aixcentric

There seem to be even more markets this year in Aix – starting next weekend!  Here are the main activities – get hold of a copy of the free Aixendialogue magazine for the entire listing.

Les Chalets de Noel, Cours Mirabeau, 19th Nov-31st Dec, 10-19:00;  there are about 50 wooden chalets selling all sorts of local crafts, soaps, pictures, food and hot wine.  At the top of the cours is the Chalet de la Ville with a stage for the folk-dancing and choirs.www.aixenprovence.fr.

Chalet Creche de Noel, Cours Mirabeau, outside Monoprix.  This is a really huge collections of santons under glass in a mock up of Provence.  There’s the traditional village scene with the shepherds, lavender-gather, village gossips, etc, the creche itself, a figure of Cezanne painting near his mountain, a Camargue scene with tiny gardiens and mini-Calanques with fishermen. It’s the nicest one I’ve seen and lovely for children.

Foire aux Santons, Place Jeanne d’Arc, 24th Nov-31st Dec, exc 25th.  It’s being inaugurated on the 27th with a special messe des santonniers at 10:00 at the church in the cours Sextius. 

Marché International des Villes Jumelles, Place Jeanne d’Arc, 25-30th November, 10-19:30.  This has items for sale from all Aix’s twin towns – some really attractive ethnic items plus lots of food. Free.

NEW!  Délices le Salon du Chocolat et des Tentations, Place Jeanne d’Arc, 2-4th December, 10-19:00; 40 chocolatiers will present their creations gourmandes.  Free. www.delices-chocolat-aix.com.

Marché aux Sapins, Place Bastard, opp Gare Routiere, 8-24th Dec.  All shapes and sizes of trees.

NEW! Aix Trait d’Art, Place Jeanne d’Arc, 8-11th December, 11-20:00hrs.  20 local gallerys show their paintings, photos and scultptures. 4€. www.aixtraitsdart.com.

La Fontaine aux Jouets, Place de l’Hotel de Ville, Saturday 10th December, 14-18:00hrs.  All new/nearly new toys are welcome to be placed around the fountain for later distribution to disadvantaged children.

Fete de l’Huile d’Olive d’Aix-en-Provence AOC, Place Jeanne d’Arc, 17-18th December, 9-19:00hrs. Annual celebration and tasting of local oils and products from local olive trees.

Marché des 13 Desserts, Place Jeanne d’Arc, 19-24th December, 10-19:00hrs.  Perfect place to buy everything you need for your traditional Christmas Eve table from local producers.  www.agri13.fr.