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 and the bars and restaurants 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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