Dating in Aix-en-Provence, around a good table

Morning markets, cobbled squares

Each morning, Place Richelme wakes up around its growers’ market: olives, goat’s cheese, breads and bunches of sun-ripened vegetables. A little further, the larger Prêcheurs market, on Place des Prêcheurs, is held three times a week around the fountain. Together you pick the ingredients of a lunch, give in to a tapenade, hesitate over a melon: the encounter naturally takes on a Mediterranean rhythm.

The calisson, emblematic sweet

A speciality of Aix since the Middle Ages, the calisson combines almonds, candied melon and fruit paste on a wafer. The Confiserie du Roy René, founded in 1920, offers a tour and a shop where you leave with a few boxes to share. A tasting workshop between two strangers quickly turns into a knowing conversation, especially when you compare your favourite flavours.

Tables and terraces in the centre

The pedestrian Place des Cardeurs lines up restaurants and bistros where you dine outside for many months a year. Along Rue d’Italie, fine delicatessens, patisseries and wine cellars invite you to put together a shared platter. On Lyad, members from Aix willingly share their favourite spots for a first date; it is up to you to find someone to book that table with.