Aixperiences: Meet Ted Aix Tours — Your Friendly Guide and Fixer for Restaurants, Boulangeries & Better Days in Aix

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If you’ve ever stood on the Cours Mirabeau wondering, “Where would a local actually eat?”—meet Ted. He’s the Aix-based guide behind Ted Aix Tours, a cheerful polyglot of history, food, and “don’t-miss-this” advice. Ted leads custom walks (history hunts, market/foodie tours, wine-curious rambles), and—crucially for all of us fork-first explorers—he keeps a running, curated set of restaurant and boulangerie/pâtisserie picks on his site. (Ted Aix Tours)

Who is Ted?

“Ted” is Édouard Paul-Cavallier—Paris-born and raised for 18 years to an American mom and a French dad, which makes him what he cheerfully calls a native bilingual. He spent ten years in the U.S.: first five in Massachusetts for college (oui, the academics; non, not the winters), then five in sunny San Diego after deciding the Northeast was, frankly, too cold for human flourishing. Everything changed when he moved back to France to be closer to his sister and three nieces—a choice that quietly set the stage for meeting his future wife and, ultimately, settling in Aix-en-Provence.

In Aix, Ted went from enthusiastic newcomer to go-to Aixois expert: the friend who remembers the market vendor’s name, knows when that tiny bistro actually answers the phone, and can map a perfect day that glides from fountain to plaza to pastry. His tours and tips are warmly curated, bilingual by default, and irresistibly local—because for Ted, it’s not just a city guide; it’s home.

Why you want Ted on speed-dial (+33 06 59 85 80 06)

Ted is a long-time Aix local who designs tours that feel like having a very organized best friend show you around: stories, shortcuts, and snack stops included. He’s built itineraries for history lovers, market-mavens, and anyone who thinks “lunch” is a spiritual practice. Expect practical tips and up-to-date recommendations woven into the walk. (Ted Aix Tours)

  • Start here: Ted Aix Tours – Home (overview of tours + philosophy). (Ted Aix Tours)

  • His French-language city guide & travel-tips hub. (Ted Aix Tours)

What Services Ted Aix Tours Offers

Here’s Ted’s greatest-hits menu—fun, flexible, and very Aixois:

  • Private & small-group city tours (history, culture, architecture). (Ted Aix Tours)

  • Food-forward experiences (market strolls, tasting-heavy walks, “where locals actually go”). Reviews mention he shares personal picks for restaurants, bakeries, and sweet stops—then you circle back later to feast. (Tripadvisor)

  • Sightseeing Historic Treasure Hunt A playful city quest that threads through fountains, cloisters, and hidden plaques. You’ll solve clues, learn quirky backstories, and see the old town click into focus. Great for families, friend groups, or anyone who thinks history should come with a dash of mischief.

  • Intro to French Wines A gentle, judgment-free primer: how to read a French label, what AOP actually means, and how Provence rosé differs from, say, a Rhône red. Expect guided tastings, pairing tips you’ll actually use, and a few “so that’s why I like this” lightbulb moments.

  • Historic Walking Tour The classic: time layers from Roman roots to Cézanne’s shadow, elegant hôtels particuliers, and those signature Aix fountains. You’ll get context for what you’re seeing—architecture, politics, gossip (the good kind)—plus practical tips for where to linger after.

  • Pétanque at the Park Learn the local sport the local way. Ted supplies boules, coaching, and friendly banter; you bring your competitive spirit. Finish like an Aixois with a casual drink nearby and a new appreciation for the words tirer and pointer.

  • Gourmet Vineyards Tour A day of tastings at thoughtfully chosen estates (think small producers and standout terroirs), with time to stroll vines, chat with cellar staff, and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Ideal for couples, small groups, and anyone who believes “notes of apricot” should be experienced, not memorized.

The Blog: Where His Shortlist Lives (and lives again)

Ted publishes living lists he updates regularly (he notes roughly twice a year) so openings, closings, chef moves, and seasonal menus don’t catch you out. (Ted Aix Tours)

Restaurants: from “date-night” to “I need lunch now”

Ted’s Favorite Restaurants in Aix page breaks down timely lunch/dinner ideas and namedrops local standouts—think Étude for dinner, Ama Terra for special occasions, and Manlio’s for a top lunch/snack. You’ll also spot handy day-by-day suggestions. Bookmark it before your stomach growls. (Ted Aix Tours)

  • Read: Aix-en-Provence – Favorite Restaurants (Ted’s master list). (Ted Aix Tours)

Boulangeries & Pâtisseries: butter, flour, bliss

Croissant-chasers, rejoice: Ted’s separate roundup of best boulangeries helps you choose where to deploy your daily willpower (or not). Pair with a café stop and pretend you’re studying vocabulary while annihilating a pain au chocolat. (Ted Aix Tours)

  • Read: Aix-en-Provence – Best Boulangeries (Ted’s picks). (Ted Aix Tours)

Pro-tip: hours shift with seasons and holidays; double-check opening times the morning of your pastry mission. (We’ve all power-walked to a dark storefront. Character-building!)

Quick links

Your Turn — partagez !

  • A1: What’s your pain préféré in Aix? Write one sentence: “J’aime la baguette/tradition/croissant de ____.”

  • A2: Choose one place from Ted’s lists and describe your order with 3 adjectives: “Chez ____, je prends ____. C’est ____ , ____ et ____.”

  • B1: Post a mini-review (5–6 sentences): atmosphere, service, price range, and one tip for first-timers.

  • B2: Compare two spots (style, value, consistency). Which wins for a weekday lunch vs. special occasion?

  • Advanced: Debate the eternal question: is viennoiserie breakfast or a state of mind? Argue with examples and cite a pastry case.

Drop your recs (and new finds) in the comments—especially if one of Ted’s tips led you to a memorable meal. Bon app’ et merci, Ted!

Location: Aix-en-Provence, France