aixcentric

All of a sudden it seems that Christmas is upon us and Aix really celebrates Christmas in style.

Here are the main festive markets – get hold of a copy of the free Aix-en-dialogue magazine for the entire listing and do double-check dates/times if making a special trip.

Carousels for the Children – the rides down by the Rotonde. x 10-20 exc 25 Dec and 1 Jan am.

Les Chalets de Noel, Cours Mirabeau 16 Nov – 31 Dec 10-20:00;  In other words, the main Christmas market; 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. The chalets are even open Christmas Day afternoon, 14-20:00hrs.

Always popular – the hot spiced wine is delicious on a cold December evening

Chalet Creche de Noel, Cours Mirabeau, outside Monoprix.  end Nov – end Dec. This is a really huge collection of santons under glass in a landscape typical of Provence.  There’s the traditional village scene with the shepherds, lavender-gathers, 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 who enjoy spotting familiar characters.

This recreation of village life in Provence is so special. Children find it especially magical.

Foire aux Santons, Place Jeanne d’Arc, 28 Nov – 31 Dec, exc 25th.

Marché International des Villes Jumelles, Place Jeanne d’Arc, 30 Nov – 3  Dec, 10-20:00.   There are items for sale from all Aix’s twin towns – some really attractive ethnic items like pottery plus lots of national festive food. The British twin town Bath excels itself every year with its offerings of mince pies and traditional Christmas cake. You really need to be there on the opening day as these go fast!

Gingerbread angels are a favourite on the German stall

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

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