Aix must be a paradise for archaeologists: building work in town often yields ancient foundations and sewers, but sometimes sumptuous Roman mosaic dining room floors, everyday pottery and glass from the table, and even jewellery, oil lamps and statues. They dated from around 2000 years ago when Aix was the …

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 …

By aixcentric What with Chandeleur in France and Pancake Tuesday in the UK, February is a good time to get whipping up some batter for pastries and crepes. But if you prefer to buy something in town, there’s lots of choice. The traditional pets de nonnes – nuns’ farts – …

By aixcentric Did you know that Aix is the proud owner of one of the world’s largest deposits of dinosaur eggs? The Arc valley provided an ideal habitat for these big beasts and the local Museum d’Histoire Naturelle is mounting an exhibition to show off some of their collection which …

By aixcentric There seems to be an inexhaustible supply of famous French photographers – it must be a result of living in such a beautifully photogenic country. MUCEM’s current expo show-cases the work of Raymond Dépardon and I found it to be a colourful and stimulating exhibition that made me …

By aixcentric It cost 73 million euros and its stated purpose was to provide a focal point for meetings, conferences, films and exhibitions on matters Mediterranean; but it’s now been revealed that the upkeep and running costs for the Villa Mediterranée were 4.4 million euros last year, paid by the …

By aixcentric Cassis is not only a beautiful little town, but they have a switched-on tourist office who are not afraid of doing some proactive marketing. They have mapped out all their activities for the coming year which is such a help for holiday-makers and locals with visitors. For instance …

By aixcentric It really is the best time to hit the coast. You can drive there! You can park! Enjoy empty beaches, restaurants and art gallery! In fact this photo shows the world-famous celeb-magnet Pampelonne Beach last week…not a footballer, WAG or starlet in sight. Just us, Explore this Post …

By aixcentric On the theme of helping people escape during the Occupation, here is a thrilling account of the experience of a Church of Scotland minister, Donald Caskie, who at great personal risk saved around 2000 Allied soldiers, sailors and airmen. He had been the minister at the Scots Kirk …

By aixcentric Lots of sales going on at the moment across France, but the most unusual must be the massive auction of items from the famous, glittering Hotel de Paris in Monaco. As part of its renovation project, they will be selling off all manner of items Explore this Post …