Calisson d'Aix
Local Food ProducersTaste

Calisson d’Aix the Sweet Almond Candy of Provence

Candy might not be the reason you decide to visit Aix-en-Provence, but don’t leave town without sampling the famous Calisson d’Aix. These sweets, made with ground, local almonds (sweet and bitter) and a fruit paste blend of melon confit (preserved in sugar) and orange peel, were officially recognised as part …

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Discover Orgon Village Alpilles views
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottExploreVillages Towns and Cities

Discover Historic Orgon the Charming Village Beyond the N7

Orgon is a Provencal town with a reputation problem. To appreciate the town’s history and its dramatic natural backdrop, on the edge of the Alpilles, you need to veer off the Route Nationale 7 (N7) and stroll through the old streets to discover the charms of Orgon. Steady vehicle traffic …

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Angelus Church Bells Provence
Ginger and NutmegInspireProvencal History & Traditions

Angelus the Church Bells of Angels in Provence

Ginger and Nutmeg live near to the village church. When they first return to France it takes several days to get adjusted. Between the 8-hour time change and the village bells, there is no need to wear a watch. The clock tower bells chime every hour, day and night. Angelus …

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Place des Precheurs @Aixcentric
AixcentricExplore

Place des Precheurs – Archaeologists to move in…

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: As is usual in Aix, any large-scale developments in centre-ville include the archaeologists; and the Place des Precheurs with its 2100 years of history will give them a fascinating opportunity to see what lies beneath… The Romans built their defensive towers and ramparts there, and …

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Provence France’s Lavoirs
Ginger and NutmegInspireProvencal History & Traditions

Provencal Laundry all Washed up in France’s Lavoirs

Water sloshes against the sides of the shallow stone basin of the lavoir as weathered hands vigorously scrub at stubborn stains. Kneeling on their augets washerwomen exchange tidbits of town gossip as they work to brighten their laundry. Before communal lavoirs, personal washing was done sparingly by the side of …

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Lacoste Marquis de Sade
InspireOur House in ProvenceProvencal History & Traditions

Lacoste, from the Marquis de Sade to Pierre Cardin

Lacoste is a well-preserved village that sits on a mountain ridge with great views to the east across a valley filled with vineyards and orchards to Bonnieux and the Grand Luberon Mountains. At the top of the village are the ruins of the castle of the Marquis de Sade now …

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Tania Laveder via @Jemma French Lessons
Books on ProvenceInspireJemma - French Lessons

Profile: Tania Laveder, World War II Survivor

Tania Laveder had hoped to write her own story, but over the years she has lost some of her Russian. She learned German only for the purposes of survival. The Italian of her in-laws remains fairly non-existent. And the French that has governed her life for almost 70 years now …

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Musée Granet AIX ANTIQUE, UNE CITE EN GAULE DU SUD Musee Granet
AixcentricInspireProvencal History & Traditions

Roman Finds at the Musée Granet

Aix must be a paradise for archaeologists: building work in town often yields ancient foundations and sewers, but sometimes sumptuous Roman mosaic dining room floors, everyday pottery and glass from the table, and even jewellery, oil lamps and statues. They dated from around 2000 years ago when Aix was the …

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La Rotunde Aix-en-Provence City of Water
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottInspireProvencal History & Traditions

Visit Aix-en-Provence the Provencal City of Water Fountains

Aix en Provence is often referred to as the city of water. The Romans settled here in part due to ready access to natural springs. As the town began to take shape during the Middle Ages, there were hundreds of fountains created for domestic use. Today there are only about …

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