The Best Bars In Avignon France

Avignon, on the Rhône River in southeastern France, epitomises a picturesque French city. Think medieval architecture – including the famed Palais des Papes – and quaint cobbled streets in a Unesco-protected historic centre, which dates back to the 12th century. It’s also a hop and a skip from the Rhône Valley wine region, so after a long day of exploring, you can kick back with local vin or craft beer. Check out our picks for the best bars in Avignon.

1. Marion Nous

Wine Bar, French

This intimate wine bar, a favourite among Avignon locals, cultivates an inviting environment. The book-lined walls are softly lit by overhead lamps, and exposed beams add to the venue’s hole-in-the-wall atmosphere. Marion – the bar’s owner and namesake – takes great pride in the bar’s wine selection and hand-picks bottles from across the country, ensuring there’s something for every palate.

2. The Pipeline

Pub, Beer

Less wine-inclined? You’ll feel right at home inside this English-style pub. The Pipeline was founded by a former brewery sales representative, who made the leap to publican after visiting countless bars and breweries across Europe. They have 18 draft beers on tap and 30 bottled options – so whether you prefer a bold brew or a blonde lager, the friendly team will know what to recommend.

3. Cave des Pas Sages

Bar, Charcuterie, Wine Bar, French

Cave des Pas Sages, tucked into the cobbled Rue des Teinturiers, is the perfect place to relax after a long day spent wandering around Avignon. Pull up a chair under the shade of the plane trees – and, if you time it right, enjoy live music. The charm of this petite wine bar is its location opposite the Sorgue Channel and in front of an old water wheel – a remnant from the street’s old textile manufacturing days.

5. Pub Z

Pub, Nightclub, Bar, Pub Grub

Pub Z is a lively Avignon institution, known for its live music and DJ sets. The venue has a laid-back atmosphere that attracts both locals and visitors, so expect a full house on weekends. Along with the usual libations, Pub Z serves up rum distilled in-house – either by the shot or mixed into countless cocktails. Unlike the other unassuming bars on this list, Pub Z’s eclectic exterior is impossible to miss – just look for the black, graffitied corner in the sea of limestone.

6. Au Cœur d'Avignon

Wine Bar, French

Au Cœur d’Avignon is a chic wine bar, attached to a guesthouse in central Avignon. Its menu of local reds and whites is just as sophisticated as its interiors, while the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. Settle by the fireplace, apéritif in hand, and enjoy a charcuterie selection based on your beverage choice.

7. Beer District

Craft Ale Bar, Beer

With 16 craft beers on tap and another 50 available by the bottle, Beer District is one of several venues championing the fermented brew in the wine-saturated region of Provence. The folk here are so confident that you’ll enjoy your beer that they offer a try-before-you-buy policy. If you’re lucky, you might catch live music here too.

8. Vinotage

Wine Bar, French

France, Vaucluse, Avignon, Wine Barge, Vinotage

Vinotage is a floating wine bar, docked on the banks of the l’Île de Piot. The unusual venue – a 1900s barge built in Germany – was purchased and transformed by three wine aficionados several years ago, and has since become a popular place for sundowner drinks by the Rhône. They offer a great wine selection, along with thematic tastings and events. Grab a spot by the water and enjoy a glass of vin blanc with fresh oysters.

9. La Tache d’encre

Cafe, Bar, French

La Tache d’encre is a family-run theatre with a cafe that doubles up as a bar. It calls itself a multi-disciplinary space and attracts a loyal – predominantly French – crowd of rollicking regulars. Aside from the shows themselves, La Tache is beloved for its courtyard, where visitors can enjoy well-priced drinks among the quirky decor.

This is an updated version of an article originally by Christine Wilson.

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