Shuttles

Navettes are dry cookies traditionally made for Candlemas in place of pancakes, particularly in Marseille. It is a cookie that was created by Monsieur Aveyrous in 1781. It is enjoyed cold (like most dry cakes). It is made of wheat flour, sugar, eggs, and water with orange blossom making all its flavor! Several legends are mentioned about the origin of the shuttle. However, the most popular legend is surely the one that attributes the symbolization of the shuttle to the boat that brought the Saintes-Maries to the coast of Provence! This allegedly gave its founder, Mr. Aveyrous, the idea to give a boat shape to his cookie....

However, others believe that the shuttle is due to a statue of the virgin found on the banks of the Lacydon in the 13th century and that it would have been perceived as a sign of protection by the small artisan people.