Absinthe Ice Cream
AixcentricRestaurant RecommendationsTaste

Fancy an Ice Cream in Provence? Our Top Picks

Ice cream is exquisite. What a pity it isn’t illegal. ~ Voltaire* Susan Gish writes for Aixcentric: Sam and I had a really tough assignment over the summer doing the research for this article (she said sarcastically). But someone has to do it, so instead of worrying about getting rid …

READ MORE  Fancy an Ice Cream in Provence? Our Top Picks
French Bakeries Boulanger Aix-en-Provence
AixcentricTaste

French Bakeries Visiting a Boulanger in Aix-en-Provence

Susan and Sam Gish went on a magical tour of Au Pavé du Roy: Artisan Patissier Chocolatier Boulanger Glacier Traiteur in Aix-en-Provence. Our rendez-vous was with Mme Laurence Campanella, who is the 3rd generation owner of the shop. She invited us to come on a morning in October, and we …

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Masion de la Harpiste Roman Fresco ©Remi Benali
AixcentricInspireProvencal History & Traditions

Discovering Arles the Museums and Roman Sites

I discovered some interesting information online about a dig that has been progressing on the opposite bank of the Rhône River (from Arles), at Trinquetaille. Underneath an 18th-century glassworks, now a ‘monument historique,’ they have uncovered a group of Roman houses, many with mosaic floors.  The fresco in the illustration …

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Picasso 2018 Carrières de Lumières
AixcentricArtists Inspired by ProvenceInspire

Carrières de Lumières 2021 Program and Updates

Carrières de Lumières, the former quarry now a centre for immersive art displays, has announced its theme for 2021, and it’s one that should prove popular with the Aixois. The 2021 show, at Les Baux de Provence, will be a celebration of the work of Paul Cezanne. This show’s design …

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AixcentricBooks on ProvenceInspire

Crime Novels Set in Aix-en-Provence

Yesterday, an Aixcentric follower prompted me to remind everyone of a series of crime novels set in Aix-en-Provence and beyond.  She had spent time in town recently on holiday and loved reading fiction set in places newly familiar.  For all those who aren’t in Provence right now but would like …

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Jas de Bouffan Cezanne
AixcentricArtists Inspired by ProvenceInspire

Jas de Bouffan Paul Cezanne’s Family Home in Aix

As Aixcentric followers will know, the 18th-century country house, Jas de Bouffan, which was home to the Cezanne family for 40 years, was closed over a year ago for renovation.  I went in for a visit on its last day of opening, and my goodness, it needed renovation: think cold, …

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AixcentricTasteWines and Spirits of Provence

Aix-en-Provence and Its Wine Shops

Susan Gish writes: This article is a bit about us and wine, and a bit about three women who manage or own wine shops in Aix.  (We’ve also included some other wine shops in Aix). Susan and Sam are serious wine lovers. They enjoyed a romantic honeymoon in Champagne and …

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Madeleines Sweet French Aix-en-Provence
AixcentricRestaurant RecommendationsTaste

Craving Madeleines a Sweet French Fix in Aix-en-Provence

Susan Gish may not have a long history of reading works by Marcel Proust, but she shares his love for the classic French cookie-cake = madeleines. She wrote the following, “All I knew was that I am addicted to them. Not all madeleines, just those from Christophe Madeleines in Aix-en-Provence. …

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LUMA Arles Arts Centre
AixcentricExplore

Plan Your Visit to LUMA Arles Arts Centre

Long-time Aixcentric followers will have read about the development of the old SNCF railway sheds and shunting yards into LUMA Arles, a stylish arts centre, funded by Swiss industrialist and art-lover Maja Hoffman. Hopefully, the photo gives you an idea of the scale of the ‘Parc des Ateliers’ site: the …

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Favourite Places Eat Aix-en-Provence
AixcentricRestaurant RecommendationsTaste

Our Favourite Places to Eat in Aix-en-Provence

According to Susan and Chef Sam Gish, who both love delicious food, there are many amazing places to eat in Aix-en-Provence. However, Susan selected five (5) of their favourites. Please note these are small restaurants and bistros, it is always best to reserve a table in advance. Eating in Aix-en-Provence …

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