Let’s begin our stroll at 5 rue Mignet, where you’ll discover a bakery without a sign. 51-year-old Benoît Fradette left Montreal in 2004 to set up shop in Provence, and to share his art with the locals. A passionate baker, he takes his time kneading his dough and leaving it to rise. At the end of the night, a small production of delicious bread sticks and other loaves sell like… hot cakes.

King René’s city is famous for the Cours Mirabeau avenue, with its shady terraces and succession of cafés, but in its pedestrian alleyways, Aix also boasts many trendy little stores. Here’s our guide to the latest spots.

By Jean-Dominique Dalloz - June 20, 2011

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Culture and Fashion

A few steps from here, you will be plunged into a 1970s revival. At 26 de la rue Boulegon, Blow Up presents a joyful trip back through time. This second-hand clothes store with its vintage décor presents an impressive selection of polyester skirts, military jackets, heels, retro blouses and other jackets that look like they’re straight out of a disco film or retro TV show.

Le Farinoman Fou
5 rue Mignet

cushions and household linen are piled next to vintage rugs and many one-off pieces. The store’s religion is to create a world far from all uniformity. And if the price of some of the pieces is a bit steep, you can just as easily get your kicks from a very original photo frame selling for only 20€. Perfect for immortalizing your new vintage look.

With just enough time to get used to your weird new look, you get to Porte d’Alice. This new homewares store is overflowing with ‘shabby-chic’ pieces, Wu & Wu storage boxes, colorful thermoses, a timer decorated with a gorgeous pin-up girl, stickers, jewelry… Girly, retro, ‘green’, trendy, kitsch: you’ll find something for all tastes at 30 rue Portalis.

 

The Rue d’Italie is one of the city’s best shopping strips. At number 14, Vue Sur Cour won’t take long to know the same success as its neighbors. In this roomy space dedicated to interior design, sofas,

Blow Up
26 rue Boulegon

La Porte d'Alice
30 rue de Portalis

Vue sur Cour
14 rue d'Italie

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