ULTIMATE PROVENCE GUIDE:THE BEST VEGETARIAN-FRIENDLY FOOD IN AVIGNON & BEYOND

Last Updated on 14th August 2024 by Bejal

As with much of France, food and drink is a major component of daily life and culture in Avignon, the capital city of Provence, just as it does all over the region. Avignon is home to a wonderful farmers market, Les Halles d’Avignon, as well as having access to a plethora of locally grown vegetable and fruit. There is so much vegetarian friendly food in Avignon with the whole of Provence with its proximity to the Mediterranean is known for its healthy, flavoursome, colourful and nutritious dishes. Provence is also the perfect place to discover vegetarian-friendly Food in Avignon and the surrounding villages and towns.

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The cuisine of Provence is heavily influenced by its warm and dry mediterranean climate, the rocky landscape which is perfect for rearing animals, such as goats and sheep, the vast variety of seafood with the south coastal locations and of course the piece de resistance, truffles, or ‘black diamonds’.

This guide to the best vegetarian friendly food in Avignon and the region of Provence, focusses on cuisine that celebrates the vegetable for both vegetarians as well as carnivores, in addition to this restaurants, cafes and bakeries that make great vegetarian friendly offerings.

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Is Avignon and the Rest of Provence Vegetarian-Friendly?

Although only just over 5% of people in France are vegetarian, vegetarianism as a whole is growing and Provence is no exception. 

The answer is Yes, Avignon and much of the surrounding region is vegetarian friendly with restaurants accommodating vegetarian diets more than adequately. 

Often many of us dine with friends and family of whom often there is a vegetarian amongst us. This guide doesn’t focus solely therefore on just vegetarian restaurants but more on establishments that are vegetarian friendly so there are delicious carnivorous selections too.

What are the Basic Flavours of Vegetarian-Friendly Food in Avignon

Ingredients in Provence are fresh and delicious and surprisingly quite basic and are components of most of the dishes that are consumed daily. These include olives, olive oil, garlic, chickpeas, local vegetables such as aubergines, courgettes, bell peppers and tomatoes as well as fruit, notably, peaches, grapes, strawberries, cherries, apricots and the world renowned melons of Cavaillon.

In Provence a lot of the population lives on the coast, seafood plays a big part in Provençal cuisine but for the purposes of the article, this article assumes vegetarian friendly to include cheese as well as eggs but no seafood products.

.The most common herbs used in cooking in the locality are thyme, oregano, rosemary, fennel and basil. The king of ingredients and the base of all dishes in Provence is olive oil and is used in virtually every savoury dish including salads.

Typical Vegetarian Friendly Food in Avignon & Provence

• Banon – In Provence goat’s milk cheese is more common than cows milk. They simply don’t do cows milk cheeses. Banon is a cheese or fromage from the town of the same name and is creamy. It matures after being left wrapped in chestnut tree leaves and tied with raffia.
• Fougasse – This is the Provencal version of flatbread and is sprinkled with cheese, olives and traditionally anchovies, but you can ask to have it without!
• Socca – This can be described as a pancake, which is wafer thin and made from chickpea flour and olive oil. It’s browned in the oven and eaten topped with a generous serving of black pepper in the top.
• Beignets de fleurs de courgettes – during the summer in Provence, there’s ana abundance of courgette flowers, they can be seen everywhere and especially at market stalls. They are served stuffed with goats cheese and mint and then baked.
• Soup au Pistou – This can be described a little like minestrone and includes vegetables, a sprinkling of pasta and beans. It’s topped with garlic, basil and olive oil paste, a bit like basil pesto, at the table.
• Tapenade – The main basis of this dish is olives and capers which are ground into a paste like consistency and presented like a  pâté. Tapenade is eaten like a dip or even spread on bread. It can also be made with sundried tomatoes, sometimes with the addition of anchovies – so do check when eating out.
• Aïoli – This is almost like  mayonnaise style sauce but this Provençal version contains no eggs, only garlic and olive oil. It is served with many seafood dishes in the region and is available in both sauce as well as dip consistency.
• Ratatouille – this can be referred to as a vegetable stew containing aubergines, courgettes, onions, peppers and tomatoes, which are all simmered together in a pot with garlic and a medley of herbs. The dish is served with fougasse or slice of pissaladière bread.
• Calissons – candied orange peel is mixed with almonds to create a paste. The paste is spread on top of a wafer which is covered in icing. It’s pretty sweet and most probably reserved for those with a very sweet tooth.
• Nougat – The style of nougat in Provence comprises of sugar, honey, almonds and egg whites. There is a nougatine or nougat noir, which is made without eggs. Once upon a time, nougat was a Christmas tradition and only available then but now it’s very popular and available all through the year.

• Tarte Tropézienne – Original from St, Tropez, and created primarily by a Polish baker, this is a flat cake which is essentially a sugar coated brioche cake that is filled with orange flavour cream. Fun fact: It was the famous Brigitte Bardot who named the tart when she absolutely loved eating the cake whilst she was filming in St Tropez for the movie, And God Created Women.

Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants In Avignon & Provence

La Mirande

The one Michelin-starred, la MIramde is located in the five star La Mirande luxury hotel steps away from the Palais des Papes.

It is an exquisite affair with a spacious ground floor space, high ceilings and quite aptly palatal surroundings to dine. The service, food and ambience are perfection down to every last detail. Chef de Cuisine, Flourent Pietravelle, places a huge focus on sustainability and ethically sourcing local ingredients and suppliers. He has won numerous awards since joining the establishment and winning the restaurants first star in 2019. They also have a Michelin Green star. There are six and nine course menus which are presented immaculately accompanied by a staggering list of wines.

//Related Article: Vegetarian-friendly dining at Michelin-starred, la Mirande

Be-lavie Recommendations: The vegetarian taster menu which comprised of eight plus courses was a real homage to the freshest ingredients of Autumn, the season we visited. Menus change seasonally as well as small changes daily to reflect ingredients in season.

• Details; Location 4 Place  de l’Amirande, 84000 Avignon I Locate on Map I Website
• Reservations: Essential ( please advise of vegetarian menu)
• Expect:  €€€€ I Modern Cuisine

L’Agape

A high quality Bistro style restaurant, located on a pretty square in the centre of Avignon with relaxed industrial decor but beautifully elegant. The restaurant is small and fills up fast therefore its essential to book a place. Christ Gherxi, the owner and his team do a wonderful job in using fresh local ingredients.

The Menu serves a la carte options as well as three course set meals where you have a choice of either the vegetarian or non-vegetarian option. For the quality it is great value for money with impeccable service. The restaurant is accommodating and very attentive to dietary requirements as well as giving  recommendations based on likes and dislikes.

Keep an eye out for the individual portions of warm bread that are served in brown paper bags.

It will come as no surprise then that L’agape is on the Michelin guide and has been awarded a Bib Gourmand.

Be-lavie Recommendations: You’ll be presented with house tapas to start, the chickpea pancake, fried cauliflower and watercress. Mains, a mix of seasonal vegetables cooked in various styles and to end pistachio biscuit, raspberry cream cheese, fresh fig jam, pistachio foam, raspberry juice with olive oil and roasted fresh fig. A Provençal rose wine to accompany.

• Details: Location 21 Place des Corps Saints, 84000 Avignon I Locate on Maps I Website
• Reservations: Essential
• Expect: €€ l Modern Cuisine with Italian influence

Mama Corsica – Vegetarian-Friendly Food In Avignon

This traditional Corsican restaurant owned by Lucy, who moved from Corsica to study and then ended up staying, is a delightful little spot, closer to where the locals hang out rather than the more touristy area of Avignon.

The decor is quite eclectic and a bit of a mix of styles, fabrics with antique style accents that work really well in the space. The outdoor terrace at the front is a great place to sit in the warmer months, it’s best to book or arrive early if you’d like to sit outside as it does get filled up very quickly. This is somewhere you’ll see locals alongside a couple of tourists. 

There is a larger non vegetarian menu here but Lucy is fantastic and can have the chef rustle up some very tasty vegetable dishes in no time at all. The food looks homely, tastes delicious and is made to Corsican traditions. It’s a taste of Corsica in the backstreets Avignon.

Be-lavie Recommendations: To start, pick the medley of salad and vegetable with some deep fried brocciu cheese or beignets au brocciu as its traditionally called. For mains a wonderful mix of beans, panisse (chickpea fritters), potatoes, green peppers and a wonderful arrangement of fresh vegetables all cooked perfectly. For dessert, the chestnut cake with chocolate. Don’t leave without trying a bottle or glass of  Corsican wine from Domaine Patrimonio.

• Details: Location 35 Rue Saint-Jean le Vieux, 84000 Avignon I Locate on Maps I Website
• Reservations: Advisable but not essential
• Expect: €€ I Traditional Corsican Cuisine

Le Bercail

Located on the other side of the river from Avignon, you can either walk or drive over the Edouard-Daladier Bridge, to the restaurant on Avignon’s edge on the island of Barthelasse, provides the perfect peaceful space to enjoy day or nights, solo dining or group gatherings. It’s location is beautiful, especially at sunset if you can get a table outside. The restaurant also has a tapas bar so when booking, it’s important to select which of the spaces you want to be in. The menu is diverse, ranging from Provencal casual dishes including fresh salads, breads, plats du jours and they have a wood fired over for pizza, the latter option is very popular. They also do a great selection of side dishes. Conveniently the restaurant has a car park, if you have a rental car that you’re using for a self drive through Provence trip.

Be-lavie Recommendations: At sunset, enjoy a bottle of Provençal rose and order one of the wood fired pizzas of the menu. They are generous in size. The margarita is fantastic. If you’re sharing order a side salad or pomme frites.

• Details: Location 162 Chem. des Canotiers, 84000 Avignon I Locate on Maps I Website
• Reservations: essential if you’d like a waterside terrace table
• Expect: €€ I Casual dining

Le Comptoir de la Mere Germaine

A branch of its Michelin-starred establishment headed by Christophe Hardiquest, Le Comptoir de la Mere Germaine is located in the heart of Chateauneuf-du-Pape and is a modern contemporary restaurant with an open kitchen. It also takes advantage of a large outdoor terrace with views of the vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The menu is extensive and food just like the restaurant comes plated beautifully with the use of locally sourced fresh ingredients. The restaurants has a great selection of vegetarian dishes.

Be-lavie Recommendations: Take advantage of being amongst the winelands and get yourself a glass of one of the local Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines. To start, try the Burrata Pugliese, homemade cold ratatouille and focaccia with grattons and for mains, dive into the truffle pesto penne with rocket and parmesan. If you need dessert, the Tiramisu with amaretto is a delight.

• Details: Location  4 Rue des Consuls, 84230 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, I Locate on Maps I Website
• Reservations: Essential
• Expect: €€€ I Casual, especially at lunch times

Le Bigouden – Vegetarian-Friendly Food In Avignon

This Bistro style restaurant is located in Arles, with an outdoor terrace overlooking a garden and fountain painted by van Gogh in 1888. The atmosphere is laid back and casual with a lot of delicious French dishes on offer. Think galettes, crepes, omelettes, soups, sandwiches as well as salads and baked French dishes. There is a large range of vegetarian options at Le Bigouden.

Be-lavie Recommendations: Ratatouille and Emmental galette with a freshly squeezed orange juice.

• Details: Location 18-20 Place. Félix Rey, 13200 Arles. I Locate on Maps
• Reservations: Not essential, walk-ins welcome
• Expect: €/€€ I Casual 

Vegetarian-Friendly Bakeries & Cafes In Avignon & Beyond

La Fabrique Des Saveurs

If you’re after some breakfast, and in particular looking for the best croissants in Avignon, this is the place. The bakery is known throughout the city for its croissants and opens at 6:30am every morning! Most people just grab and go but there are tables outside and indoors and lots of other boulangerie and patisserie items available, both sweet and savoury. The bakery also has a great range of vegetarian-friendly food in Avignon to choose from if you’re not a carnivore or prefer not to eat meats.

Be-lavie Recommendations: Cappuccino and pain au chocolate, simple, delicious and great for breakfast!

• Details: Location 48 Rue de la Bonneterie, 84000 Avignon I Locate on Maps I Website
• Reservations: Walk in cafe environment
• Expect: € I Very Casual

Doms Rocher Garden Cafe

This little cafe located in the doms Rocher Gardens is located the area and serves a selection of hot and cold drinks as well as cakes, sandwiches and crepes. It’s a great spot for a quick al fresco lunch or a afternoon coffee and cake date.

Be-lavie Recommendations: A refreshing fraise à l’eau, which is essentially water with strawberry syrup, and a Nutella crepe.

• Details: Location 2 Mnt des Moulins, 84000 Avignon I Locate on Maps I
• Reservations: walk-in only 
• Expect: € I very casual

Creperie La Pomme

This cute little Creperie is located on the slope on the way up to Vaison La Romaine village. It serves a range of drinks and snack style food which can be enjoyed indoors or on their outdoor terrace with views of the medieval bridge. It’s the perfect place to fuel up before or after you climb the steep path to the village top.

Be-lavie Recommendations: A simple crepe with lemon and sugar accompanied by an Orangina, they still have these in France.

• Details: Location Romain Qu Hauteville, Cité Médiévale, 10 Rue du Pont, 84110 Vaison-la-Romaine I Locate on Maps I Facebook
• Reservations: Walk in only
• Expect: € I Very casual

Chez Lisette

This cute cafe is a popular spot for locals as well as visitors. The cafe also does lunches and evening meals, based on a three course menu selection, which offers great value for money. But it also has some of the best breads and pastries in Avignon which can be taken away or eaten on the terrace outside. They even have tables opposite on the square Place des Châtaignes. It has typical Provencal vibes and is a great place to relax. The owners are extremely welcoming and on hand to help with food and drink recommendations.

Be-lavie Recommendations: Cafe Lisette have the best pain au chocolat and together with a coffee or cappuccino is a winning breakfast formula when in Avignon.

• Details: Location 14 Place des Châtaignes, 84000 Avignon I Locate on Map I Website
• Reservations: walk-in
• Expect: €€ I Very casual

Creperie Le Tinel – Vegetarian-Friendly Food In Avignon

This cute cafe serves up some wonderful glaces (ice-creams) hot and cold drinks as well as galettes and crepes. It’s a wonderful snack spot or even to grab some light lunch whilst you’re meandering around the pretty village of Bonnieux. It’s a lovely little family business too and the little terrace space outside is fine sun trap. 

Be-lavie Recommendations: A Nutella pancake and refreshing water with strawberry syrup.

• Details: Location Place Gambetta, 84480 Bonnieux I Locate on Maps
• Reservations: Walk in only
• Expect: € I Very casual

Cafe Gaby

This cute Lourmarin cafe is well positioned in the square for some great people watching whilst you sip on a coffee or enjoy a glass of wine. They do a variety of breakfasts but also delicious meals throughout the day. Slow breakfasts on their terrace is the perfect way to start the day. They have seating indoors and outdoors but this pretty little village demands a seat outside to enjoy all the sights and sounds of daily life – postcard perfect cafe.

Be-lavie Recommendations: Opt for one of the breakfast special menu’s which include a medley of cheese, eggs, bread, croissants or bread, a orange juice and tea, coffee or hot chocolate. A simple freshly baked croissant, orange juice and cappuccino with a great helping of people watching is a wonderful way to start the morning.

• Details: Place Ormeau, 84160 Lourmarin I Locate of Maps
• Reservations: Walk in or reservation advised for dinner
• Expect: € I Very casual

Salon de Thé Eglantine

One of the most idyllic cafes we have visited on the entire trip is the Salon de Thé Eglantine. Located in Séguret, hailed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, this cafe helps Séguret live up to its reputation. Here they serve a great variety of cakes and biscuits as well as some savoury snacks. They have a wonderful selection of teas to suit the tastes of connoisseurs and you can enjoy your break in a small covered terrace opposite the cafe. There are also some tables inside with the best seat in the house being the table for two, with panoramas of the vineyard. Salon de Thé Eglantine is a perfect place to stop in the heat of the afternoon sun, for a well-deserved break.

Be-lavie Recommendations: Choose from an array of teas or in the warmer weather, opt for a freshly squeezed lemonade and a giant shortbread and strawberry jam heart to share.

• Details: Rue des Poternes, 84110 Seguret I Locate on Maps
• Reservations: Walk-ins only
• Expect: €-€€ I Casual

Chez Biscote & Biscotte

This bakery located towards the centre of Aix-en-Provence is perfect to grab a snack or breakfast items. They have a tempting range of breads as well as pastries and they also do coffee on the go. Service is friendly and you’ll be hard pushed to leave without purchasing anything – it smells divine!

Be-lavie Recommendation: Coffee, pain au chocolat and melt in the mouth madeleines.

• Details: Location 10 Rue Gaston de Saporta, 13100 Aix-en-Provence I Locate on Maps I Instagram
• Reservations: Take-away only, two bistro tables available outside)
• Expect: € I Very casual

The Beau Bar 

A cute bar located off a square in the centre of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence with extra seating in the square. They serve hot and cold drinks, glaces, as well as breakfast options. The staff are friendly and very helpful with choices. The square is also a fantastic place to people watch, particularly in the mornings when you can see the locals going about their business. 

Be-lavie Recommendations: A cappuccino with freshly baked croissants

• Details: Location 34 Rue Lafayette, 13210 Saint-Rémy-de-Provence I Locate on Maps I Facebook
• Expect: € I Very casual

Markets – Vegetarian-Friendly Food In Avignon

Les Halles d’Avignon 

Covered in a eco-friendly living plant wall Les Halles d’Avignon is the main farmers market in Provence. It’s packed full of produce from local sellers such as vegetables, fruit, cheese, bakeries, meat and seafood vendors, flower stalls, cake shops, cafes and even restaurants. The atmosphere is really lively and many of the stall holders will let you try before you buy. Prices are reasonable and the market is a great spot to buy items that you can take on your day out and have as a picnic.

Be-lavie Recommendations: Make yourself a picnic cheese board with a variety of cheeses, fruits, honey, crackers and some mini tarts for dessert.

• Details: Location 18 Place Pie, 84000 Avignon I Locate on Maps I Website
• Times of Operation: 06:00 – 14:00 daily, closed Mondays.

Bars 

Restaurant Bar Vin 46

A little away from the centre of Avignon’s main strip, but still within the city walls lies Restaurant Bar Vin 46. The ambiance is casual and laid back. They have a Mediterranean inspired menu and a huge wine and champagne list. There are not many vegetarian-friendly options on the menu however, the owner is very friendly and can have something bespoke made up for you based on your preferences. The food is delicious and this is reflected in the amount of people that had to be turned away because it was fully booked. Make reservations for this bar and restaurant. You can also just pop in for some wine and tapas style food. Not one of the places with the most vegetarian-friendly food in Avignon but very accommodating indeed.

Be-lavie Recommendations: We took up the owners advice and tried a chilled bottle of Rose, Château Fontvert from the Luberon, Small appetizers are put on the table to share. As this place is a lot about the wine, we opted for light roasted vegetable dish with herbs and a collection of four versions of their mini desserts which change seasonally based on ingredient availability.  

• Details: Location 46 Rue de la Balance, 84000 Avignon I Locate on Maps I Website
• Reservations: Not essential but busy at weekends so recommended
• Expect: €€€ I Casual yet elegant

Au Coeur des Vins

If you’re looking for a glass or even bottle of wine with an accompaniment of small plates, then Au Coeur des Vins, is a great choice. It’s nestled along a row of restaurants in the centre of Avignon.

Take a seat outside or head into the cosy and quirky space. The manager here is very friendly and with his broken English can make some great recommendations for dishes that are the most vegetarian-friendly food in Avignon and have fanatstic flavours. They have some wonderful cheese boards and can make up a small bowl of pasta to help mop up all the delicious wine you may want to consume

Be-lavie Recommendations: The Domaine Vallon des Glauges Iris Rose with a small creamy tagliatelle bowl.

• Details: Location 11 Rue Galante, 84000 Avignon I Locate on Maps
• Reservations: Walk-ins welcome 
• Expect: €€ I Casual and laid back

Tips & Vegetarian-Friendly Food in Avignon and Provence

• If there is an option to make reservations, do so. Most restaurants will expect you to made one. This will definitely be the case at fine dining and Michelin starred restaurants which have a very limited amount of tables and fill up fast. It’s best to book these weeks in advance in many cases
• Email or call the restaurant ahead to find out the vegetarian options and if you are ok with them. Many restaurants are accommodating and will offer alternatives. Fine dining and Michelin starred establishments will have their chefs create a vegetarian version of the taster menu just for you.
• The dress code is generally casual in many restaurants in Provence. If you are heading for a Michelin Starred restaurant then it’s wise to dress up a little. A smart dress and a shirt and trousers for gents. No flip flops or beach wear style of clothing.
• If you’re a foodie, we’d recommend booking a mix of restaurants for your time in the region. Maybe one fine dining or Michelin starred with casual dining, a place where the locals hang out as well as bistros , cafes and heading to markets to pick up fresh picnic items.

Avignon Food Tours -Vegetarian-Friendly Food In Avignon

Some hand-picked food tours in and around Avignon

• A full day wine tour to Châteauneuf-du-Pape: A small group tour for those who’d like to learn more about he wines of the the region. It’s a nine hour round trip with Avignon hotel pick up and includes wine tasting at four Domaine appellations.
• Luberon Valley tour with wine and cheese tasting A full day tour including the villages of the Luberon, Lourmarin,and Roussillon. Wine tasting as well as cheese and charcuterie boards at domaines. Hotel pick0up and drop off in Avignon.

Is it Expensive To Eat Out In Provence?

Eating in Avignon and other parts of Provence can be as expensive or as value for money as you  would like it to be. There are many Michelin starred restaurants as well as other fine dining spots, These will of course be of at a premium cost due to the nature of the menu, service and atmosphere. 

Cafes are of an average price as they are in the UK as are bakeries. A great lunchtime option is to buy a variety of items from Les halls d”avignon and have a picnic. This will keep costs down and you can enjoy a nice dinner. We’d recommend heading for some of the more local restaurants. These are generally not right in the centre of Provencal towns but more on the outskirts or in Avignon’s case, located closer to the city walls.

Gratuities Culture – Vegetarian-Friendly Food In Avignon

There is no hard or fast rule when it comes to tipping hospitality in Provence. We’d advise working on the principle that if you enjoy the food, service and experience a 10% tip if the total bill is adequate. Of course you can add more if things are exceptional.

The Best Vegetarian-Friendly Food In Avignon and Beyond Round-Up

This line up of vegetarian friendly food including restaurants, cafes, bars and markets is a small introduction to the culinary spots available in the region. There are some fantastic restaurants in many of the small villages of The Luberon and in between a lot of the country estates. The variety of vegetarian friendly options is quite diverse and it is evident that Provence does cater quite heavily for vegetarians, right down to basic dishes which triumph the vegetable rather than using meat replacements. Bon appetit vegetarians!

Related Articles: Vegetarian-Friendly Food in Avignon & Provence

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• The Most Beautiful Photo Locations in Avignon, Provence
• 14 Beautiful Historic Places To Stay in Avignon
• Ultimate Day Guide To The Best Small Wineries in Chateauneuf-du-Pape
• Vegetarian-friendly dining at Michelin-starred, la Mirande

Resources To Help Plan Your Provence Trip

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