aixcentric

No excuse for being bored! 

Saturday 13th October sees the opening of a new exhibition at the Musée Granet, ‘La Montagne Blanche’.  Photographer Bernard Plossu has spent much time walking around and up the Sainte-Victoire, a mountain he loves, and the exhibition will show 107 of his pictures.  In parallel, the Vieille Charité will have an expo of 230 photos of Marseille, taken over the past 15 years.  It must be a challenge finding new angles for both these subjects so it will be interesting to see what M. Plossu has produced.

While on the subject of our famous local mountain, the Maison de Ste-Victoire launches its expo on the Priory tomorrow.  It was a shock to me when I first climbed up there to find an entire church!  Apparently it dates from the 17th century and was renovated fairly recently.  Poor workmen. It’s bad enough hauling a rucksack up there. 

Now, I have read about this new show in the local press but can’t find any confirmation online.  The Maison de Ste-Victoire is at Saint-Antonin and is a beautiful place to sit and have a coffee.  It’s open daily 10-18:00hrs.  Aixcentric will investigate!

If you are interested in local history, the Académie d’Aix is holding a study day on Saturday at the Cité du Livre, with their eminent members giving half-hour talks on different aspects of life in town 1900-1912.  It’s to launch ‘Aix au Temps de Paul Arbaud’, a new book celebrating the life of the collector and academician.  9:30-17:00hrs. Free.  Thanks to Simone for this info.

If you prefer to get out of town and enjoy the countryside, check out the new issue of  ‘En Balade’ which has just hit the news-stands. This has lots of ideas for outings including 10 hikes, each accompanied by tips on where to eat and where to stay.

The destinations featured for weekends away in this issue are Avignon and Hyeres.

And finally…….the Fête de la Courge takes place this weekend in Rians.  It’s great fun.  I had no idea that courges came in so many different shapes, sizes and colours. Don’t miss the competitions for the heaviest/strangest-shaped courge. Lots of stalls – Rians is very much en fête for this event – well worth a visit.  Easy parking in a big nearby field.  http://www.fetedelacourge-rians.fr/ This website has details, recipes and information on all the different types of courge!  Thanks to Nasse for this tip.