By aixcentric There seems to be an inexhaustible supply of famous French photographers – it must be a result of living in such a beautifully photogenic country. MUCEM’s current expo show-cases the work of Raymond Dépardon and I found it to be a colourful and stimulating exhibition that made me …

By aixcentric It cost 73 million euros and its stated purpose was to provide a focal point for meetings, conferences, films and exhibitions on matters Mediterranean; but it’s now been revealed that the upkeep and running costs for the Villa Mediterranée were 4.4 million euros last year, paid by the …

By aixcentric Cassis is not only a beautiful little town, but they have a switched-on tourist office who are not afraid of doing some proactive marketing. They have mapped out all their activities for the coming year which is such a help for holiday-makers and locals with visitors. For instance …

By aixcentric Book In Bar is hosting a creative writing session on Saturday 14th February, from 11-13:00 hrs. Don’t know too much about the content but have checked that the workshop will be held in English as well as French. Participation is limited to 12 people so call the shop …

By aixcentric It really is the best time to hit the coast. You can drive there! You can park! Enjoy empty beaches, restaurants and art gallery! In fact this photo shows the world-famous celeb-magnet Pampelonne Beach last week…not a footballer, WAG or starlet in sight. Just us, Explore this Post …

By aixcentric This blog normally welcomes initiatives in town, but today must report on two closures, a hotel and a book-shop, both longstanding family businesses; and their demise says a lot about the way things are going in Aix. The hotel is the 3-star Le Manoir, in rue Entrecasteaux, which …

By aixcentric On the theme of helping people escape during the Occupation, here is a thrilling account of the experience of a Church of Scotland minister, Donald Caskie, who at great personal risk saved around 2000 Allied soldiers, sailors and airmen. He had been the minister at the Scots Kirk …

By aixcentric Just a quick call- out for Chez Jo, an institution in Aix. We popped in there for lunch last week on a bright sunny day but the mistral was blowing its chilly passage through the streets of centre ville. Not a day for lunching on the terrace. Inside …

By aixcentric In this week of commemoration, remembering those who perished at Auschwitz, it is fitting to honour those people, living and working in Aix, who helped save Jewish families, at great personal risk. They are designated ‘Juste parmi les Nations’. There are 25,000 worldwide, 3,700 in France and more …

By aixcentric Lots of sales going on at the moment across France, but the most unusual must be the massive auction of items from the famous, glittering Hotel de Paris in Monaco. As part of its renovation project, they will be selling off all manner of items Explore this Post …