Why go
The contrast is unusually tangible: the former archbishop’s palace evokes the opera festival, while the Pavillon Noir expresses the city’s commitment to dance in contemporary architecture. Calissons and santons offer a smaller-scale connection to Provence. Together they make culture in Aix something found in buildings, food and craft as well as in museums.
The full story
The Festival d’Aix-en-Provence was founded in 1948. Its association with the Théâtre de l’Archevêché, in the former garden of the archbishop’s palace, links opera with a historic setting. The Théâtre du Jeu de Paume and Grand Théâtre de Provence give further architectural context to the city’s musical life. Ballet Preljocaj adds a dance tradition associated with the Pavillon Noir, designed by Rudy Ricciotti. Food and craft preserve other local connections. Calissons are lozenge-shaped sweets made with almonds and crystallised melon. Their blessing belongs to a Provençal religious tradition associated with deliverance from plague. Santons are handmade figurines often used in Christmas crèches. Beyond the city, vineyards between Aix and the Durance form part of the Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence wine landscape. These traditions offer useful context without requiring a particular shop, performance or festival date.
Useful to know
- Consult the official programme before planning an opera or dance performance.