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
Photographs courtesy of Vasileia Fanarioti
With the Paris 2024 Olympic Video games underway, the joy and power in France are palpable. Because the nation ready to welcome athletes and guests from around the globe, my buddy and I made a decision to embark on a street journey by way of 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 way in which, we found 5 distinctive cafés, every with its personal allure and specialties. From wholesome breakfasts and double espressos to refreshing iced lattes and quirky themes, our journey was crammed 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 way of 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 enrich the meal, I savored a double espresso comprised of 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 technique to Good, the place Mix Espresso and Vinyl Store awaited. This distinctive café supplied a mix of two of my favourite issues: espresso and music. The informal ambiance was accentuated by turntables and a choice of vinyl data that clients may check. 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 in depth, that includes cold and hot 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 loosen up and luxuriate 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 season warmth. The espresso, roasted in small batches by Vienna-based CoffeePirates, was clean and flavorful. NOMADS supplied quite a lot of cold and hot drinks, together with a novel cold-brew summer season tonic. Their muffins and pastries, particularly the selfmade cinnamon buns, have been irresistible. The guide trade 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 lodge concierge, RAWr had been serving the neighborhood for a little bit over a 12 months. The café’s quirky theme was each enjoyable and welcoming. I loved a strong 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 supplied a variety of cold and hot drinks, in addition to quite a lot of dishes made with contemporary elements. 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 the whole lot from power balls and banana bread to egg and bacon muffins and Buddha bowls. The laid-back ambiance 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 main concentrate on 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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