Summer 2023

Willy Wonka and then some. “Butter from
Charente, cream from Alsace, almonds
and candied fruit from Provence...” says the
guide as I watch the magical transformation
of these delicious ingredients turned into
chocolate, calissons, ice cream and sweets.
French people eat 7-12 kg of chocolate a
year – I’m only surprised it’s not more when
it’s this good. They also host workshops.
Forget night in a museum, I’m dreaming of
night in a chocolate factory!
The Goat lady
Cheese lovers will adore the Ferme du
Brégalon. When I visited, Anais Girard, the
goat lady, was surrounded by baby goats
bleating and wanting cuddles or maybe to
hear her play the piano she keeps in the barn
“they love music as much as me” she says.
The farm is in a lovely, tranquil location,
perfect for picnics, about 20km from the
city and Anais and her husband also breed
goats for sale “we go on holidays at places
where our goats are” she laughs, happiness
is definitely goat shaped here. Production
is organic, manual and carried out with
love. You can meet the goats and taste the
goat milk products from tangy cheeses and
yoghurts to ice cream.
Innovative beer makers
In a former printworks factory turned
brasserie in Aix, quench your thirst with Aixmade
ale. What started as a passion project
for a couple of young beer makers has won
a legion of fans who flock to Aquae Maltae
for the innovative beers served with tapas
style snacks and a fun atmosphere. You’re
likely to find their beers in local restaurants
too – from lavender beer and garlic beer to
their popular Sainte-Victoire, named after
the local mountain that haunted the dreams
of Cezanne, as well as Mistral, a blonde beer
“perfect for hot days.”
The goats love to hear the goat lady play the piano
Gaodina
Enjoy a beer at Brasserie Aquae Maltae
Where to eat out:
Locals love: Restaurant Gaodina – lunch
or dinner here is like taking a mini holiday in
just a couple of hours. Just a mile or so from
the commercial centre, it’s surrounded by
meadows of wildflowers and Judas trees and
looks like a film set for ‘A Year in Provence’.
A fabulous menu at a great price, plus a
barbeque kitchen for sunny days and a
delicious wine list – outstandingly scrumptious!
Read our guide to Aix
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