After leaving Aix-en-Provence and its busy neighbourhoods, the winding road descends through a forest of pine trees and cork-oaks. After a 15km drive, at the bottom of a small valley, the eye catches a glimpse of metallic silver reflections. You have arrived at Château La Coste. Impressive concrete gates (from superstar …

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, …

Cannes Underwater Museum Just 15 minutes by ferry from Cannes, the two Lérins islands, Saint Honorat and Saint-Marguerite, are a popular destination for those hoping to spend a day enjoying the Mediterranean. Now, there is another reason to visit sculptures by Jason deCaires Taylor. The area reserved for swimmers and …

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 …

Born in Kiel, Germany, a meandering path led Miriam Hartmann to her artist’s atelier in the village of Ménerbes. Why Provence? Over 15 years ago, Miriam Hartmann stood on the terrace of a modest studio in the Provencal village of Maubec. Gazing at Mont Ventoux, she had an overwhelming feeling …

Art Lover’s Tour During my fall 2019 art tour “Provence From an Artist’s Point of View,” I discovered a gem, Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie, which is an old village with colourful Provençal houses and medieval history. Clay has shaped the history of Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie since the middle ages. Come and join me this spring …

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 …

It was 2015 when an opportunity dangled in front of Jill Douglas’s painting easel in Los Angeles. Could she help out for a few months at Atelier Fourwinds, an artist’s retreat, in the Alpilles village of Aureille? Born in England, life took Jill to France and then to Southern California …

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 …

Discover Arles Arles is an excellent example of the adaptation of an ancient city to medieval European civilization. It has some impressive Roman monuments dating back to the 1st century BC. These include the arena, the Roman theatre and the cryptoporticus (subterranean galleries). During the 4th century, Arles experienced a …