Aixperiences: What is Places Comtales? -- market mornings at Prêcheurs & Verdun (aka “the big one”)

Bienvenue to the Places Comtales—the joined squares of Place des Prêcheurs and Place de Verdun, right by the Palais de Justice and l’église de la Madeleine. It’s the beating heart of Aix’s “grand marché.” (Aix en Provence - Office de Tourisme)

When is the big market here?

• Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays — morning (about 08:00–13:00). Food, produce, prepared dishes, crafts, textiles spill across Prêcheurs, Verdun, and nearby streets. Arrive by 10:00 for peak bounty. (Aix en Provence - Office de Tourisme)

• Every day: If you miss it, the daily producers’ market is at Place Richelme (08:00–~14:00). Grab coffee, practice bonjour, repeat. (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Tourisme)

What to expect (and where)

• Prêcheurs side: heaps of fruit & veg, olives, cheese, rotisserie, spice mounds, and picnic-ready plates. You’ll see La Madeleine peeking over the stalls. (Aix en Provence - Office de Tourisme)

• Verdun side: more crafts, baskets, linen, soaps—often rotating with the season’s brocante and artisan stands; on big days it links to Cours Mirabeau. (SeeProvence.com)

Getting there (easy)

• Walk: 5–7 minutes from La Rotonde. Follow the flow of market bags and baguettes.

• City buses: Any line to Rotonde or La Poste, then stroll. (Old-town micro-shuttles “Diablines” also cruise nearby streets Mon–Sat).

• Pro tip: Bring a tote, small bills/coins, and your best smile; card is common, but not universal.

Quick etiquette & tiny hacks

• Start with “Bonjour, Madame/Monsieur” before asking prices—yes, it matters.

• Produce is often served by the vendor; don’t grab unless invited.

• Mind the queue blob; a gentle “C’est à qui ?” keeps the peace.

• Reusable produce bags save time and earn approving nods.

---

Micro French practice (pick your level)

• A1: “Je voudrais 500 grammes de tomates, s’il vous plaît.” (Numbers + weights)

• A2: “Elles sont de la région ?” / “Vous prenez la carte ?”

• B1: Compare prices & freshness: “Celles-ci sont plus mûres / moins chères.”

• B2: Small talk while paying: “Vous conseillez quoi aujourd’hui pour une salade niçoise ?”

• C1+: Bargain (politely) on non-food: “Si j’en prends deux, vous me faites un prix ?”

---

Handy official pages

• Fruit & veg market (times & locations): Richelme daily; Places Comtales Tue/Thu/Sat mornings. (Aix en Provence - Office de Tourisme)

• What “Places Comtales” means: redevelopment of Prêcheurs + Verdun into one events/market space. (Aix en Provence - Office de Tourisme)

• Roundups of market days (useful overviews): textiles/crafts on big days; times & variations. (SeeProvence.com)

---

Your turn 👇

What’s your best buy at Places Comtales—cheese, olives, or a dangerously pretty tablecloth? Drop your stall tips, your bus/walk route, and one French phrase that worked a charm with a vendor. On papote à Aix! 💬