Le Carré du Palais

Le Carré du Palais is not just a restaurant, but a true gastronomic temple located in the heart of Avignon, France. Occupying a prestigious spot right across from the famous Palais des Papes (Popes' Palace), this establishment offers its guests a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of fine cuisine and the magnificent wines of the Rhône Valley region. Here, you can enjoy refined dishes perfectly complemented by local AOC Côtes du Rhône wines.

A particular point of pride for Le Carré du Palais is its impressive wine collection. Just imagine: over 10,000 bottles are stored in a former vault of the Bank of France, creating a unique atmosphere. The wine list features over 400 varieties of red, white, rosé, and naturally sweet wines, including rare specimens from the exclusive Carré du Palais collection. Each month, the restaurant's experienced sommelier prepares a special selection of wines that can be tasted by the glass, revealing new facets of flavor.

The high quality of the cuisine and service at Le Carré du Palais is confirmed by its ranking: the establishment holds 33rd place out of more than 600 restaurants in Avignon. Additionally, the restaurant was honored with the prestigious Travelers' Choice 2024 award from Tripadvisor, which is an undeniable mark of recognition from travelers and connoisseurs of haute cuisine. A visit to Le Carré du Palais promises to be one of the most memorable gastronomic highlights of your trip.

To book a table at the Le Carré du Palais restaurant or for additional information, you can contact the administration. The restaurant is conveniently located at 1 Place du Palais, 84000, Avignon, France.

Please note that Le Carré du Palais accepts credit cards, meal vouchers (Titres restaurant), and traveler's checks (Travellers Cheque).

A visit to Le Carré du Palais in Avignon offers guests a unique combination of gastronomic delights and wine discoveries. First and foremost, it is a restaurant where you can enjoy fine cuisine inspired by the traditions of the Rhône Valley and Provence. The chef masterfully creates dishes that harmonize perfectly with local wines, using the freshest ingredients and a creative approach. Popular menu items include the "Plat du Jour Mer et Océan" (Seafood dish of the day) or the "Entrecôte de Bœuf Français 350 Gr" (350g French ribeye steak). A special pleasure is sitting on the restaurant's terrace, which offers views of the Palais des Papes, and enjoying a meal with a glass of excellent wine.

Beyond the restaurant, Le Carré du Palais is a true hub of wine culture. It is home to the Rhône Wine School (École des Vins du Rhône), where visitors can deepen their knowledge of the region's winemaking traditions. You can also visit the impressive wine cellar, which houses a rich collection of wines. Throughout the year, Le Carré du Palais hosts various events dedicated to wine and gastronomy, making it an attractive destination for both tourists and locals.

This is a place not only for connoisseurs of fine food and wine but also for those interested in beverage culture as a whole. Visitors can learn more about coffee and explore the theme of "Grands Ferments." Thanks to its location and variety of offerings, Le Carré du Palais often serves as a meeting point for participants of conferences held in Avignon, as well as for those simply wishing to spend a pleasant time in an elegant atmosphere.

The Le Carré du Palais restaurant boasts an excellent location in the heart of Avignon, at 1 Place du Palais. It is situated directly on the square in front of the famous Palais des Papes (Popes' Palace), making it very convenient to visit while exploring the city's main attractions. If you are already strolling through the historic center of Avignon, the restaurant is easily reachable on foot—it will only take a few minutes.

For guests arriving by car, there is a paid parking lot near Le Carré du Palais. This allows you to leave your car without any hassle and enjoy your meal. Additionally, you can always use taxi services to reach the restaurant from anywhere in Avignon or its surroundings. The trip to the central square usually doesn't take long.

While specific public transport routes are best checked locally, the restaurant's central location ensures good transport accessibility. Proximity to the Palais des Papes means that many city buses likely stop nearby. An important advantage is that Le Carré du Palais is fully accessible to wheelchair users, ensuring comfort for all guests.

Le Carré du Palais in Avignon is not just a restaurant, but a place with a unique history and atmosphere. It is housed in a building that formerly served as a branch of the Bank of France. This detail adds a special charm to the establishment, as its wine cellar is located none other than in a former bank vault. Imagine enjoying fine wine surrounded by walls that once held financial secrets!

Initially, Le Carré du Palais was conceived as a center dedicated to celebrating the wines of the Rhône Valley, local gastronomy, and the development of wine tourism in the region. Over time, it has indeed become an iconic spot for lovers of AOC Côtes du Rhône and the entire Rhône Valley, becoming a benchmark in the heart of Avignon. Here, you can not only taste magnificent drinks but also gain a deeper understanding of the winemaking culture of France.

The significance of Le Carré du Palais is further enhanced by its location on the Place du Palais des Papes. This square is one of the key historical sites in Avignon, as it was the residence of the Popes in the 14th century during the so-called "Avignon Captivity" (1309-1377). Thus, dining or wine tasting at Le Carré du Palais becomes a true immersion into history, where every stone breathes with centuries of events.

When planning a visit to Le Carré du Palais in Avignon, it is worth setting aside approximately 2–3 hours for this pleasant experience. This time is usually enough to fully enjoy the atmosphere of this place, which combines gastronomy and winemaking.

In two to three hours, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner, choosing dishes from the menu, and also taste several varieties of local wines for which the region is so famous. Many visitors note that this timeframe allows for an unhurried visit, fully appreciating the culinary art and the wine list.

If your plans include a deeper dive into the world of wine, such as participating in a tasting with a sommelier or visiting the famous Rhône Wine School (École des Vins de la Vallée du Rhône) located on-site, then, of course, additional time will be required. In this case, the visit could take half a day, depending on the chosen program.

The Le Carré du Palais restaurant in Avignon, France, is pleased to welcome guests daily. According to information current for 2025, the establishment is open from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, seven days a week. Visitors can enjoy lunch, dinner, late dinner, and a variety of drinks here. It is important to note that the restaurant is open year-round, making it accessible for a visit at any time.

While the provided data does not indicate a strict requirement for advance booking, for a restaurant of this level—especially if you plan to visit during peak hours or for dinner—it is recommended to reserve a table in advance. This will help avoid waiting and guarantee seating. For the most up-to-date information on opening hours, especially on holidays, or to clarify booking details, it is always useful to visit the official Le Carré du Palais website or contact them directly.

Visiting any interesting site, whether it's a restaurant with fine cuisine or a historical landmark, often becomes even more memorable if you take the time to explore its surroundings. A stroll through the nearby streets, discovering hidden gems, or visiting famous landmarks in the neighborhood allows you to immerse yourself deeper in the atmosphere of the place and get a more complete picture of its character.

Such a small side trip can turn an ordinary visit into a real adventure, adding bright colors and new impressions. Near Le Carré du Palais in Avignon, there are several notable places that may interest you and are within walking distance: