aixcentric

…Starting tomorrow, Sunday 4th September, with the annual Blessing of the Calissons. These are the traditional Provencal sweets with layered sugar, almond paste and local fruit confit.  They are divisive with people either not liking them, or if you are in the Aixcentric camp, just loving them.

The service takes place at the church of Saint-Jean de Malte in rue d’Italie.  This was the first Gothic church in Provence and its interior is simply beautiful.  Afterwards, there will be Provencal music and dancing in town.

Details:

https://www.aixenprovencetourism.com/en/fiche/benediction-de-calissons-grande-fete-de-l-amande-et-du-calisson-5466390/

It’s a good day to be in Aix centre ville, by the way, as first Sunday of the month means free entry to all public museums.  Not included are private galleries like the Hotel Caumont but this should be on your list anyway as the current expo, Raoul Dufy, Ivresse de Couleur, ends soon, 18 September to be exact.  Unmissable.

Next weekend is your chance to get involved with the local community. 

If you have just arrived in Aix, this event helps you find painting, dancing, singing classes, all manner of social community groups, and volunteer organisations who are looking for people to roll up their sleeves and help.  With a tough winter ahead for many, this is a chance to really get involved.  FAB (used to be Assogora) takes place in the cours Mirabeau, Sunday 11th September. Stalls line the cours with eager locals reaching out to passers-by.

Fast forward another week and it’s the heritage weekend across France, Les Journees du Patrimoine, 17-18th September.  The theme nation-wide this year is Patrimoine Durable… but Aix as usual has its own twist.

Next post – Heritage Weekend: what will be happening in Aix? And other communities nearby? Coming soon to Aixcentric.

Click to access livret_jdp_2022_webbisok.pdf