Carpentras, just half an hour away from Avignon by train, is a great little place to visit if you want to learn more about foodie France.
Fridays, in the winter, are a chance to see keen-nosed restaurateurs and wholesalers coming to buy the finest black truffles which you can sample for yourself in town. You could even have a go at truffle hunting. In the summer, attention turns to cherries and strawberries, with an annual 'Fête de la fraise' taking place in April.
All this takes place within sight of Mont Ventoux, an iconic mountain which provides a unique climate for the surrounding vineyards which, as well as being a connoisseurs choice, are also a place where eco-responsibility is taken seriously.
While here, why not visit France's oldest active synagogue which dates from 1367?
Highlights
Have a truffle-based experience - check out the truffle market every Friday (November to March), do some truffle tasting in the tourist office (again on Fridays - you need to book in advance) or even go truffle hunting and forage for a fungi yourself. Les Frères Jaumard is a local farm that offers truffle experiences.
Explore the wines from the 35 estates at the Espace Terroir behind the tourist information office, along with other local produce.
Visit the synagogue and it's interesting cemetery - guided tours are available (contact the tourist office)
Station stroll ideas
If you have an hour or two to spare waiting for a train, why not go for a wander?
Tourist info provide a set of maps here.
I've also created a downloadable PDF with accompanying google map, which will give you a feel for the place and take in the sights.
Luggage
If you want to stroll without a care in the world, including your luggage, you could try using the nannybag app to find a place that will take your bags.
In this short video I visit Carpentras on a Friday at the end of March, sniff out the truffle market, get myself caught on camera at a strawberry stall and sample some local produce
..and here's a written version.
Getting there
It takes about 30 minutes to get to Carpentras from Avignon Centre, but if you are coming from Paris and want to go straight to Carpentras, change at the TGV station.
Useful links
For tourist info: https://www.ventouxprovence.fr/