The ‘brocantes market’ in beautiful Aix en Provence is held on a wide boulevard shaded with trees and surrounded by fragrant flower displays.
The locals set out stalls under bright coloured umbrellas and hours can be spent wandering from one to another, enjoying coffee and pastries at the street cafes along the way. There is a wonderful eclectic mix of antiques from extravagant chandeliers and glamorous jewels to dusty books and agricultural ironwork.
The market has a lovely relaxed air; visitors can soak up the atmosphere created by the sunshine and chatter of the locals whilst searching for a little piece of treasure.
Place de Verdun: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
On arrival at Domaine de la Brillane you are met with breathtaking views of Mont Sainte-Victoire - painted by Paul Cezanne – bursting yellow sunflower fields and the evocative scent of lavender, cementing the fact that you have arrived in Provence. Now in its eighth year, this family-run organic vineyard and b&b encourages guests to get involved with the vendange (grape harvest) and offers an introduction to the art and science of wine tasting. Bicycles are available to hire for exploring the surrounding villages, or you can just unwind in the Provençale countryside. Just 7km north of Aix-en-Provence, La Brillane epitomises rural France and boasts a wine cellar stocked for eternity. C'est magnifique!
Tel: +33 4 4254 2144
www.labrillane.com
Doubles from €130 including breakfast
Clean, cheap and basic accommodation within the town centre just next to the Cours St-Louis. Perfect for those on a budget just wanting a base and roof over their head in the evening. Double room was €40 a night with a breakfast of coffee, croisants, bread and jams, included.
0442 381177 Centre Historique
69 boulevard Carnot, 13100 AIX en Provence, France
+33 4 42 38 11 77
A Frenchman told me that the TGV from Aix to Paris is a fair bit cheaper and faster than from nearby Les Arcs.
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Aix-en-Provence basics
- Population:
- 0.13m
- Currency:
- Euro
- Time zone:
- GMT+1
- Dialling code:
- +33 (0) 4