Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: Recently, I met up with local author Bernadette Murphy whose book ‘Van Gogh’s Ear – The True Story’ has been such a success. It was chosen by BBC Radio 4 as their book of the week and was also the subject of a BBC2 TV documentary. …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: Visitors to Marseille’s MuCEM or the Musée Regards de Provence can eat in either venue, or may like to wander along the main road a little to try Les Halles de la Major which is in the vaults tucked underneath the magnificent 19th century cathedral. …

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: 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. …

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: The summer services for the navettes (ferries) which go from the Vieux Port down to Point Rouge or along to L’Estaque and back will start on Saturday 29th April until 1st October. Cost still 5€ each way. If you haven’t tried these short journeys, they …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: Here is a useful link for ideas of outings in the Vaucluse. It covers vineyards, bike-hire and cycle routes, antiques fairs and also has details of discounts and promotions for accommodation. …Continue reading here for travel tips, family fun and tons of things to do in …

Pierre Bonnard loved his home at Le Cannet – he painted his wife Marthe in the bath, the cats in the dining room, the splendid colours of his garden and naturally his view of the sparkling Mediterranean. Le Cannet now has the world’s only museum dedicated to the artist, …Continue …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: I have to confess driving round/past/through Gardanne several times but never stopping to have a look round. We did, this week, and found it interesting. It wasn’t a good start as the tourist office was shut. We had checked the opening hours on the website …