By aixcentric If you like photographing Provence, here are details of a major competition being run at the airport – and, who knows, you could be one of those chosen to have their work displayed in grand format to greet visitors this summer. The theme is Provence from an economic, …

By aixcentric This was what was on offer in Bergen when we visited a couple of years ago and I found it horrifying. I suppose logically it’s no different to a tuna sarnie but there’s something so majestic and mysterious about whales that makes turning them into toasties so much …

What is the celebration of spring in Nice la Fête des Mais? Phoebe has the answer. On the 1st of May and then every Sunday throughout the month, Nice celebrates the arrival of spring.  This custom dates back to Roman times when a “Mai” (a large pine tree felled in …

By aixcentric This summer’s big show at the Musee Granet comes to Aix straight from the Grand Palais in Paris. ‘American Icons’ will feature Andy Warhol, Alexandre Calder, Roy Lichtenstein, Chuck Close, Cy Twombly, Ellsworth Kelly amongst 60 emblematic works from the SFMOMA and the Fisher collection (one of the …

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 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 …

There are a few musical events in my life that the Barefoot Blogger will always remember. The concert with Stacey Kent in the Cour du Duche high on the list. A magnificent azure sky against the yellow haze of the Chateau du Duche and a soft summer breeze made the …

February is synonymous with more than one big event; Valentine’s Day, the Oscars, Six Nations Rugby, and, if you live in Nice, Carnival. Like it, or loathe it (I’d say most residents fall into the latter camp), don’t even try to fight the Carnival. Plan your Visit to Nice’s Carnival The theme …

By aixcentric Violets are one of the first signs of spring, a welcome sight as they peep out from grassy banks and the undergrowth in woody areas. At Tourrettes sur Loup they are centre stage in the local economy and also in the annual Fete des Violettes which takes place …