aixcentric

We’ve had a great year of culture – maybe next we’re in for a year of sport?  Marseille has won through to the final round to be chosen as the Capitale Européenne du Sport 2017.  The other finalist is Sofia in Bulgaria and we will have to wait until November to know who’s won.

Another decision pending is on the possible rebirth of the transporter bridge which used to link the two forts at the mouth of the Vieux Port.  It was destroyed in 1944.

The photo gives the impression of what a modern version could look like.   A feasibility study is taking place with interested parties being approached. 

Meanwhile over at the newly refurbished Musée d’Histoire de Marseille, there are new applications available for smartphones and tablets.  They either work indoors with the museum exhibits to bring the Greek and Roman eras to life or outside along ‘la voie historique’. 

If you walk from the museum along to MUCEM, you are following the route of the oldest road, not only in Marseille, but also in France!  There are fascinating stops en route which the app will describe. Here are details:  http://www.marseille.fr/siteculture/jsp/site/Portal.jsp?document_id=15649&portlet_id=4

This and many other museums are free on Sunday and remember that the newly renovated Musée des Beaux Arts at the Palais des Longchamps has its Portes Ouvertes all day Saturday and Sunday.

But if you fancy something more sportif there’s an issue of En Balade at the kiosks which is dedicated to skiing in the Alpes du Sud.

 There are overviews of 14 major ski stations with info on their pistes, prices, costs for lessons and activities. Produced by La Provence, these hors-series publications are always good for local knowledge and a bargain at 2,80€.