Aix's culinary fame is due to its sweets. The most popular treat is the calisson d'Aix, which is a small iced marzipan and melon treat that dates back to 1473. Other local specialties are soft nougat and hard praline candies. You can find various pâtisseries on rue Espariat or rue d'Italie, which also has bakeries, charcuteries, and fresh fruit stands. To the north of Cours Mirabeau, the streets are lined with restaurants. The densest concenration is on rue de la Verrerie, off of rue des Cordeliers.

When looking for the freshest fruits and vegetables, go to the markets on Place de la Madeleine and Place Richelme. They are open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Otherwise, convenient supermarkets are three Petit Casinos at 3 cours d'Orbitelle, 16 rue d'Italie, and 5 rue Gaston de Saporta near the IEFEE. Supermarkets are generally open Monday - Saturday from 8:30 AM - 7:30 PM.

Among the Aixois favorite pastimes is to people watch, and the best place to do this is along Cours Mirabeau. Although this is among the more expensive places to eat, an expresso at the elegant Café des Deux Garçons won't break the bank. The former hangout of Cézanne and Zola, known by locals as les deux G, charges only €1.5 for an espresso.

At lunch and dinner, restaurants lay out their tables on the squares and side streets. See our Restaurant Guide for specific recommendations.