France is known for their rich, indulgent foods and Aix won't let the hungry traveller down. In the past month and a half, I've had my fair share of delicious food. I've scoured most of the city for what I believe to be the best! Keep in mind, I'm a student traveler. These will all fit in your budget, I promise! Here are some of my favorites.
Calissons are a traditional French candy made from a smooth, pale yellow, homogeneous paste of candied fruit, such as melons and oranges, and ground almonds topped with a thin layer of icing. Calissons are almond-shaped with a chewy, yet somewhat solid texture. They are traditionally associated with the town Aix-en-Provence because, according to one story, the calissons appeared in 1473 at the wedding feast of King René's second marriage.
35 Avenue Victor Hugo
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| Crepes a Gogo |
Crêpes à Gogo is probably the most popular location for students in Aix. It is well hidden in a passageway under Ave Victor Hugo. They have over 80 choices of sweet and salty crêpes that are massive and affordable. Perfect for a quick lunch between classes.
2 Ave Victor Hugo
I have a tie for pizza in Aix.
1. Pizza Capri, a local favorite. There are three stands around town. Easy for a to-go meal and fairly cheap (2-3 euro a slice).
1, rue Fabrot
48-50, Place Richelme
48, rue Espariat
2. Shake Shake is the same idea as Pizza Capri, but a further walk for me (boy that sounds lazy...). Personally, I think their pizza is better. Thicker crust, better cheese, and a choice of tomato or cream sauces. Most slices are actually cheaper than Pizza Capri!
16 Rue des Marseillais
Café du Palais is my favorite restaurant for "fancier" dinning. It is near le Palais du Justice. I don't eat out often to try and save my money, but I love this option for lunch. They have a special that includes a salad and meal for 16euro, or add dessert for 19euro. My favorite combo? Mozzarella and tomato salad and beef with their delicious green pepper sauce!
2 Rue Manuel
2 Rue Manuel
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| Mozzarella and Tomato Salad at the Cafe du Palais |
Au Pavé du Roi is my boulangerie of choice that is actually right near my apartment and on the way to class. Vivienne, the local CEA director, even told us that their croissants are some of the best in town! There is always a line and their window display is amazing! It's a quick place to grab a croissant for breakfast, baguette for dinner or a delicious caramel macron.
9 Cour D'OrbitelleLes Deux Garçons is located on Cours Mirabeau in an old, historic building built in 1660. Many famous personalities have found their way to Les Deux Garçons including Picasso, Churchill, and Cezanne. It's a great place to people watch and enjoy a café.
53 Cours MirabeauColumbus Café has also become a favorite of mine. I'm not an avid coffee drinker, so some days I really crave a frappé. Columbus café is similar to a Starbucks. They have small food items, fancy muffins, and a great atmosphere for studying. The business was actually built in an old church!
7 Rue de la Masse
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| The yummy muffins displayed at Columbus Cafe, Aix-en-Provence |
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| Columbus Cafe is a business in an old, renovated church |
Sophia Hendrix is the Fall 2014 CEA MOJO in Aix-en-Provence, France. She is currently a sophomore at Ohio University.