aixcentric

The coming weekend is a perfect time to profit from the free entry offered at so many museums and galleries, as well as the free tours offered at public institutions.

If you are new to Aix, there are lots of places to visit including:

See the most beautiful ceiling in Aix at the Musée du Vieil Aix

• The cathedral
• Cézanne’s studio, quarries at Bibemus
• Pavillon Noir (modern dance)
• Grand Theatre de Provence – go behind the scenes
• The Pavillon Vendome, Musée Vieil Aix, Palais de l’Archeveché, College des Precheurs.  (The first 2 are exhibiting ceramics from the Atelier Buffile (https://aixcentric.com/2017/09/09/colourful-ceramics-on-show-made-in-aix/)

There are performances by

• A group from the Ballet Preljocaj, Pavillon Noir, 16:00
• ‘Histoires d’Aix’, local history enthusiasts who act out scenes from an imaginary guinguette by the Arc in 1899.  Five times during afternoon, opposite the Cathedral

A guided visit with a difference:

The Cours d’Appel d’Aix-en-Provence is France’s second appeal court.  Guided tours Saturday only at 9, 10, 11, 14, 15 and 16:oohrs.  Reservations essential.  You have to be there 30 mins ahead of your tour, with identity papers, your internet ticket—-and expect a thorough bag-search. http/ca-aixenprovence.justice.fr.  Click on ‘journées du patrimoine’.

Only on Sunday:

• The Route Cézanne will be the venue for two guided tours, one starting at the Le Tholonet end, the other at Aix east.  Both at 15:00.
• The Route Cézanne will be closed to traffic 14-18:00hrs, so you can take the opportunity to explore the only listed road in France, Cézanne’s favourite route to his viewpoints for some of his most famous paintings.
• ‘Balade Caritative en véhicules anciens’ – an opportunity to ride round town in a vintage car, organised by the Vieux Volants de Provence.  It’s a really fun thing to do and the small fee goes to charity.  9-18:00hrs at the cours Mirabeau.

• This is a very brief  overview.  There are lots of conferences and events in French too.
• See the full programme here: journees du patrimoine programme

This programme includes all the events from the 26 communes around Aix.

If there’s nothing that appeals, maybe try the events being held in Marseille, Avignon, Arles….right across France in fact.  A great weekend to explore!