aixcentric

Loved the Tour de France, as did Aixcentric petit-fils who, aged 2,  soon got the hang of running for loot: key-rings, hats, sweets and madeleines.  It’s really solid brand-awareness. I remember after the last football World Cup, one of the UK marketing magazines researched brand retention amongst TV viewers and those who had been in the stadiums – and there was precious little recall. I guess that when you have been hit on the foot as I was by a sharp-cornered sachet of washing-up liquid, you remember its name.  The other thing that struck me was how calm it all was in Aix.  I had expected huge crowds and massive traffic problems but it was surprisingly easy to reach the peripherique and find a spot.  As I hurried down the rue d’Italie just after, there were tables of French diners completely absorbed in lunch, and not the peleton which had just shot past the end of the road.

So the schools have ended and now it’s officially summer. Tomorrow there are new bus timetables across town so check the Aix-en-Bus website.  The Instants d’Eté night cinema screenings have just begun.  They are taking place across Aix during the summer at various parks – you just turn up with a picnic.  They are free, as are navettes to get people from the middle of town. Details here: http://www.ifestival.fr/art-8693-les_instants_d_ete__aix_en_provence.html  I’m still baffled as to how the town can afford so many free events….but, as the French would say, profitez! 

The daily night markets start in the cours Mirabeau on 15th July and run until the 19th August.  Lovely to browse after a lazy summer dinner under the trees.

Arts-wise, this month sees the start of a celebration of the work of Leo Marchutz who was born 110 years ago. There is an exhibition at the Atelier Cézanne which runs until 15th September plus one open daily at the Tourist Office.  This has his drawings of the roads of Aix and also from his travels in Italy – Venice and the Cathedral at Modena feature.  The artist will also be featured during the Journées du Patrimoine weekend in September. Not my type of art I have to admit – sorry – but go see what you think.  there’s a full programme here: http://www.atelier-cezanne.com/france/actualite.htm

Much more excited about the colourful ‘Les Capitales Mediterranéennes de Signac a Buffet’ at the Musée Yves Brayer at Les Baux.  Unlike the other Provencal-inspired expos at the moment, this one focuses on towns with some great paintings.

This exhibition runs until 26th September and is open daily 10-12:30, 14-18:30.

A trip to see the beautiful new show at the Carrieres de Lumieres son et lumiere would round off a terrific trip to Les Baux.

Finally, Saturday 13th July sees the inauguration of an exhibition of paintings at the Camp des Milles, by Ferdinand Springer who was interned there during WW2.  And at 18:00 that day, the artist’s son together with Alain Paire, will be introducing his work.  Details of the expo here:Flyer%20Springer[1] and here is the catalogue if you can’t attend. Catalogue Springer