France got in the way of Spain. That might be the way Paul Shawcross would describe his first taste of France in 1979. His plan was to drive through France en-route to discovering Spain. He stopped at a campground in Millau, part of the amazing Tarn River Gorge. It was …

By aixcentric On Thursday 20th Nov, there will be an ‘Apero Arty’ to launch an exhibition of the work of Guy Denning. He’s a self-taught British artist who lives in France and, by the look of his website, produces interesting pictures: http://www.guydenning.org/artwork/lightbox/artwork.htm The Apero Arty is at 19:00hrs at La …

By aixcentric The chalets for the Christmas market in the Cours Mirabeau and the traditional rides for the little ones are nearly ready! Here are all the dates: The Christmas market opens tomorrow (19th November) and stall-holders will be selling all manner of gifts and festive foods – and that …

By aixcentric You probably remember Le Marseillois, the bateau-restaurant moored in the Vieux Port just opposite the Mairie; and you probably remember it sinking on 11th September last year. Since then,no news, but throughout November, the wreck is being dismantled and the Explore this Post Via:: Aixcentric       

By aixcentric As part of the ‘Image de Ville’ festival this weekend, there will be walks around the film locations in town – so you can follow in the footsteps of Truffaut, Antonioni, Chabrol as well as ad directors. In conjunction with the tourist office, they will take place Saturday …

Gilles Conchy says it was Provencal food and family ties that tugged him back to Provence after four years in California. Although, he admits that he could still be a “California boy.” The sandy, windswept beaches and seemingly endless sunny days of the southwest U.S. fit like a second skin …

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 …

By aixcentric English-speakers in Aix will have a tough decision to make on Sunday 7th December – go along to see two one-act plays by J.M. Barrie chosen to commemorate the centenary of the 1st World War, or hurry along to the great Cathedral in Aix to join in the …

My mother might not approve as some of my relationships these days start via social media – a tweet, a Facebook “like.” That is exactly how we ended up on a rocky trail bordered by the Durance River and cherry orchards with our new friend Charmaine. We spent a Tuesday …

By aixcentric Jill’s view of the Aix Cathedral. The video clips show how she composes and builds her paintings Jill Steenhuis is an American painter who loves Cézanne. She lives locally with her family and paints in the master’s footsteps. I love her colourful, impressionist-style work with its exuberant brush-strokes …