aixcentric

If you haven’t visited Saint-Maximin, this Sunday  (29th January)  is an excellent time to do so as it is the Fete de la Saint Vincent, when the local vignerons celebrate their patron saint.  Sixty-five of them will gather to thank their saint for the last harvest and implore his protection for the coming year.

Six thousand visitors are expected to taste early samples of 2016 red, white and rosé wines from les Coteaux Varois en Provence, les Côtes de Provence, les Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire, La Londe, Fréjus, l’AOC Bandol, les Coteaux d’Aix, l’Appellation Bellet and les Vins de Pays du Var.  Stands are open in the Couvent Royal from 10-18:00 hrs and there will be a procession, at 10:00 to the Basilica where mass will take place at 10:30.

Once the religious ceremony is over, you can visit the crypt where the remains of Mary Magdalen are said to be in a sarcophagus, making the basilica a place of pilgrimage since 1279.

Thanks for the info to Eleanor who says: ‘It’s fun. There are friendly wine and honey producers keen to let you taste their produce’.