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 …

Attracted to food, photography, and longing for France, we “met” via Instagram. Jean-Marie Liere has lived in Sydney, Australia, since 1997. He stays connected to his homeland by offering French cooking classes and planning his “Our French Impressions” group tours in France in Bordeaux and Provence. The French Connection Born …

There are encouraging signs for travellers hoping to venture to international destinations. Halfway through 2021 and six months from Christmas day, it’s time to give yourself a present – the gift of travel. Goût et Voyage is booking spots on the Provence for the Holidays tour for this December. At the …

Artist Tessa Baker has finalized the details for two painting tours this fall. Now is your chance to visit the region and explore your artistic side. Join an intimate group of other creative types wanting to improve their painting skills in Provence with Tessa’s coaching. September 4 – 11, 2021: …

In 2013, Christopher Curtis and Laurent Nurisso closed their design boutiques in London and drove to Provence. Ignoring their friends who could not fathom a move to France, this creative duo (photographer and painter) viewed Marseille as a diamond in the rough ready for exploration. Swapping the United Kingdom’s grey …

France’s second-largest city – Marseille – had an image problem, not helped by its setting for gangster and crime movies. But ask any local this city is pure magic. Situated on the Mediterranean, Marseille residents can swim at their favourite beach before work and watch the sunset at another with …

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 …

A Move South Christopher Curtis and Laurent Nurisso closed their design boutiques, put their possessions in storage, packed-up the car and the dog, and drove from London to Provence. Their friends in England thought they were crazy. Relocating to Marseille in 2013, Christopher and Laurent felt that the gritty port …

When at home in Aix-en-Provence, we never tire of strolling the cobbled lanes, looking up and around to see what new treasures we can spy – have we noticed that fountain before? And look at that interesting frieze just below a roofline!  Looking Up in Aix We have guided our …

Long-time Aixcentric followers will have read about the development of the old SNCF railway sheds and shunting yards into LUMA Arles, a stylish arts centre, funded by Swiss industrialist and art-lover Maja Hoffman. Hopefully, the photo gives you an idea of the scale of the ‘Parc des Ateliers’ site: the …