Avignon residents recently gathered to express gratitude to Gil and Cindy Bilancini, owners of a local newsstand and tobacco shop in the Arbalestière district, as the couple prepares to retire after five years of service [[1]]. The Bilancinis’ tenure coincided with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting immediate obstacles to their new venture, but their story exemplifies the perseverance of small businesses within the historic city-a UNESCO World Heritage site [[2]]. Their departure marks a moment of reflection on the challenges and community spirit that defined commerce in Avignon during a period of global disruption.
Local business owners in the Arbalestière district of Avignon, France, recently bid farewell to Gil and Cindy Bilancini, who after five years of service, are stepping down to be closer to family in the Gard region. The departure was marked by a gathering on January 10, 2026, attended by fellow merchants and residents, where Claude Fabrol, president of the Arca residents and merchants association, extended his best wishes.
The Bilancinis’ arrival in early 2020 coincided with the onset of the first COVID-19 lockdowns, presenting immediate challenges for their newly acquired newsstand and tobacco shop. “Lorsque nous sommes arrivés début 2020, après avoir mobilisé nos économies pour acheter le tabac-presse, le premier confinement a été décidé. Pour nous, c’était catastrophique,” recalled Cindy Bilancini. “Nous avons quand même réussi à travailler et malgré nos craintes sur la situation sanitaire, nous avons continué à accueillir les clients dans ces circonstances si particulières, très compliquées à ce moment-là pour les commerces.”
Despite the initial difficulties, the business persevered, and the couple found themselves benefiting from a unique position within the community. “Cela s’est bien arrangé par la suite, nous avons pu rester ouverts alors que les grands centres étaient fermés. Puis l’ambiance était très agréable ici, avec une bonne entente entre les commerçants et la clientèle,” she continued. This resilience highlights the adaptability of small businesses during periods of disruption, a common theme in the post-pandemic economic landscape.
Françoise Mennesson, a pharmacist also located in the Arbalestière district, corroborated the positive atmosphere within the local business community.
