Last week for my Cross Cultural Studies in Food and Culture (French 306) class, we were required to walk around the market and observe what makes the markets of Aix famous. After making our observations we were to write an article that encapsulates the entire experience of going to the market. I thought that sharing that article here would be a good way to express the unique nature of the markets of Aix-en-Provence. The below article was co-written by my classmate Emma Hagan.
The Markets of Aix-En-Provence
The city of Aix-en-Provence is truly charming. It is alive and full of students. There is a lot of culture on and around every corner. Daily markets show fruits, vegetables, seafood, bread, spices, and more. Aix is really a city of dreams. Citizens know the way to live. Provence is in the middle of a very rich region in the south of France. There are thousands of vineyards around Aix and also the Mediterranean. One may be sure that Provence has the best products thanks to its position in France.
The Place Richelme market is in the center of the beautiful streets. You can walk down a street looking at the bakeries and pastries. But a notable part is the market. When you first stumble upon the market, you are greeted by a garden. Of course it is not a literal garden, but it borrows several characteristics from a garden. Walking under the archway into the square is almost like walking through the gate of a garden fenced in by a collection of beautiful gold buildings. First, you smell the flowers that are beautifully presented in the shadows of the Hotel de Ville. Vendors labor to make beautiful custom bouquets. Every flower has the power to take your breath away with its vibrant colors and Provencal fragrances. The passionate vendors display their work, whether it be flowers for a wedding or flowers for a normal day. You won’t leave without wanting to buy flowers whether you have an occasion or not.
In the shade of towering tree
s sits a vibrant food market. The soft murmur of voices provides a comforting and inviting atmosphere. Customers engage in friendly conversation with vendors and discuss cooking recommendations. The warm colors of the season complement the sunlight. Even the sun wants to showcase and highlight the fresh produce by acting as a spotlight. The market in its entirety draws you into its warm embrace.
With the fall season upon us, grapes, apples, and gourds are brought directly from the ground to the market. Even the buzzing bees want to taste the sweetness of the fresh grapes. Each variety of produce is displayed with precision. The zucchinis are stacked in neat towers. The displays shine in effortless beauty. Upon closer inspection, the vegetables appear untouched with straight-from-the-ground freshness and are still speckled with dirt. The bright orange of the fresh gourds invokes the desire to curl up next to the fire with a blanket and hot chocolate.
Tucked off to the side in a private cove sits the fishermen with 
their catch of the day. The aroma of the fish meets and fills your senses as you cruise over. The sight and smells takes you out to sea. A whole array of seafood is displayed with the utmost care and precision. The vendors are dressed in maritime garb and wait with tools ready to fillet your choice of fresh fish.
Across the way sits a stand that offers charcuterie and cheese. The vendors buzz about, taking care of each of their visitors with undivided attention. To go the extra mile, one vendor offers raclette sandwiches
with your choice of meat. This sandwich is a must to get the whole French market experience. Once again, each vendor displays his charcuterie in clean baskets. Each one is labeled as if it is proud of its identity and ingredients.
Amidst the fresh produce and hearty charcuterie sits a small épicerie. Scents of a multitude of different spices waft your way as you approach. You are transported to a new country and culture with each breath. Whole new 
worlds like India pop into your mind as you experience the scents of Indian spices. Next door, a honey vendor offers samples that boast of his carefully-crafted honey. The simplicity of honey is elevated and complimented by different flavors. Of course, the staple flavor is the lavender
of southern France. It’s almost as if you were standing in the middle of a lavender field with bees producing honey on the spot.
At the corner sits a man playing the accordion. He provides the market’s soundtrack. The visual and auditory stimuli blend together to give you a cohesive and picturesque image. The music completes the experience and provides the last element of French perfection. It truly brings to life your childhood dreams of France.
Merci for reading! Here is a picture of me and my co-writer!