Top 3 events in Aix-en-Provence

What’s going on in the Aix-en-Provence events calendar?

Plenty, and all the better for it! In the Pays d’Aix, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained all year round. Thanks to Provence’s mild climate, many events take place outdoors. Even in winter, the sun shines brightly enough to bring people together for festivals, art exhibitions and fairs of all kinds.

When you think of Aix’s gentle way of life, you expect the events to highlight Provençal traditions. Eureka, the city relentlessly cultivates and shares its local identity! Customs are passed on to younger generations and tourists alike, right down to the markets.

If you’re passing through Aix, you’ll have the chance to discover the local talents, crafts and other skills that have been perpetuated over the years. You’ll notice a number of similarities between events in Aix-en-Provence and those in Marseille. The towns are linked by a rich folklore of which the region is particularly proud.

Our selection of recurring events

The magic of the festive season never fails to strike the Aix-en-Provence region. As Christmas approaches, you’ll be able to smell the sugar permeating the pretty, warm stone streets from afar. The decorations reveal the town in a whole new light. Intergenerational gatherings multiply in no time. If you’re planning a visit to Aix at the end of the year, don’t hesitate!

1 Easter Festival

Date or period: End of March to mid-April

Access: Paying €€€

Description: A cultural highlight for over 10 years, the Easter Festival brings music lovers of all ages together in Aix-en-Provence. For several weeks, the public is invited to attend the various concerts, in a timeless atmosphere. Every year, the programme grows in stature and prestige. More and more of the big names on the classical music scene come to enchant the audience.

2. The 13 desserts market

Date or period: The last two weeks of December.

Access: Free

Description: When the crisp December air fills with the smell of sweet treats, it’s time for the 13 desserts market! A must-see event in Aix-en-Provence in the run-up to the festive season, this market brings you the best local delicacies on a platter. In all, some forty selected food artisans, producers and farmers will be on hand. Each professional will be showcasing traditional Provençal Christmas specialities. The atmosphere is festive and the stomachs are filled with joy and good humour!

3. The Santon Fair

Date or period: Last week of December

Access: Free

Description: The time has come to show off the skills of Aix-en-Provence’s santon makers. Santons are all the figures that take their place in a Christmas cot. Formerly known as the Sainte Barbe market, it was the largest annual gathering in Aix. Then, in December 1934, Mr Fouque and his son set up shop here to sell their handcrafted santons. Over time, other santon makers joined them, eventually giving birth to the authentic Foire aux santons d’Aix-en-Provence.