aixcentric

The not-to-be-missed traditional Marche des Rois takes place on Sunday 8th January.

The procession, headed by the three kings with their camels, makes its way through town and is followed by all  manner of animals and locals dressed as Provencal characters.  It’s always fun, and Aix is usually lucky to have three camels as they are much in demand across the region on this weekend!

The unexpected can happen.  My favourite moments were when the procession stopped for some folk-dancing, and a camel came to a halt next to the famous mossy fountain in the cours Mirabeau.  What fun for him – he hungrily devoured tranches of greenery before his minder swiftly moved him along.  Another year,

The moment the goats and sheep left the procession!

something spooked the goats which ran off into the antiques market, followed naturally by all the sheep.  The crowd were scattering with parents hauling their kids up on to benches.  All very good-humoured!

What will happen this year?  Here is the timetable:

Départ école Saint-Joseph, déambulation cours Saint-Louis, rue Portalis, palais de justice

• 14 h : rue Thiers, rue Tournefort, statue du Roi René.
• 14 h 15 : cours Mirabeau.
• 14 h 30 : Rotonde, avenue Napoléon Bonaparte.
• 15 h : place Paul Ferréol, cours Sextius, rue des Cordeliers.
• 15 h 30 : place de la mairie, distribution des calissons, rue Gaston de Saporta, place de l’Université.
• 16 h : cathédrale Saint-Sauveur.