Discover the vibrant café culture of Cote d’Azur as we explore five unique spots from Aix-en-Provence to Marseille.
BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT
Photos courtesy of Vasileia Fanarioti
With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games underway, the excitement and energy in France are palpable. As the country prepared to welcome athletes and visitors from around the world, my friend and I decided to embark on a road trip through the stunning Cote d’Azur, aka the French Riviera. Our journey took us from Aix-en-Provence to Marseille, allowing us to explore the rich culture and vibrant café scene that this region has to offer.
Along the way, we discovered five unique cafés, each with its own charm and specialties. From healthy breakfasts and double espressos to refreshing iced lattes and quirky themes, our trip was filled with delightful culinary experiences. Join me as I recount our visits to these five exceptional cafés, capturing the essence of the Cote d’Azur through its coffee culture.
MANA – Aix-en-Provence
Our journey began in the charming town of Aix-en-Provence, where my friend and I stumbled upon MANA, a café that promised an array of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The ambiance was warm and inviting, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. I decided to start my day with their quinoa granola bowl, topped with Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and seasonal fruits. To complement the meal, I savored a double espresso made from their own blend of Brazilian and Colombian beans. Since its inception in 2018, MANA has grown, now boasting a roastery and a catering section with a mobile truck, showing their dedication to spreading their love for coffee.
Blend Coffee and Vinyl Shop – Nice
Next we made our way to Nice, where Blend Coffee and Vinyl Shop awaited. This unique café offered a blend of two of my favorite things: coffee and music. The casual atmosphere was accentuated by turntables and a selection of vinyl records that customers could test. I indulged in a pistachio cookie, which was delightfully nutty and perfectly baked. Paired with another double espresso, it was a match made in heaven. Blend’s menu was extensive, featuring hot and cold coffee drinks, juices, teas, burgers, and even beer and wine. The posters and vintage décor added to the nostalgic vibe, making it a cozy spot to relax and enjoy some good music and great coffee.
NOMADS – Antibes
Our third stop was NOMADS in Antibes, a café that felt like a haven for coffee lovers and bookworms alike. Founded by Evelyn Priesch, originally from Austria, NOMADS exuded a sense of tranquility and warmth. I opted for an iced latte, a refreshing choice to combat the summer heat. The coffee, roasted in small batches by Vienna-based CoffeePirates, was smooth and flavorful. NOMADS offered a variety of hot and cold drinks, including a unique cold-brew summer tonic. Their cakes and pastries, especially the homemade cinnamon buns, were irresistible. The book exchange corner added a lovely touch, encouraging a sense of community among patrons.
RAWr – Cogolin
In the heart of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, we discovered RAWr, a dinosaur-inspired café that piqued our curiosity. Operated by Natassia Bibard, a former hotel concierge, RAWr had been serving the community for a little over a year. The café’s quirky theme was both fun and inviting. I enjoyed a robust double espresso, which was exactly what I needed to fuel our adventure. The homemade pastries looked tempting, but what caught my eye was a bag of Papua New Guinea coffee from Baroida Estate, which I eagerly purchased to enjoy later. RAWr’s dedication to quality coffee and its unique theme made it a standout on our trip.
Dutch Café – Marseille
Our final stop was the Dutch Café in Marseille, located in the vibrant Panier district. This bistro and juice bar offered a wide range of hot and cold drinks, as well as a variety of dishes made with fresh ingredients. I treated myself to an iced latte and a multigrain cookie, both of which were delicious and satisfying. The café’s menu was diverse, featuring everything from energy balls and banana bread to egg and bacon muffins and Buddha bowls. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly service made our visit a pleasant one, and the inclusion of cocktails, beers, and wine ensured that there was something for everyone.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vasileia Fanarioti (she/her) is a senior online correspondent for Barista Magazine and a freelance copywriter and editor with a primary focus on the coffee niche. She has also been a volunteer copywriter for the I’M NOT A BARISTA NPO, providing content to help educate people about baristas and their work.
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