Le Grand Café

Le Grand Café is a brasserie on Place de l'Horloge, the animated main square of Avignon in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France. The square sits between the Hôtel de Ville and the Théâtre de l'Opéra d'Avignon, is lined with café terraces and, in July, becomes one of the busiest meeting points of the Festival d'Avignon, which makes the brasserie a natural stop for people-watching. The menu follows the traditional French brasserie format, with salade niçoise and steak-frites as the listed signatures. Other dishes typical of this style include croque-monsieur, omelettes, salads, grilled fish, charcuterie plates, tarts and ice cream desserts, giving visitors options at any hour. Prices are lower than at the city's fine-dining addresses, at about EUR 18 to 35 (roughly $21-40) per person, although terrace seats on the square carry a premium and drinks add to the total. A glass of Provence rosé, a pastis or a Côtes du Rhône is the common order, along with coffee and Perrier-style soft drinks. The atmosphere is lively and casual, with a high noise level at peak times, brisk service and no dress code. The brasserie is open daily for lunch and dinner, but hours should be verified before visiting, as they change with the season and festival schedule. Reservations are not needed in general, although in July and on sunny weekends a terrace table can take a wait. The location is only a few minutes' walk from the Palais des Papes, the Halles d'Avignon market and the Rue des Marchands shopping street, which makes the brasserie convenient between sights. Visitors who want a quieter meal may find better value on the side streets off the square.