Musée du Calisson
If you feel like just a short escape from home, you could take your kid to a mini museum just outside of Aix. It is the Musée du Calisson, a museum about calissons from Aix-en-Provence. The museum is very very small, but also very cute. This kid-friendly place is situated in the factory of Le Roy René, the local producer of the delicious cookies. The cookies (I am not sure if I am allowed to name them cookies) are made of almonds, candied melon and icing. When you live in, or visit Aix, tasting a calisson is a must-do. How nice to taste it where it is made. As our wedding was also our farewell before moving to Aix, we even had calissons decorating our wedding cake. So yes, I am a fan. Just like my kids are.
No wonder that my kids were thrilled to join me on a visit of this museum about calissons. “Museum” is actually quite a huge word, but it is just fun for the little ones. Kids can see some of the old equipment that was used for the first productions of calissons, as well as learn about the importance of the local ingredients. My kids loved to be able to have a peek at the people working at the factory, very interesting!
Going here, you must be prepared to get your kid a treat from the boutique, a true sugar paradise. I can’t escape without buying a lolly pop, but maybe you are stronger than me.
You have all the time to enjoy your “goûter” by visiting the gardens of Le Roi René behind the museum. There are heaps of beautiful almond trees to walk along. This sure is a pretty picture perfect during the blossom time in spring.
When and where?
The museum is open from Monday until Saturday, you could check the time schedule on the website of Le Roy René. You could opt for the free visit from about half an hour, get an audio tour in French for an extra fee, or for a guided tour (paid). The museum is officially situated in Aix-en-Provence, but is actually in Aix-Nord so transport is required.
