by Alix
Last week I was lucky to spend a few days with my friend Tamara. She is a jewelry designer. Tamara and her mom Agnès have a jewelry store in Aix-en-Provence and another in Marseille. Watchmaker, Jeweller, La Maison Pellegrin, founded in 1840 by the ancestors of Tamara reinvents stylish models in their simplicity and unique in their refinement. Today my friend works with her mother to continue the family tradition proudly.
For me Tamara is the quintessential French Woman, elegant, sophisticated combined with a “je-ne-sais-quoi” of simplicity and low profile. Tamara is another Inès de la Fressange animated by a great sense of friendship. This friendship was shown to me be her warmth in welcoming me to her city . . .
Some of Tamara’s creations forAgnès Pellegrin
The “it” ring made of pink gold, brown and white diamonds, pink sapphires and amethysts
Birthstone 13 bracelet made in silver created in 2013 for the coronation of Marseille as the European Capital of Culture
Cuff “Trendy” made of pink gold
Earrings “Trendy” made of pink gold
Tamara helped me discover Aix en Provence and Marseille, 2 fabulous towns in my cherished France.
MARSEILLE
In 2013, Marseille is named the European Capital of Culture. In preparation for this major event the city has revamped itself.
Here are the top addresses of Tamara:
Dinner or lunch
.La Passarelle – only in Summer – products come from the owners’ gardner! 52, Rue Plan Fourmiguier 13007 Marseille 04.91.33.03.27
.Viaghji di FonFon – only in Summer – next to a small and typical marina where Pointus dangles, 138 Vallon des Auffes 13007 Marseille 04.91.52.78.28
.Le Lunch – only in Summer – book the table by the sea! Calanque de Sormiou 04.91.25.05.37
.Le Baron Perché: 45, Rue Chateaubriand 13007 Marseille 09.51.24.89.52
For a drink with friends
.Le Café des Epices – crazy atmosphere on Wednesdays in Summer, restaurant is also excellent 4, Rue Lacydon 13002 Marseille
For deco
.L’Ane Bleu – great selection – 62, Rue Breteuil 13006 Marseille 04.91.81.12.00
.Où est Marius? – manager and products’ selection are amazing 48 rue du Lacydon 13002 Marseille 04 91 90 60 66
.Zig Zag – the store where Tamara loved to shop when she was young, store just reopened it’s doors after a few years of absence … The owner of the house is the same – 27, rue Caisserie 13002 Marseille 04.91.33.62.70
Flowers
.A la Campagne: place Emile Sicard 13008 Marseille 04.91.71.44.05
Where to stay in Marseille
Tamara hosts her friends in the “Convent” in the panier area – bobo and hipster trendy, 9 apartments in a former convent 6 Rue Fonderie Vieille 13002 Marseille 06.26.26.41.94
Curiosities of Marseille
.Le bazar de César, cave dedicated to specialties of Marseille – soap, anisette, pastis, local beer etc.4, montée des Accules 13002 Marseille
.Compagnie de Provence – block or liquid soap and derivatives – 1 rue Caisserie 13002 Marseille
.Glacier du Roi – ice cream 4 place de Lenche 13002 Marseille 04 91 91 01 16
.Glacier La Fabbrica – ice cream 231, Rue d’Endoume 13007 Marseille
.Le four des Navettes – small crunchy boat-shaped delicacy, flavored with orange blossom 136 rue Sainte 13007 Marseille 04 91 33 32 12
Marseille and Culture
.MUCEM opened last year – beautiful Museum of Civilization in Europe and the Mediterranean. A visit is essential.
.Special mention to the picturesque neighborhood of the basket – the soul of Marseille, the oldest part of the city that mixes a convoluted maze of streets, art galleries, fashion boutiques, small restaurants and producers Marseille soaps.
.Calanques of Marseille, wonderful walk
.Le Vallon des Auffes, picturesque marina and its fishing huts where the famous “Pointus” boats float
AIX-EN-PROVENCE
Dinner or lunch
.L’Epicerie – a small square and its old fountain whose water flows into your glass of rosé! 3 Place des 3 Ormeaux 13100 Aix-en-Provence 04.42.57.45.91
To treat yourself
.Bechard – le Framboisier : Tamara’s childhood memory, le “Castel” and the “saucisson brioché” just incredible : 12, Cours Mirabeau 13100 Aix-en-Provence 04 42 26 06 78 following my stay special mention for ” small petit pain filled with foie gras and figue”, divine…
.Cheesemaker Lemarié: 55, Rue d’Italie 13100 Aix-en-Provence 04 42 66 50 06
For your eyes
High end selection of trendy glasses, Tamara loves it… OPTIC 27: 27 rue D’italie 13100 Aix-en-Provence 04 42 28 41 80
Where to stay in Aix
.Furnished Appartements and art gallery : La Maison Dauphine 14, Rue du 4 Septembre 13100 Aix-en-Provence 06.51.06.18.75
For fashion
.Di Micheli Donna au 10 rue de l’ancienne Madeleine 13100 Aix-en-Provence, 04 42 93 64 10 Facing Tamara Pellegrin’s store
.First – huge selection of shoes… Tamara is addicted to Miu-Miu! 7, Rue Fabrot 13100 Aix-en-Provence 04 42 38 51 05
.Muse – Romuald creates some dreaming plate-forme shoes 21 Rue Fabrot 13100 Aix-en-Provence 04 42 27 61 89
.Gago – sharp and exceptional pieces so very exclusive…20, Rue Fabrot 13100 Aix-en-Provence 04 42 26 08 52
Aix en Provence and culture
. Ballade in the heart of the city to discover the many fountains and beautiful buildings
. Le Pavillon Noir – national choreography center 530 avenue Mozart 13627 Aix en Provence
. Le Château La Coste will be a post next week …
There are still so many other places to discover in Marseille or Aix en Provence!
Tamara thank you for sharing with me all your favorite places!
Translation & Editing by Camille Boucard