3 days in slow mode in Aix

A hunt round the thrift shop

Finding good deals

You’re passing through the town centre of Aix-en-Provence, and you’re looking for good deals? The charming shop L’Oiseau Bleu is sure to capture your attention. Behind the door, an original concept blending shop and second-hand clothes, decoration items and accessories, all in baroque, poetic and feminine style. You will find unique items or collections in small quantitites, and we could go back there every day without getting tired of it! The Affaire Deux Sous shop is also worth stopping of at. Behind the small green eye-catching façade there’s a real Ali Baba’s cave. The shop is brimming with treasures from thrift shops, destocking, end of series or from private individuals who sell their belongings for €1 during two yearly collections. There’s something to suit all fashion tastes and budgets!

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Une publication partagée par L’Oiseau Bleu (@loiseaubleuaix)

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Une publication partagée par Maison Nosh (@maison_nosh)

A moment of pure greed in a cosy nest

Enjoying local products

From the point of view of flavours, here are our two heartthrobs for your holiday in Provence. La Petite Ferme whisks you back to childhood with a range of gourmet dishes cooked with the finest fresh local produce bursting with authenticity. Take a seat and let Chef Ronan Kernen tickle your tastebuds with his novel, tasty and refined creations. La Maison Nosh is much more than a coffee shop. In this shop, quite near the shops of the Allées Provençales, you’ll find healthy, seasonal, local and mostly vegetarian food, part of an approach which respects the planet. Ideal for a Sunday brunch in Aix-en-Provence, a buffet lunch or even a scrumptious breakfast.

Just reading or taking a break

Making the most of the southern sun

It’s time for a break! Enjoy a short break in the open air on the soft lawn of the emblematic Parc Jourdan, an ideal place to sit down in the shade and start a good book. A stone’s throw from the town centre of Aix-en-Provence, this little bit of paradise is one of the biggest parks in Aix-en-Provence. Just what yoou need for a zen walk. And for an even softer time, an unusual visit in the middle of Aix-en-Provence: the Meow Cats Café. On the menu, a little “purring” break and delightful delicacies to eat in good company. Cats retrieved from associations await you to indulge you with gentleness and hugs. We love stroking the famous cats of the Meow Gang : Dexter, Kida, Olympe, Opium, and Fripouille… and they’ll always ask for more!

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Une publication partagée par Dimitri&Laetitia Jalon (@maisonjalon)

A good place to spend the night in Aix-en-Provence ?

Pretty nests and sweet dreams

For your stay in Aix-en-Provence, La Maison Jalon greets you for an exceptional night. Inside this contemporary and sleekly designed home, Dimitri and Laetitia unveil a warm universe filled with furniture they have collected and holiday souvenirs. You’re more the nice, romantic or bucolic type? You’re sure to find your dream room! And for a more unusual night, go to Les Secrets d’Aix. A fantastic place with gorgeous gypsy caravans designed by an architect on a splendid 2-hectare estate on the Puyricard plateau. A private sunny terrace, a pool and parking space and also a badminton court, a boules ground and table tennis… all the ingredients for a perfect stay. In a setting worthy of the works of Cézanne, these caravans will offer you a moment of luxury, calm and voluptuousness.

A well-being area that will make you want to stay

Spa or hammam ?

Among the star activities in Aix-en-Provence, Le Spa Mazarine opens its doors in the town-centre for a moment of relaxation. Guaranteed soothing thanks to the treatment by the expert and nationally well-known professionals. Face and body treatment, massage, manicure and even pedicure, to be enjoyed on your own or in pairs, everything is à la carte. And you won’t leave empty-handed, the spa has a shop with all teh indispensable care products. For a timeless break, head for another fantastic place: Le Hammam des Prêcheurs. Massages, body and face treatments, scrubs and even tanning sessions are offered in this former mansion in the heart of the old town.

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Une publication partagée par Yelloworking – Aix en Provence (@yelloworking.aix)

A job break in coworking mode

Work in complete calm in Aix-en-Provence

The trend is towards combining work and leisure in one of the coworking spaces in Aix-en-Provence. Freelance, self-employed or just a nomad? Head for Yellow working to make the most of a dynamic, ergonomic and friendly work space. So much more than just an office, entrepreneurs from all walks of life and sectors gather here to maintain and develop their networks! You can also cont on tariffs adapted to all cases: résident (250/month), nomade (150/month) or à la carte (25€). Another option, Le 20/35 invites people to choose their space, length of stay and drink, with the bill made up according to your specific choices. A combined coworking space, café, concept store and workshop-come-meeting venue, Le 20/35 is a new and stimulating hub welcoming an entire community of freelancers and entrepreneurs!

A few words from Éléonore, blogger and founder of Dank Collection

My selection of the best addresses in Aix

Favourite addresses :

Café du temps : a great place in the spirit of a coffee shop, with excellent vegan food in different themes each week, a dynamic team and good vibes. A pretty little terrace in peace and quiet in the shade of a plane tree.
Occadeco : the perfect place for bargain hunters. Lots of second hand decorating items: crockery, objects, books, jewellry, furniture, records, vintage… and it’s quite rare to leave empty-handed. Good for unusual or more Provencal souvenirs
Atelier 23 / Fleurs de bagne : an essentially men’s off the cuff clothes shop, some unisex items with a selection of careful chosen timeless and quality items, among them an Aixois brand, Fleurs de Bagne. A great welcome and a lovely shop.

A few secret addresses :

Farinoman : the bakery of a keen baker, open the door of the workshop and breathe in the smells of freshly baked bread, honey… Different batches of breads every day, and breads which are both delicious and authentic. But we always leave with our choco-sourire!
Au verre levé : a hideout for friends, with good wines and good dishes! Both a wine cellar and a family-food restaurant, you always get a warm friendly welcome to make you feel at home. And at the moment, seasonal and local fruit and vegetables are on sale. A great selection of wines, and expert advice. An address full of life in the quarter.
Mana Espresso :a real coffee shop, managed by keen coffee lovers who even have their own coffee roaster. We also go there for Alex’s excellent pastries and we leave with a bag of skilfully chosen and roasted coffee.
Vintrepide : a restaurant which is hiden away but will liven up your taste buds if you like good wine and food.
Laurent fleuriste : his little shop is a real treasure for all flower-lovers and those who like bohemian flower compositions, dried flowers and plants… Spring all year round from the ceiling to the floor.

My best encounter(s) :

I have a lot of these, Aix is almost a little village. People you meet casually become members of the family and others fade away leaving gentle memories of terraces, squares and fountains… and bring us back to our everyday lives. The magic of Aix!