Life in Avignon, France by Chloé

What is it like to live in Avignon? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Avignon is a typical Provencal city, full of history and culture. It is rather quiet and peaceful. The city is quite small, which makes you feel familiar and comfortable very quickly.

Finally, the weather is (almost) always good and sunny, which is very pleasant.

Sur le pont d'Avignon, on y danse tous en rond

What is the student lifestyle like in Avignon?

There are two main campuses in Avignon: the first one, Hannah Arendt, is located in the city center (Sainte Marthe); the other one, Jean-Henri Fabre, is outside the city, in a technology park called Agroparc. The university, composed of these 2 main campuses, has only about 8,000 students. Thus, with fewer students in a class, the teachers can be reached out easily, and the working conditions are all at their best.

Avignon University

Even though there are not many students at the University of Avignon, there are many high schools; the proportion of students in the city is then quite high. Many amenities have been created for them: there are two large libraries (including one at the Hannah Arendt campus), bars, and (not expensive) shops. Many restaurants offer discounts on menus to students.

How much does it cost to live in Avignon?

Living in Avignon is not more expensive than anywhere else, but much cheaper than big cities like Paris, Lyon, or Aix-en-Provence. A small flat is about €350 to 400 per month (including bills). The food is not very expensive (assuming that you go to supermarkets, except for fruits and vegetables that I strongly recommend buying at the market if possible). Finally, you can afford to go out from time to time (many very good restaurants are not that expensive, see my favorite spots below), in particular to students' parties!

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Avignon? Is there any advice you can give?

Finding accommodation in Avignon is not more difficult than in any other city. There are plenty of small flats to rent, whether you choose to rent a room from a private individual or from an organization (like the 'CROUS'). If you choose a flat from the CROUS, it is easier (a smaller search), it can be cheaper (not always though), but there are plenty of rules that can be restrictive (and sometimes annoying, like you cannot invite a friend to a sleepover). Thus, if you have time and attention to spend, I would advise you to look for a room rented out by a private individual (have a look at websites like Le Bon Coin or on Facebook).

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The French cuisine is very diverse (sorry, we do not only eat frogs and snails). You should try a real pain au chocolat and a croissant, or a baguette (any bakery would do) - we make very good cheese, too: try the market of Les Halles (goat cheese is my favorite).

We, in Provence, have recipes that you should really taste: the tapenade (a sort of mixture of olive and anchovy - I promise, it's delicious), the aioli (steamed vegetables and fish, accompanied by its garlic mayonnaise), and of course wine! Our region is specialized in rosé, although I recommend you try white (my favorite) and red (speaking of alcoholic beverage, you can also try Pastis [also called 51], but in moderation!)

Finally, taste "calissons" (little almond sweets) or "navettes" (biscuits), but buy them in supermarkets rather than in specialized shops (they are the same, but cheaper in supermarkets!)

Provencal wine and tapenade

What places would you recommend visiting in Avignon?

Avignon is a very lovely city. You should visit the Palais des Papes ("Palace of the Popes") and the Rocher des Doms. The University is, in itself, a very beautiful building, too. You can walk through the Place de l'Horloge ("Clock Square"), discover the Rue de la République ("République Street") and go up the shopping streets to Place Pie ("Pie Square"), where you would find all the bars. Have a walk along the ramparts to the Avignon bridge (dancing is authorized).

The Palais des Papes

However, if you want to fully embrace what is like to live in the South of France, you should travel to places like Carpentras, Vaison la Romaine or Gordes, l'Isle sur la Sorgues and Fontaine de Vaucluse, St Remy de Provence, (you can stop by Les Baux de Provence) or Arles; the landscapes are very diverse, from olive trees and lavender fields to the swamps and the fauna of Camargue.

A typical Provencal landscape (with the Mont Ventoux in the background)

Welcome to Camargue!

Is it good to eat out in Avignon? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Avignon has a number of restaurants and cafés that suit all tastes. If you want a good pizza, I recommend Chez Mimmo (but you should book in advance!). Laura di Pasta is a shop that serves delicious plates of pasta (my favorite being the 3 Formaggio!) at a very reasonable price (ask for the student menu). If you are more into burgers, you should definitively try the Milk Shop (they serve delicious hot drinks, too).

The Conservatoire on Place Pie is a very nice restaurant as well, with a varying choice of menus. Try a glass of wine (rosé please!) or some toasts of tapenade.

Is the nightlife good in Avignon? Where is good to go?

The nightlife is good in Avignon, provided you go out on Thursday night (or especially to students' parties). Usually, the place to go is Place Pie, where all the most popular bars are concentrated, and where people normally get together and party. I personally recommend the Red Sky, an Irish pub known for its good beers and atmosphere.

Generally, during a student's party, people meet at Place Pie at around 20, eat and have a drink, then go to nightclubs until early in the morning. I strongly advise you to go to one of these parties, and to party like French people!

What advice would you give future students heading to Avignon?

There is no particular advice to be given. Just enjoy your life in Avignon, make new (French) friends, visit our region and our country, and make room for tons of memories to cherish for your entire life!