By aixcentric ‘Centenaire 14-18′ has already begun in Aix. This is a programme to commemorate the centenary of World War 1 – lots of conferences, talks, and a couple of exhibitions. Look out for a 72m fresco, Le Chemin de Mémoire, inaugurated last evening at the Lycée Militaire in the …

Somehow it seems strange to see a French opera, performed live in New York, broadcast live at a cinema in Uzes — with French subtitles. It was truly a memorable event. Carmen and more. Not only was it the first time I’ve seen the opera “Carmen” in full;  and the …

By aixcentric Amongst the new films starting in Aix tomorrow (Wed 5th Nov) is ’71’. This tells the story of a young soldier played by Jack O’Connell, caught up in the sectarian violence of Belfast. The film has just won the highest number of nominations in this year’s British independent …

By aixcentric This Sunday sees a second play in the series which brings London performances to Aix: ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ will be transmitted at the Renaissance Hotel in Aix: 2:30, Sunday Oct 19th. West End play and tea on Sunday in the luxurious Hotel Rennaissance. This has to be …

By aixcentric Marseille has won its bid to become the European Capital of Sport 2017. It was announced yesterday that it had beaten its rival Sofia to become host to an extensive programme of sporting fixtures, building on its experience of being Capital of Culture. The newly renovated Velodrome of …

By aixcentric Continuing on my quest to see the photos in the Phot’Aix programme, I decided to stop wandering up side streets and concentrate my efforts on the Cours Mirabeau while shopping. The Hotel des Augustins has about 8 small dark photos in a dark reception area (venue 18)… could …

By aixcentric The annual Phot’Aix programme is now underway: it is showcasing the work of 41 photographers in 28 different locations around town. In principle, this is a great way to highlight new work and also to encourage people into shops, the cinema, restaurants to see it. Unfortunately my attempt …

By aixcentric The Fete du Livre this year has a globally famous writer appearing on 17, 18 and 19th October: Mario Vargas Llosa will be discussing his 2003 novel ‘Un Peu Plus Loin’ or ‘The Way to Paradise’. This is a historical double biography of Post-Impressionist painter Paul Gauguin and …

By aixcentric In parallel with the appearance of Mario Vargas Llosa, the Fete du Livre will be celebrating the work of Philippe Apeloig. ‘Who?’ did I hear you say? Well that was my reaction, but he appears to be a talented and well-known French designer and affichiste. Apeloig had Explore …

By aixcentric ‘Eclats’…translates as glitter, sparkle, brilliance, radiance, and so a good name for this unusual photographic exhibition by a Puyricard-based group. It’s unusual because they have taken the works of Cézanne and used them as a starting point for abstract photos: for instance, they have isolated the brush-strokes making …