The Barefoot Blogger is learning French! For all those ‘doubters’ out there who think the Barefoot Blogger will never learn French, here’s news. After two years living in France, and during a short visit to family in the States, I’m taking French lessons seriously. Seriously. The Rosetta Stone CDs, levels …

By now you know that some of the Barefoot Blogger’s favorite people in France are artists. Let me tell you about one that I’ve just met — Andy Newman. It’s really an interesting story of how Andy and I got to know each other. Over the internet. You see, Andy …

When one of my long-time friends (notice I didn’t say “old”) came to visit in Uzes, she’d say: “That’s just so French!” It became a favorite saying to the two of us during her stay. Here are ten things that say “that’s just so French” to me. See if you …

By aixcentric You might like to mark your diaries with two amazing experiences in early June: Paul McCartney playing Marseille and the flamboyant Groupe F illuminating the ancient Pont du Gard to celebrate its 30 years as a World Heritage site. Paul McCartney will be doing one concert at the …

Provence is a rich environment for writers. Peter Mayle sparked a trend for books about Provence, but it’s fun to read fiction set locally. Mary Lou Longworth has penned a series of crime novels based in and around Aix. Starting with ‘Death at the Chateau Bremont’, she Explore this post. …

By aixcentric National Theatre Live’s thrilling broadcast of Frankenstein will be shown in Aix on Sunday 12th April. It’s the fourth in the series of special screenings organised by local American Karen Wildau who had to battle to find a venue for her venture. The programme is going well, she …

By aixcentric It was back in August 1961, a long-forgotten incident, and thanks to local historian Alain Paire for sending details of this fascinating story. The thieves climbed the garden walls then up the decorative ironwork of the façade to reach the first floor paintings. The town authorities were trying …

Jill Cowdry shares jelly bean hues and candy-coloured images of Aix-en-Provence in time for Easter. If you want to see the whole group of photos follow this link to Easter Chic in Aix en Provence – a petite Easter card.

By aixcentric Did you see last year’s Aix Carnaval? It was an unforgettable experience as giant inflatable sea creatures floated down the Cours Mirabeau to the delight of the 20,000 onlookers. The town authorities have hired ‘Plasticiens Volants’ for this year’s carnaval too and the new theme will be ‘Le …

By aixcentric Now that the area around the Rotonde is sorted – and it does look lots better – the authorities have turned their attention to another large area ripe for regeneration: the places des Precheurs, Verdun and Madeleine as well as rue Thiers. There will be no more parking …