Uncover the colourful café tradition of Cote d’Azur as we discover 5 distinctive spots from Aix-en-Provence to Marseille.

BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT

Pictures courtesy of Vasileia Fanarioti

With the Paris 2024 Olympic Video games underway, the thrill and vitality in France are palpable. Because the nation ready to welcome athletes and guests from world wide, my buddy and I made a decision to embark on a highway journey by the beautiful Cote d’Azur, aka the French Riviera. Our journey took us from Aix-en-Provence to Marseille, permitting us to discover the wealthy tradition and vibrant café scene that this area has to supply. 

Alongside the best way, we found 5 distinctive cafés, every with its personal attraction and specialties. From wholesome breakfasts and double espressos to refreshing iced lattes and quirky themes, our journey was stuffed with pleasant culinary experiences. Be a part of me as I recount our visits to those 5 distinctive cafés, capturing the essence of the Cote d’Azur by its espresso tradition.

MANA – Aix-en-Provence

Our journey started within the charming city of Aix-en-Provence, the place my buddy and I stumbled upon MANA, a café that promised an array of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. The ambiance was heat and welcoming, and the scent of freshly brewed espresso stuffed the air. I made a decision to begin my day with their quinoa granola bowl, topped with Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and seasonal fruits. To enhance the meal, I savored a double espresso produced from their very own mix of Brazilian and Colombian beans. Since its inception in 2018, MANA has grown, now boasting a roastery and a catering part with a cellular truck, exhibiting their dedication to spreading their love for espresso.

Mix Espresso and Vinyl Store – Good

Subsequent we made our approach to Good, the place Mix Espresso and Vinyl Store awaited. This distinctive café provided a mix of two of my favourite issues: espresso and music. The informal environment was accentuated by turntables and a collection of vinyl information that clients might take a look at. I indulged in a pistachio cookie, which was delightfully nutty and completely baked. Paired with one other double espresso, it was a match made in heaven. Mix’s menu was intensive, that includes cold and warm espresso drinks, juices, teas, burgers, and even beer and wine. The posters and classic décor added to the nostalgic vibe, making it a comfortable spot to chill out and revel in some good music and nice espresso.

NOMADS – Antibes

Our third cease was NOMADS in Antibes, a café that felt like a haven for espresso lovers and bookworms alike. Based by Evelyn Priesch, initially from Austria, NOMADS exuded a way of tranquility and heat. I opted for an iced latte, a refreshing option to fight the summer time warmth. The espresso, roasted in small batches by Vienna-based CoffeePirates, was clean and flavorful. NOMADS provided a wide range of cold and warm drinks, together with a singular cold-brew summer time tonic. Their desserts and pastries, particularly the selfmade cinnamon buns, have been irresistible. The e-book change nook added a stunning contact, encouraging a way of neighborhood amongst patrons.

RAWr – Cogolin

Within the coronary heart of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, we found RAWr, a dinosaur-inspired café that piqued our curiosity. Operated by Natassia Bibard, a former resort concierge, RAWr had been serving the neighborhood for a bit over a yr. The café’s quirky theme was each enjoyable and welcoming. I loved a sturdy double espresso, which was precisely what I wanted to gas our journey. The selfmade pastries regarded tempting, however what caught my eye was a bag of Papua New Guinea espresso from Baroida Property, which I eagerly bought to get pleasure from later. RAWr’s dedication to high quality espresso and its distinctive theme made it a standout on our journey.

Dutch Café – Marseille

Our closing cease was the Dutch Café in Marseille, positioned within the vibrant Panier district. This bistro and juice bar provided a variety of cold and warm drinks, in addition to a wide range of dishes made with recent substances. I handled myself to an iced latte and a multigrain cookie, each of which have been scrumptious and satisfying. The café’s menu was numerous, that includes every thing from vitality balls and banana bread to egg and bacon muffins and Buddha bowls. The laid-back environment and pleasant service made our go to a pleasing one, and the inclusion of cocktails, beers, and wine ensured that there was one thing for everybody.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vasileia Fanarioti (she/her) is a senior on-line correspondent for Barista Journal and a contract copywriter and editor with a major give attention to the espresso area of interest. She has additionally been a volunteer copywriter for the I’M NOT A BARISTA NPO, offering content material to assist educate individuals about baristas and their work.

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