aixcentric

Info for this weekend:  Seeking Matisse

                                               A Vineyard trail

                                               Bandol’s Pottery Market

Reading the British press this morning reminded me how much we have here on our doorstep in Aix to explore.  For instance, the Independent has a piece on Matisse whose exhibition of fabulous colourful cut-outs has just opened at Tate Modern.  The paper gives a useful Matisse trail around the Cote d’Azur, the star attraction of course being the Chapelle du Rosaire in Vence.  It really is beautiful and well worth a visit.  Here is the Independent article followed by the website for the chapel which has quirky opening hours: http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/europe/henri-matisse-and-his-cte-of-many-colours-9259267.html; http://www.vence.fr/la-chapelle-du-rosaire-chef-d?lang=fr

Meanwhile the Guardian has an interesting piece leading us round the writer’s Top Ten favourite vineyards in Provence – they are either straightforward but beautifully-situated vineyards, or ones offering B&B or ones where you can eat.  Love the sound of Chateau de Saint-Martin where the octagenarian Comtesse de Gasquet runs the B&B and her daughter the vineyard.  Apparently the property has always passed from mother to daughter.  http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/apr/17/provence-wine-route-top-10-guide?CMP=twt_fd

Down on the coast, under the Bandol appellation, the Domaine de l’Estagnol is another run by a lady, the sixth generation from her family.  Sandrine, a former rugby player, produces reasonably-priced wines from her small vineyard – every vine she says can see the sea.  And if you are visiting this weekend, you could enjoy the Marché des Poiters in Bandol itself.  Seventy potters will be selling their wares on Saturday, Sunday and Monday 9:00-19:00.  Let’s hope the forecast rain on Sunday doesn’t transpire!