School and the Converse Shoes
Our first day at the little CIPEC International School located just ten minutes outside Aix on a peaceful road surrounded by beautiful sunflowers. The house we are renting is four minutes away and I’m in heaven as it’s so much quicker than my school run back home. When we first …
Our first day at the little CIPEC International School located just ten minutes outside Aix on a peaceful road surrounded by beautiful sunflowers. The house we are renting is four minutes away and I’m in heaven as it’s so much quicker than my school run back home. When we first …

Making the Most of Monaco
With not one but two Grimaldi babies due at the end of the year, it’ll be all eyes on the Palais Princier de Monaco. Although we have visited Monaco at various times, I hadn’t realised that in fact you can go for a tour inside the palace. Speed though is of …
With not one but two Grimaldi babies due at the end of the year, it’ll be all eyes on the Palais Princier de Monaco. Although we have visited Monaco at various times, I hadn’t realised that in fact you can go for a tour inside the palace. Speed though is of …

Bienvenue Chez Vous Getting to Know Provence
How well do you know Provence? Would you like to try a new activity locally? Do you need some inspiration for visiting friends and family? If so, the annual ‘Bienvenue Chez Vous’ could help. Over 200 organisations are offering one free entry or experience.
How well do you know Provence? Would you like to try a new activity locally? Do you need some inspiration for visiting friends and family? If so, the annual ‘Bienvenue Chez Vous’ could help. Over 200 organisations are offering one free entry or experience.

Marseille Euro Capital of Sport 2017
Marseille has won its bid to become the European Capital of Sport 2017. It was announced yesterday that it had beaten its rival Sofia to become host to an extensive programme of sporting fixtures, building on its experience of being Capital of Culture.
Marseille has won its bid to become the European Capital of Sport 2017. It was announced yesterday that it had beaten its rival Sofia to become host to an extensive programme of sporting fixtures, building on its experience of being Capital of Culture.

Eclats…Abstract Photography at Aix Tourist Office
‘Eclats’…translates as glitter, sparkle, brilliance, radiance, and so a good name for this unusual photographic exhibition by a Puyricard-based group. It’s unusual because they have taken the works of Cézanne and used them as a starting point for abstract photos: for instance, they have isolated the brush-strokes making up the …
‘Eclats’…translates as glitter, sparkle, brilliance, radiance, and so a good name for this unusual photographic exhibition by a Puyricard-based group. It’s unusual because they have taken the works of Cézanne and used them as a starting point for abstract photos: for instance, they have isolated the brush-strokes making up the …

Meeting Good King René’s Mum
Rubbing shoulders with royalty last evening…but actually to find out more about Queen Yolande, the subject of a book and talk by HRH Princess Michael of Kent. Born in 1380 to the king of Aragon, Yolande was married to the Louis II of the house of Anjou, and ruler.
Rubbing shoulders with royalty last evening…but actually to find out more about Queen Yolande, the subject of a book and talk by HRH Princess Michael of Kent. Born in 1380 to the king of Aragon, Yolande was married to the Louis II of the house of Anjou, and ruler.

Spotlight on Roman Aix
Virtually every time there are ‘travaux‘ in Aix, the archaeologists who precede the bulldozers unearth Roman pottery, statues, funeral urns, drainage systems and stretches of road. Over the years there have been small displays, but the next exhibition at the Musée Granet.
Virtually every time there are ‘travaux‘ in Aix, the archaeologists who precede the bulldozers unearth Roman pottery, statues, funeral urns, drainage systems and stretches of road. Over the years there have been small displays, but the next exhibition at the Musée Granet.

Fete de la Courge in Rians
Next weekend (11th and 12th October) sees the annual Fete de la Courge in Rians in the Var, and it is one of my favourite village festivals: mainly as it is so very un-English. It is an excellent opportunity to see a work-a-day Provencal village, totally non-touristy, celebrating local produce.
Next weekend (11th and 12th October) sees the annual Fete de la Courge in Rians in the Var, and it is one of my favourite village festivals: mainly as it is so very un-English. It is an excellent opportunity to see a work-a-day Provencal village, totally non-touristy, celebrating local produce.

Apero Arty in Aix-en-Provence
What a great painting. I’ve never heard of James Cochran but can’t wait to get myself along to La Galerie Maison Dauphine to see this new expo, ‘Au Coeur de la Rue’. Tucked away in the Quartier Mazarin, this is an innovative gallery. The show is on until October 18th.
What a great painting. I’ve never heard of James Cochran but can’t wait to get myself along to La Galerie Maison Dauphine to see this new expo, ‘Au Coeur de la Rue’. Tucked away in the Quartier Mazarin, this is an innovative gallery. The show is on until October 18th.

Water Cycling in Marseille
Have you ever cycled in a boat? Through a shopping centre, hospital or station? Thought not. Your chance comes on Sunday 5th October with the 5th annual Vélotour which sounds like the best fun.
Have you ever cycled in a boat? Through a shopping centre, hospital or station? Thought not. Your chance comes on Sunday 5th October with the 5th annual Vélotour which sounds like the best fun.