It has been almost two decades since Anne-Marie Simons and her husband Oscar decided to uproot their Washington, D.C. lifestyle and spend their retirement years in the South of France. They eliminated other alternatives (continents, countries and cities) and chose Aix-en-Provence for its “quality of life.” The city’s attractive combination …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: A Table magazine from ‘La Provence’ is a mine of information for those cooking and dining locally. This issue (Septembre-Octobre) spotlights bouillabaisse and prints recipes from various renowned chefs. I always like the section where they review new restaurants – there are 16 featured, among them: …

Charming Provence Jolie vintage might be a good description for Goult. This village is one of a few in the Luberon that is not teeming with tourists, during the high season. In September 2015, Mimi and Michael Pillsbury purchased an old village house, as their new home and the base …

Aixcentric is a bit in ‘catch-up mode’ having spent the summer in cooler climes. But on my return, I was very keen to see the work of Annie Liebovitz in Arles (on until September 24th). Firstly to see the exhibition of the early work of this important American photographerbut also …

With tourists heading to the Luberon this summer to see lavender fields, Roussillon is along the way with its equally vibrant colours of red, orange and pink. These stories, fact and fiction, about the multi-coloured town that inform and amuse those who venture there. The French commune of Roussillon is …

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. …