until dawn, and some private venues are taken over for theatrical performances. Reservations are rarely accepted, so arrive early or be prepared to stand.
Know Your Wine Regions: Avignon is the gateway to the Southern Rhône. When ordering red, expect bold Grenache blends from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, or Vacqueyras. For whites and rosés, look for offerings from Tavel or the Luberon. Do not hesitate to ask the bartender for a "vin nature" if you prefer organic and low-intervention options.
The beauty of drinking in Avignon lies in the contrast between the ancient stone walls and the innovative spirits being poured within them. Whether you have spent your evening debating the merits of a Burgundy versus a Rhône blend, or simply watching the world go by from a bustling terrace, the city offers a sensory experience that is hard to match.
As the night winds down, you will find that the best memories are often made in the smallest, most unassuming bars where the bartender remembers your name and the wine list is written on a chalkboard. Take your time, savor the local flavors, and let the medieval magic of Avignon guide your evening.
