Aix-en-Provence Calissons
History
The uncertain origin of the calisson dates back to the 12th century where a Medieval Latin text mentions 'calisone', an almond and flour cake similar to marzipan. This treat is found in Crete with the 'kalitsounia', made with almond paste, nuts and spices.
The word 'calisson' appeared in France during religious ceremonies where priests distributed blessed calissons to protect the population from the plague which raged in 1630. The priests pronounced the phrase: "venite ad calicem" in Latin, "venez au calice" (come to the chalice), which the people of Aix translate as "venes touti au calissoun" in Provençal.
Brother Bonaventure, a Capuchin monk from Six-Fours, gives another explanation in his book 'Festes d'églises et coutumes de missions en Provence': 'these kinds of biscuits, very tender with almond paste, drawn from a large vessel in the shape of a calisse, are called "calissons".' It was later used in Provençal literature, notably by the poet Claude Brueys (1570-1636).
Legend
The story goes that it was the confectioner of King René d'Anjou who created the first Aix-en-Provence calissons for his marriage to Jeanne de Laval. The future queen had the reputation of being austere, but when she tasted a calisson, it is said that her face lit up with a pretty smile. She then asked the confectioner what these sweets were called, he replied: "di câlin souns", "des câlins" in Provençal. The name has remained and the shape of the calisson represents the smile of the queen...
The Question on Everyone's Mind
Is there really only one recipe for calisson?
In fact, no! The melon-based recipe is the first and most famous, but today the calisson comes in different flavours: lemon, raspberry, fig, orange, caramel, chocolate/hazelnut and almond. Try them all to find out which is your favourite!
Where to Buy Them
La boutique du Roy René, 
380 Route d'Avignon - Quartier la Calade - RD7N, Aix-en-Provence
You can visit the calisson museum there!
At la chocolaterie de Puyricard, La Plantation, quartier Maliverny, avenue Georges de Fabry, Puyricard
Visits to the production workshop and training courses are organised there. Come and taste the calissons straight from the oven!
At la Maison Brémond, 10 espace Saint-Pierre, Peyruis
Aix-en-Provence Calisson Events
A blessing ceremony has taken place every year since 1995 on the first Sunday of September in the Saint-Jean-de-Malte church in Aix-en-Provence. It brings together several thousand participants and gives rise to a large Almond and Calisson Festival in the centre of Aix, with dances and concerts throughout the day.
