I have noticed that recently there is a shift in Aix towards lighter lunches, good for those of us whose waistlines can’t face a three course extravaganza! I was recommended to try Le Cherche Midi which opened in July in the rue Cordeliers. But the title puzzled me – someone looking for the south of France, for mid-day? I did ask a couple of French friends who didn’t know what it meant either, but it’s the name of many restaurants in France. Wikipedia suggests that it was a 17th century name for a person who turned up at a friend’s house just before mid-day, hoping to be fed. Nice idea! 
The restaurant is actually in a good position as you can go in from rue Cordeliers or via their terrace on the lower part of the place des Cardeurs.
The menu comprises tartines – open grilled sandwiches – or salads, all at reasonable prices. We tried the lunchtime menu which offers Tartine Mozzarella, or Poulet or Boeuf, with salad and a drink – either bottled water, soft drinks or a glass of Chateau Virant – for 9€.
It’s has a spotlessly clean, modern, interior and the couple running the restaurant are very friendly. Our only reservation was that it seemed rather inconspicuous in appearance, easy to walk past, on such a busy colourful street. You really do have to ‘cherche’ it out.
But it’s good value and worth a try! 48 rue des Cordeliers. 04 42 53 19 91. Open daily at lunchtimes. Also open in the evening Thurs-Sun.
Thanks for the restaurant tip. Incidentally, the famous boulangerie Poilane is located on the rue du Cherche Midi in Paris — and worth a visit.
I think there was a prison with that name in Paris so maybe it was on that road? I just couldn’t figure out why they chose it for the restaurant. I’ll ask next time I go there!
I went today for lunch, prompted by your post. Nice place and nice deal! For what you’d pay for a take-away salad, you get a filling meal with glass of wine on the Place des Cardeurs. The owner is kind and eager to give quality service. Only tiny complaint is the shallot is cut too coarsely and makes the salade piquante. Otherwise, a nice place to know and go to.
They seem a very pleasant couple, taking on quite a challenge with so many restos in Aix. Glad you enjoyed your lunch!
We had a ‘quick’ evening snack just before a concert starting (as usual) at 20:30. Very tasty and excellent value (including a glass of wine). To be recommended.
I didn’t realise they were open early evening too … That’s excellent for pre-theatre dining!
Sorry – got muddled up. Thought you were commenting on Le Jardin d’Amalula which I had just posted! Yes Le Cherche Midi is a good place for a light meal.