Life at Its Best at C’est la Vie in Avignon

Arriving around dinner time at the Rue de la Saraillerie in Avignon is like stepping into the perfect French dream

C’est la Vie

I was on a girls’ night out in Avignon, and one of them had gone to C’est la Vie before and hadn’t stopped raving about it. As we all like good food and trust my friend’s opinion, she made the reservation. This is highly recommended, as places are limited and Ilva and Salim are the only staff. They both have extensive hospitality experience, but they felt the urge to start something new. Something from themselves and something small to find pleasure in their work again and pamper their guests with great food. So it was done, and C’est la Vie opened its doors in spring 2024. With great success! And despite the fully booked tables, the hardworking couple takes the time to actually see you for a chat and a quip.

Effortless Rustic Style

Although the exterior setting looked very tempting, the girls and I opted for a table inside given the rather chilly temperature on this late summer evening. Like outside, the tables were set in an effortless rustic style with blue and white checked tablecloths. Natural jugs with simple white flowers completed the provençal look. The menu showed some French classics combined with Middle Eastern flavours. About five starters, all vegetarian, ranged from 6 to 8.50 euros, or you could order a two to three person platter to share. The choice of main dishes was huge. It included shakshouka, beef, fish, burgers, and pita bread or salad with many additions (14.50 to 23 euros). Dessert only had three options, all for 7.50 euros, but good ones, so it was still hard to make a choice.

Irresistible

We wondered how Ilva managed to prepare such scrumptious food from the equally small kitchen. And tasty it was, from the shared starters (hummus, halloumi cheese and baked brie with honey and za’atar) to the main courses (a serious burger, a mezze bowl with falafel, tabouleh, glazed beetroot and more, and a freshly cut beef tartare). Next, an irresistible speculoos tiramisu and a generous profiterole complete with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and chocolate sauce saturated our sweet teeth. A final nightcap made our table the last one to leave. Although this happens most of the time when out with the girls, this was a night for the books.

Good to Know

C’est la Vie is a charming restaurant in Avignon’s town centre, run by Ilva Freman and Slim Zamoun. They offer a menu of French classics and Middle Eastern flavours, as well as many vegetarian options. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the restaurant is open from Thursdays to Mondays, both for lunch and dinner. As the space is limited, reservation is a must.

Parking

I don’t know Avignon very well, so I simply parked at the paid parking lot of the Palais des Papes. As the entrance is at the Boulevard de la Ligne (insider tip from my friend), you don’t have to cross town to reach the parking lot.

C’est la Vie

37 Rue de la Saraillerie

+33 (0)4 65 81 38 45