The history of calissons

A royal birth...
 
A local legend tells us that calissons appeared in 1473 at the wedding meal of the Great King René with Queen Jeanne. They were created by the baker of the court in honour oh his new Queen.

A still unexplained name...
 
Many theories exist about the origins of the word calisson. Some experts pretend it comes from the Latin Calisone, others to the Greek Kalitsounia, words that designated Greek and Italian sweeties during ancient times.

The nicest theory pretend calisson word come from a word of Queen Jeanne who would have said about these sweet recipe "Di cali soun" which means in old French "they are so sweet".

The soaring of calissons
 
The growing of almonds really started in Provence during the XVIth century. Aix-en-Provence became rapidly an important market for almonds trade.

Léonard Parli launched the first calisson making unit in 1874. His example will be replicated by other confectioners. The fame of calissons will then rapidly soar up.

Some magic qualities...
 
During the XVIIth century, France and particularly Provence were striken by bubonic plague outbreaks. At that time, some people pretended that calisson could prevent from plague...