CONFISERIES DU ROY RENÉ

Confiserie René Roy is the leader in top-of-the-range Provençal confectionery. Its specialities, calisson and nougat, have been delighting the taste buds of the whole world for a century. Its know-how is also recognized by the label Entreprise du patrimoine vivant.

History. It all began in 1920, in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, the historic capital of almonds, where Ernest Guillet established himself as a nougat craftsman at "la Nougaterie du Roy René". He developed his own recipes for nougat and calisson in the purest Provençal tradition, which ensured the immediate success of his confectionery.

In 1947, his son René took over the torch and became passionate about a cult confectionery of the city, and emblem of the Provençal region: the "câlin provençal", the famous calisson. This confectionery then became the heart of the company's activity, to the point that it was renamed "Calissons du Roy René" in 1948.

In 1980, it was René's daughter Anne's turn to develop the business. She married Maurice Farine, who became CEO of the confectionery business and was responsible for the development of the family business (modernization of production tools, specialized ranges, public reception).

Finally, the local child Olivier Baussan, founder of the Occitane, the Ecomusée de l'Olivier, d'Oliviers & Co and shareholder of the fine grocery stores Maison Brémond 1830, and Laure Pierrisnard, current General Manager, promise the Confiserie du Roy René a brilliant future as spokesman for Provençal taste and flavours throughout the world.

The products. Calissons, nougats, spreads, ice creams, crisps....

Employment. 80 people for a turnover of 13 million euros.

Calisson Museum: Only 10 minutes from the city centre of Aix-en-Provence, discover the playful and gourmet itinerary that retraces the history and production of the most famous Provençal confectionery. The visit is free and open 7 days a week, from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 to 12:30 and from 13:30 to 18:30 and on Sundays from 10:00 to 17:30. Tasting and demonstration of the calissons possible after the guided tour.