aixcentric

The programme for the Journées du Patrimoine this year in Aix is very similar to other years, little new that I can see.  Here is the pdf of the brochure jdp-prog2018-web Pages 34-5 give a run down of locations open to the public; this is followed by an agenda of talks on each of the two days.  The brochure has lots of detail on the town’s architectural features with good photography.  The tourist office has copies (ask as they are behind the counter).

Another annual event taking place on Sunday is the exhibition of old cars at the top of the Cours Mirabeau. It’s organised by the Vieux Volants de Provence and their members give the public rides round town with ticket-money going to charity – this year they are fund-raising for an 11 year old boy in need of medical help.  It’s really memorable to jaunt round centre ville in an old car – warmly recommended.  9:00-18:00hrs.

Of course there are heritage activities in towns across the region so it might be worth visiting Arles or Avignon for instance where there are programmes of events. Both these websites are useful starting points: http://www.lesbonsplansdavignon.com/bon-plan-avignon-les-15-et-16-septembre-les-journees-du-patrimoine-patrimoines-caches; http://www.journees-du-patrimoine.com/DEPARTEMENT/journees-patrimoine-13-bouches-du-rhone.htm.  In Marseille, the exhibitions at MuCEM are free over the weekend.

At les Baux-de-Provence, ‘L’Integrale des Carrieres’ comprises special showings of their three most recent son-et-lumiere shows – Giants of the Renaissance 2015, Chagall 2016, and Bosch, Breughel, Arcimboldo 2017.   These take place on 14, 15, 21 and 22 September. Starting at 20:30, the three shows run back-to-back for two hours.  Cost – 24€. Their café will be open, which is good as they warn that temperatures inside the quarries will be 14-16C!

Back to the forthcoming programme in Aix.  Each year, a ‘personnage‘ is chosen for focus, and this year it is the wonderful sculptor Jean Pancrace Chastel who was responsible for the lively carvings of the Rhone and Durance on the fronton of the Halle aux Grains. His work can be seen throughout the town – the brochure has a trail – but I only found out by accident some years ago that he decorated a Roman bridge which stands in a field near Saint-Chamas.  Here is the post I wrote when we visited the bridge: https://aixcentric.com/2012/09/19/pont-flavien-a-jewel-of-a-bridge/.

A visit to the unforgettable Pont Flavien would be my recommendation this heritage weekend!