Walking and eating in and around Avignon

A culinary and walking adventure in Provence

Provence, a region in southern France renowned for its beauty, history, and cuisine, offers a delightful combination of walking and eating experiences. The cities of Avignon, Nîmes, and Arles, along with their surrounding areas, provide a wealth of opportunities for exploring the region’s picturesque landscapes while indulging in its delicious local delicacies. Our guidebook to walking and eating in and around Avignon is your ideal companion.

Avignon: a city of art and gastronomy

Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a charming city with a rich history. Its medieval walls, cobbled streets, and stunning architecture make it a delightful place to explore on foot. While wandering through the city, be sure to visit the Palais des Papes, a former papal palace, and the Pont d’Avignon, a famous bridge.

When it comes to food, Avignon offers a variety of culinary delights. Be sure to try the local specialty, daube de boeuf, a hearty beef stew braised in red wine. Other local dishes include tarte tatin, a delicious upside-down apple tart.

Nîmes: a Roman city with a modern flair

Nîmes, another Roman city, boasts a well-preserved Amphitheatre, a Colosseum-like structure that hosts events throughout the year. The city’s historic centre is a pleasant place to stroll, with its narrow streets, charming squares, and numerous shops and cafes.

Nîmes is known for its bullfighting tradition, which is celebrated annually during the Feria de Nîmes. While the bullfighting itself is controversial, the festival offers a glimpse into the city’s vibrant culture. For a more family-friendly outing, visit the Jardin de la Fontaine, a beautiful botanical garden with a Roman temple just beside our recommended restaurant.

When it comes to food, Nîmes offers a variety of regional dishes, including gardianne de taureau, a slow-cooked beef stew, and tapénade, a black olive spread.

Arles: a UNESCO World Heritage City

Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage City, is famous for its Roman ruins, including the Amphitheatre and the Roman theatre. The city’s historic centre is a maze of narrow streets lined with charming shops and cafes. Be sure to visit the Musée Réattu, which houses a collection of modern art and Provençal ceramics.

Arles is also known for its bullfighting tradition, and the city hosts several bullfights throughout the year. For a more peaceful experience, take a stroll in Van Gogh’s footsteps along the Rhône River or visit the Camargue, a natural park famous for its wild horses and flamingos.

When it comes to food, Arles offers a variety of regional dishes, including bouillabaisse, a fish stew, and aïoli, a garlic mayonnaise served with fish or vegetables.

Exploring the surrounding area

In addition to these three cities, there are many other charming towns and villages in the region that are worth exploring. St-Rémy-de-Provence, a picturesque town with a Roman aqueduct and a charming market, is a popular day trip from Avignon. Les Baux-de-Provence, a hilltop village with stunning views, is another must-see destination.

For a more rural experience, visit Barbentane, a charming village with a medieval castle and a peaceful atmosphere. Finally, be sure to visit the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is one of the most impressive ancient structures in France.

Whether you’re a walker, a foodie, or both, Provence offers something for everyone. With its beautiful scenery, walking trails, delicious cuisine, and rich history, this region is sure to leave a lasting impression. Buy our guidebook to walking and eating in and around Avignon.