Supporting independent bookshops is a must: not only is the internet providing much competition but there are local problems too – Book In Bar has been bedevilled with roadworks outside the shop recently. Here is a list of their events this month: Creative Writing Workshop: Saturday, March the 21st, from …

Three local creatives are getting together next weekend to exhibit their work. ‘Profusion’, above, is typical of the exuberant and colourful impressionistic/abstract style of Barbara Pitcher. She works with oils, acrylics and mixed media to paint flowers and locations that resonate with her. Barbara is a Canadian/Italian who Explore this …

By aixcentric I took this picture back in the summer to show the crowds rushing into MUCEM when the gates opened at 11am. It has been such a success with people loving the daring adaptation of the old fort linked to the flamboyant modern museum…and of course those amazing views …

The ‘Marseille Eternelle’ exhibition at the Musee Regards de Provence ends on March 1st, and if you catch this, you will also see the new ‘Lumieres du Sud’ show on the floor above. Beautiful paintings in an elegant gallery, all for 6€! Explore this Post  

If you are inspired to visit Tourrettes Sur Loup (see last post), you should have time to call in to see Matisse’s famous chapel at nearby Vence, which the artist called his ‘masterpiece.’ Recovering in Nice from cancer, Matisse had hired young Monique Bourgeouis to nurse him and act as …

Aix must be a paradise for archaeologists: building work in town often yields ancient foundations and sewers, but sometimes sumptuous Roman mosaic dining room floors, everyday pottery and glass from the table, and even jewellery, oil lamps and statues. They dated from around 2000 years ago when Aix was the …

By aixcentric Violets are one of the first signs of spring, a welcome sight as they peep out from grassy banks and the undergrowth in woody areas. At Tourrettes sur Loup they are centre stage in the local economy and also in the annual Fete des Violettes which takes place …

By aixcentric What with Chandeleur in France and Pancake Tuesday in the UK, February is a good time to get whipping up some batter for pastries and crepes. But if you prefer to buy something in town, there’s lots of choice. The traditional pets de nonnes – nuns’ farts – …

By aixcentric Lots of the restaurants in town now have boards outside their premises showing their menus for Saturday night. The Tourist Office have put some of them online with links so you can email for a reservation if you see one you fancy: Aix-en-Provence Tourism There is also a …

By aixcentric Did you know that Aix is the proud owner of one of the world’s largest deposits of dinosaur eggs? The Arc valley provided an ideal habitat for these big beasts and the local Museum d’Histoire Naturelle is mounting an exhibition to show off some of their collection which …