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Aix-en-Provence, is a city of Roman origin, then known by the name of Aquae Sextiae, in the Middle Ages it became the capital of Provence and experienced its maximum splendor between the 12th and 13th centuries. Today its most important monuments are the Saint-Sauveur cathedral and the many buildings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. Aix-en-Provence is also known for being the birthplace of the famous impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. The heart of the city is the Cours Mirabeau opened in the seventeenth century after the demolition of the medieval walls, it is in this large tree-lined street lined with cafes and shops that the traditional Christmas market of Aix-en-Provence usually takes place.
AIX-EN-PROVENCE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Usually these are the Christmas events in Aix en Provence (Noël en Provence): Chalets de Noël sur le Cours Mirabeau, foire aux santons, bravade calendale, marché des 13 desserts, veillées calendales, concerts, pastorale, marche des rois.
1) Christmas market in cours Mirabeau (Les chalets de Noël – Marché de Noël). The Aix-en-Provence market is usually made up of over 50 wooden chalets where local artisans and traders exhibit and sell their works. You will find both handicrafts and gastronomic products from Provence.
2) The Fair of terracotta figurines (Foire aux santons), one of the most famous in Provence. The fair usually takes place on the Avenue Napoléon Bonaparte (on the extension of the place Jeanne d’Arc).
3) Market of 13 desserts (Marché des treize desserts) in Place François Villon – Les Allées Provençales. A market that represents a journey into the heart of the gastronomic tradition of Provence, local farmers and artisans will present the products and culinary delights of Provençal Christmas in an exhibition space of over 500 m2. The Marché des 13 Desserts brings together about forty producers.
4) Twin Cities Christmas Market (Marché international des villes jumelles), on Place François Villon – Les Allées Provençales. Traditional market dedicated to crafts and gastronomy, where traders and artisans from the twin cities meet in Aix-en-Provence.
5) The Christmas tree market (Marché des sapins de Noël) usually in Place Bastard, in front of the bus station.
Together with the market and the other events described above, Christmas in Aix-en-Provence usually also comes alive with other events, you will find nativity scenes with the classic Provençal figurines, the “santons”, Christmas carols, and for needy children, the fountain of toys.