I hadn’t heard of Raphaël Ponson before visiting the exhibition at Marseille’s Musee Regards de Provence but thoroughly enjoyed seeing his work produced during the 19th century; it gives us an insight into the region in its pre-modern tranquillity.
The Vieux Port is shown as being a bustling centre for fishermen off out to sea in simple boats.
And here is Cassis, an unspoilt fishing village, though still recognisable.
Ponson was born in the Var in 1835 and spent his entire life painting, mostly around the Marseille area; he was the first to paint in the Calanques and does wonderful seas and rocks in almost impressionistic detail within the realist framework.
This exhibition is on the first floor of this stylish museum – it’s a wonderfully light-filled space with great views of the big ferries outside. Their roof-top café is a joy to visit – their website says Le Regards Café est THE PLACE TO BE ! Well it was recently for the film-makers of the new film ‘Un Homme à la Hauteur’: the meeting between the two principals, Jean Dujardin and Virginie Efira took place in this café.
Here are the details of the expo: 
i don t comment very often but thanks so much for all your posts and infos I always enjoy reading them from Sydney and I will definitely see this expo this summer .
You’ll love it – and the converted mansion is wonderful! I hope all is well in Sydney!
Sorry I meant converted sanitary station – it’s the Turner expo which is in the mansion. So much happening in Aix right now – you’ll all have fun!