Over the bridge gets you to Villeneuve-les-Avignon, which is quieter and more bearable than Avignon proper. It's also in the Gard rather than Vaucluse, so it's gutsy Languedoc rather than pretentious Provence.
There's a good campsite, bars and restaurants which are affordable. From there you can make raids on foot to the cultural quarters, and still get back for a quiet pastis.
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