Le Carré du Palais

Le Carré du Palais is a wine bar and restaurant at 1 Rue de la Balance, at the foot of the Palais des Papes in Avignon, in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France. The address places it among the most visited streets of the city, near Place du Palais and the Rocher des Doms gardens, and it is known as a place to taste wines from the southern Rhône Valley, home to appellations such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Lirac and Tavel. The listed signatures are wine flights and charcuterie, so the typical visit centres on tasting several glasses of regional wine alongside plates of cured meats, cheese and Provençal tapas. Other small dishes in this style may include tapenade, olives, anchoïade, marinated vegetables, tartines and salads. Prices are modest at about EUR 20 to 40 (roughly $23-46) per person, depending on how many flights and plates are ordered. The staff can usually explain the differences between the Rhône appellations and suggest pairings, which makes the venue a useful introduction for visitors who have not yet toured the vineyards. The atmosphere is convivial and relaxed, with moderate to lively noise levels in the evening and casual dress. The venue is open daily from lunch through the evening, but hours should be verified before visiting, as they change with the season and festival schedule. Reservations are generally not needed, though larger groups and July evenings, when the Festival d'Avignon fills the old town, may benefit from calling ahead. The wine bar works well as a stop after the Palais des Papes visit or as a prelude to dinner elsewhere, and visitors planning a day trip to Châteauneuf-du-Pape can use a flight here to choose which estates to visit.