English Bookstores in Aix en Provence!

 I read on vacation. If the growing collection of paperback books in our guest room is any indication, I am not alone. But what to do when you have finished the last book you and your family carried along? What to do when you are in France and you are definitely NOT fluent enough to pick up and read the French language version of the latest best seller?

If you and your family are in Aix en Provence, you are in luck! There are now TWO excellent English language bookstores in town, in the same neighborhood, making it likely that you can find a good read on a lovely Provencal morning. The shops are located in the center of town near the Cour Mirabeau, a primary landmark and lovely tree-lined street.

Paradox Bookstore: #15 Rue de 4 Septembre; at the square of the “fountain of the 4 dolphins”. This shop specializes in buying and selling secondhand books written in English.

Book in Bar Bookstore : #4, rue Joseph Cabassol
It’s a great family spot with books for all ages and a nice selection of teas, coffees, smoothies and goodies. They also sponsor special events which are listed on their web site.

Nearest parking: Mignet
Good nearby restaurant: Le Passage
Closest ATM: several on the Cours Mirabeau
Added attraction nearby: Two multi-screen cinemas with VO movies (Original Version in English)

Chateau Market in the Southern Luberon...

The village of La Tour d'Aigues anchors a lovely and vibrant valley that runs along the southern edge of the Luberon. Far less well-known than the northern slopes of Luberon made famous by Pater Mayle, the Val d'Aigues is home to wonderful villages like La Tour d'Aigues.

The Tuesday morning market surrounds the entrance to their famous Chateau. It has long been an active market for locals in the region, but in recent years the number of vendors has increased, the variety of offerings has grown, parking has been made easier to find and use, all making the market at La Tour d'Aigues an attractive venue for shopping!

It is in this market that I learned how to find the vendor whose produce is produced locally and has been harvested within hours of the market. After a tour of the vegetable vendors, my neighbor, a local native, stopped me in front of a particular vendor. She pointed out the age and habits of the customers.
Nearly all were senior citizens, if you will; all carefully checking each item; and choosing only things in season. They knew one another and they knew the vendor, spoke of family and cooking strategies as they shopped.




At the other stalls, the vendors did most of the talking, encouraging customers to purchase certain products and hurrying from one customer to the next. Valuable lessons!




One last secret to tell about La Tour d'Aigues--the best bakery for miles around is just 1/2 block from the Chateau, on the main road with a yellow awning.

St Martin de la Brasque is a Mayle Favorite!

This small Luberon village is home to one of Peter Mayle's recommended restaurants, Restaurant de la Fontaine. Having eaten there before he made it famous, I can say they have a pleasant terrace, a wonderful kitchen, and great service! They will even help you with the menu if you do not speak french.

On Sunday mornings this village hosts a terrific market for growers and artisans of the region. The fellow who sells goat cheese (chevre) lives a few miles away, for example. Located on the southern slopes of the Luberon, St Martin sits about 5km from La Tour d'Aigues and 30 km from Aix en Provence. The vineyards that surround this village offer nice bike riding!

The man who sells the sweetest melons I have tasted will help you choose just the right one, but only if you can tell him pretty precisely when you plan to eat it! Today at lunch? In the cool of this evening after dinner? Or day after tomorrow?

In addition to the farmers, there are local artists and others selling a beautiful array of pottery, jewelry, photographs, leather goods, paper goods, linens, and the like.

On a recent morning I found a vendor who had set up a small 'fishing pond' where young shoppers could throw down a line to capture a pouch full of goodies, well supervised by mom of course.

Across the way, a nearby winery was offering samples of a sweet wine to taste together with bites of local melon...oh my, tonight's dessert!

St Martin has a post box, a good bakery, a full service salon/spa,and a small grocery. At this date, no ATM, so bring cash to the market. (Always the best idea.)Parking is easily available right along side the market; the market area is flat and wheelchair accessible.