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THE SQUARE OF THE PALACE

Open since the summer of 2018, the Carré du Palais is located in the heart of Avignon, at the crossroads of the Place du Palais des Papes and the Place de l’Horloge. It is a unique place that combines wine, bistronomic cuisine and conviviality.

You can thus travel among a choice of 50 wines offered by the glass by sitting at one of the high tables cut to the shapes of the different producing departments of Côtes du Rhône. A selection that changes every month.

Also accessible for a tasting the old vault room since the Carré du Palais occupies what was for a long time a branch of the Bank of France. In total, behind the imposing armored door, we can store 10,000 bottles.

INSPIRED CHEF AND REASONABLE PRICES

And of course, a gourmet break is in order to discover the sources of inspiration of the chef Christophe Chiavola. A selection of tapas for the aperitif, some exceptional dishes and a menu that changes every week offering a choice of three starters, three courses and three desserts.

You can also opt for one of the three menus that will be offered to you:

• The 3-course menu: starter, main course, dessert (35€)
• The 2-course menu: starter/main course or main course/dessert (28€)
• Le Grand Menu: main course, main course, dessert (45€)

For my part, I fell for a Gamba Risotto on his bed of asparagus served with a glass of Muscat from Beaumes-de-Venise. The broth used for cooking the risotto is made directly from the pieces of prawn heads. And to conclude, a Strawberry and Tonka Bean Sweetness highlighted by its caramel tile.

I found this restaurant amazing and remarkable. Each dish is generous and is cared for with great delicacy. Welcoming and smiling staff from our arrival, throughout the meal and until our departure. A culinary delight worthy of gastronomy and for prices defying all competition.

TREASURY OF THE FORMER BANK OF FRANCE VAULT

On the cellar side, in the basement that initially closed the 19th century safes, are stored more than 6,500 bottles of wines representing the different A.O.C of the Rhone Valley. Enough to fuel an unparalleled wine list.

Michael Villechenoux, sommelier for thirty years, is in charge of the room and the space intended to enhance the wines of the Inter-Rhône members.

I strongly advise you, wine lovers, to come and discover this treasure. Tastings in small committees (10 people maximum) are also available on reservation from 25€.

A TRANSFER OF KNOWLEDGE

The Carré du Palais houses many things inside its blackberries, including the Ecole des Vins. For those interested in oenology who want to know more, this is for you:

Transmission and discovery are the watchwords of this accessible and educational space that can rely on the know-how and expertise of the University of Wine of Suze la Rousse through a comprehensive training program.

The Carré du Palais therefore offers a short training course in the low season in collaboration with the Ecole des Vins on three themes:

• Workshop tasting on Friday from 18:30 to 20:30 – tasting of five wines
• Workshop on Saturday from 10am to 1pm – tasting of seven wines
• Food and wine pairing workshop one Saturday per month from 10am to 2pm – tasting of seven wines

ADDRESS AND TIMES

1 Place du Palais des Papes

84000 Avignon

Contact : contact@carredupalais.fr

RESERVATION:04 65 00 01