L'Agape

The story

L'Agape – Bib Gourmand Modern Cuisine in Avignon, France

L'Agape: A Modern Bistro in the Heart of Avignon

Since opening in June 2014, L’Agape has become a welcome addition to Avignon’s dining scene. This intimate restaurant sits on the place des Corps Saints, inside the city walls, a short walk from the Palais des Papes and the main train station. The setting is appealing: a terrace shaded by plane trees beside a fountain and a 14th-century church, while inside, two dining rooms mix industrial-style décor with contemporary furniture—patinated grey lime-wash walls, a trompe-l’oeil vintage advertisement, and a neon sign. One room is open to the kitchen, offering a view of the action.

Chef Julien Gleize’s passion for cooking began with his grandfather James, a cook who sparked his vocation. After training at the Avignon hotel school and working in several Michelin-starred kitchens, Gleize spent eight years as co-owner-chef at Domaine du Colombier in the Drôme before launching L’Agape with his wife Anne. Anne, a former flight attendant, brings a refined sense of hospitality to the dining room, where she and maître d’hôtel Gabriel guide guests through a wine list of more than one hundred references, featuring local crus and bottles from across France.

The kitchen focuses on modern cuisine that revisits French classics with creativity and precision. Gleize works exclusively with fresh ingredients, sourcing from trusted artisans and producers in and around Avignon. The menu changes with the seasons, offering dishes that balance elegance with generosity.

L’Agape has held a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2015, a recognition that rewards good quality, good value cooking. The restaurant is also a member of the Collège Culinaire de France, holding the label Restaurant de Qualité, and Chef Gleize has earned the title of Maître Restaurateur. It is a place where careful sourcing, skilled technique, and warm, straightforward service come together—a genuine address in the centre of Avignon.