aixcentric

Assuming there is petrol to be had, here are some of the events taking place next weekend, all of which are special to being in the south of France.  Where else to watch the arrival of the Rallye des Princesses from Paris but lovely sunny Saint-Tropez?

This is a ladies’ rally of beautiful cars with lots of participants sporting pink.  They are making their way down from Paris in stages and arrive in the town on Thursday 2nd June.  Here’s the website:  http://www.zaniroli.com/rallye-des-princesses/ which explains that it’s ‘Un véritable Way of Life alliant sport, charme et élégance !‘  So no rushing about racing each other I guess? 

I do hope they have got petrol to get to Saint-Tropez on Thursday.

Nearer home, there is to be the annual Rendez-vous au Jardin at the lovely Chateau Val Joanis near Pertuis. I have no more details other than the date – so keen gardeners may want to phone

The garden at Val Joanis

ahead to check what is happening.

Friday 3rd June sees the beginning of a celebration in Menerbes, ‘Dora Maar Chez Elle’, to mark the life of the talented photographer and painter who was also the mistress of Picasso.  The artist gave her the house which is now the base for an American programme for arts and humanities professionals. Click here for the programme: http://menerbes.fr/Menerbes/agenda-menerbes/169-dora-maar-chez-elle-a-menerbes

Rounding off the weekend on Saturday evening over in Saint-Cannat is a fun-sounding Mechoui Champetre.  It’s  being organised by the Comité des Fêtes de Saint-Cannat who promise an evening which will be ‘sympathique et conviviale’.  There will be music from L’orchestre Belle Epoque and on the menu: 
Salade Paysanne
Baron d’agneau à la broche (feu de bois)
bohémienne de légumes
Fromage et dessert
Vin rouge et rosé

All for 20 euros!  Renseignements : 04 42 57 34 65  http://www.saint-cannat.fr/agenda-des-animations/mechoui-champetre.html

But if you are stranded in Aix through lack of petrol, don’t despair as all the public museums are free on Sunday!