Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: A room dedicated to Sandro Botticelli at Avignon’s Petit Palais was inaugurated in April following the Louvre’s decision to send the artist’s ‘Venus aux Trois Putti’ south to join the existing Madonna and Child. This permanent display also incorporates work from Botticelli’s pupils. The collection …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: It’s hard to believe but that Parc de la Torse is just a 10 minute walk from the Cours Mirabeau. The Torse park is a wonderful natural area which follows the little river from the route de Cézanne down to the route de Nice. There are …

The Musée Bonnard over in Le Cannet (just north of Cannes) is the only museum in the world dedicated to Pierre Bonnard. Visiting his paintings lets you see the world through his eyes, a celebration of joyful colour from the yellow mimosa in his beloved garden down to the sparkling …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: This week sees a new expo at MAC, Marseille’s Museum of Contemporary Art. Hip-Hop started in the South Bronx, where, surrounded by economic deprivation, the young generation developed creative ways to party, dance, paint the urban environment and challenge the establishment. It spread, district by district, …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: The ‘Atelier Ombres et Lumieres‘ at Les Milles is run by Murielle Moutel, an innovative artist and teacher. I enjoy going to a weekly class there and so can personally recommend signing up for one of her summer courses which are taking place in July. …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: Sunday really is an ideal time to visit Toulon as the traffic is lighter, it’s easier to park and the market is in full swing. It’s a good market with the top part North African stalls, leading down to the fruit and veg section, ending in …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: As usual in June, so many events in Aix-en-Provence, some regular, others new – here goes: Talented local artist Jill Steenhuis will be showing her colourful Impressionistic paintings along with sculptures by her husband and son, Serge and Sergio Ruffato in the ancient rooms of …

There are quite a few photography exhibitions on in Provence right now….let’s head west first to the ones in Arles. The Musée Reattu, which is building a formidable collection of photography is currently exhibiting ‘Anatomie du Paysage‘, 130 natural or urban landscapes from some well-known photographers. This museum is in …

There is a permanent installation by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei at Chateau La Coste. It’s entitled Ruyi Path after the ceremonial sceptre that symbolizes power and good fortune in Chinese history. The artist has followed the shape of the sceptre for a new pathway that weaves between the forest trees …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: According to le Fils Aixcentric who cycles up there regularly, the Mont Ventoux sign has been taken before, and has been replaced, each time with different heights recorded.  The most recent height (see the photo) of 1911m …Continue reading here to find out about the “Ventouman” who has …