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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

Visiting local vineyards for a walk, tasting, and some art should provide a perfect outing for these days of social distancing. Here are a few suggestions by region: Luberon Vineyards: Wine and gourmet food are reasons to visit Chateau la Coste (near Aix-en-Provence), but there is no question the contemporary …

Entre Midi et Deux What better name for a restaurant that was only open for lunch than Entre Midi et Deux? Located on dynamic Rue d’Italie in Aix-en-Provence, this restaurant has no problem filling their tables. Reservations are a must. Sometimes it’s a treat to go to lunch where there’s a …

Hiking and Culture Works by British sculptor Andy Goldsworthy, known for creating outdoor installations from natural materials found nearby, form part of a new 150km “art” hiking route which stretches across the north of our region. Named the Refuge d’Art, in the Unesco Geopark reserve in collaboration with the Gassendi Museum …

Father of Optical Art Victor Vasarely (1906 -1997) was a Hungarian-born artist and designer who spent much time working in Provence. His work encompassed architecture, publicity posters, fashion and even car design, as well as his signature op-art. Why not visit the Fondation Vasarely on the hillside overlooking Aix, beside …

By Aixcentric: Biot Museum Have you visited the Musée Fernand Léger at Biot? It’s the only museum in the world dedicated to this major 20th-century artist who lived and worked in the town. It is also one of the few Musées Nationales de France dedicated to a single artist. Purpose-built and …

Just imagine this being the view from your lunch table. That’s the pleasure of being in Les Goudes, an enjoyable boat ride from Marseille’s Vieux Port. An 8-euro one-way ticket takes you out through the Vieux Port, past Fort Saint Jean and MuCEM, out to the open sea where the …