Le Vivier

Le Vivier is a seafood and French restaurant at 22 Rue Limas in the old centre of Avignon, in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France. Although Avignon sits inland on the Rhône, it is only a couple of hours from the Mediterranean ports of Marseille and Sète, and the city has a long tradition of fish dishes, particularly on Fridays and in the lead-up to the summer season. The restaurant is listed as specialising in the fish of the day and bouillabaisse, the Marseille-style fish soup made from several rockfish, saffron, fennel and tomato, traditionally served with rouille, croutons and grated cheese. Other dishes in this style may include grilled sea bream, sea bass, mussels, prawns, seafood platters and fish soups, with sauces based on olive oil, herbs and white wine. Prices range from about EUR 30 to 50 (roughly $35-58) per person, with bouillabaisse and shellfish at the higher end. White and rosé wines from Provence, the Luberon and the Rhône Valley, along with a Cassis or Côtes de Provence white, are the usual pairing. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a nautical feel, a moderate noise level and casual dress. Service is typically lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, but hours should be verified before visiting. Reservations are recommended, particularly for bouillabaisse, which restaurants often prepare to order and sometimes require guests to request in advance. Booking a few days ahead is usually enough, and more notice is wise during the Festival d'Avignon in July. The restaurant is a short walk from the Halles d'Avignon, the covered market where fishmongers supply many local kitchens, and from the Palais des Papes. Visitors who are not fond of seafood should ask about meat alternatives when booking.