It’s incredible how the energy in someone’s words radiates positivity. Reading Tessa Baker’s newsletter about her 2022 painting holidays in Provence, Antigua and the Cinque Terre, I felt like life is finally returning to “normal.”  We connected via Zoom to talk about her new creative projects, including an online course …

Provence Invites Creativity Driving through towards Moulin de Gréoux, a soft evening light brushed the limestone spires of the Alpilles. At the same time, the olive groves and vineyards near Les Baux de Provence and Maussane created a multi-hued quilt of green vegetation. I did wonder how one might capture …

Provence is abuzz this time of year with fabulous offerings of art, music, opera, film, wine tastings, and the usual fêtes that move from village to village. We travelled from New England to Provence last month specifically for this show by French painter Gérard Isirdi at Château Barbebelle in Rognes, …

Like a multi-layered quilt, the city of Arles is coated with 2000+ years of history. Sitting on the western bank of the Rhône, Arles is considered the gateway to the Camargue. The city strikes a balance between old and new. Visit the time-worn Roman monuments or the gleaming Luma Arles …

Tucked into the mountains north of Nice, next to Roure’s charming village, sits an arboretum unique in the world. It mixes exotic trees, rare flowers, and “no-made” art in a mountain park overlooking the wild Tinel Valley—a perfect day trip for nature lovers and art enthusiasts alike. The Marcel Kroënlein …

Painting in Provence Sometimes when you meet someone, it feels like you have known them forever, which was the case with Tessa Baker. Warm and welcoming, Tessa is a talented artist who runs small-group painting holidays and workshops in Provence, Italy and beyond. She had invited me to join her …

As Aixcentric followers will know, the 18th-century country house, Jas de Bouffan, which was home to the Cezanne family for 40 years, was closed over a year ago for renovation.  I went in for a visit on its last day of opening, and my goodness, it needed renovation: think cold, …

Provence in France is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Here, you can come across ancient Roman ruins, picturesque villages, and lavender fields. In this southern region, you can see the magnificent and colourful landscapes along the Mediterranean coast. The beauty of Provence inspired many famous artists. …

Cannes Underwater Museum Just 15 minutes by ferry from Cannes, the two Lérins islands, Saint Honorat and Saint-Marguerite, are a popular destination for those hoping to spend a day enjoying the Mediterranean. Now, there is another reason to visit sculptures by Jason deCaires Taylor. The area reserved for swimmers and …

Through my Uzès experience,  I’ve known and written about quite a few artists. Yet there was something extraordinary about meeting Simon James aside from his status as an award-winning writer and illustrator. Meeting Simon James Living in a “red zone” COVID world,  I miss the small, intimate art exhibitions that …