aixcentric

A photo expo ‘Les Paralleles New York-Martigues’ – intriguing title

A new environmental art show at the Musee Ziem

The Fete de la Chataigne

Work on the big bridge, post-Genoa – an update

Photo from exhibition by Franck Germain

Martigues has a very proactive tourist office – lately they have been running trips to lunch on cruise ships in Marseille and visits to the set of ‘Camping Paradis’ the popular TF1 show.  Now they have an exhibition by Franck Germain who examines the parallels between New York and Martigues.  It ends on 19th October so speed is of the essence if you want to know what these parallels could be!  It’s free, and in the tourist office.

The new exhibition at the Musée Ziem has opened this week.  ‘Interactions’ is a group of new works and installations by Alejandro Guzzetti.  Background here: https://www.alejandroguzzetti.net/

The Musee Ziem is always worth a visit as their permanent collection of paintings, either done around the town and Etang de Berre, or by Ziem himself, is stimulating.  They also have a section on the long history of the town from its Iron Age roots. Free entry.  They have gone onto their winter timetable so are open Wed-Sun, 14-18Hrs.  A new offer is for guided tours, on demand, for families or small groups (5+). In French.

Later in the month, 20 and 21st October, there’s the Fete de la Chataigne (http://www.ville-martigues.fr/tous-les-evenements/evenement-37/fete-de-la-chataigne-partagee-4317.html)

And finally, news of the Viaduc de Caronte which takes through traffic high above the town.  Following the tragedy in Italy this summer, the French authorities published an audit on the country’s bridges, stating that 23 were in need of priority work.  Two in particular were singled out, one in the north, and the viaduct on the A55 at Martigues. In fact, according to La Provence, all is well. Work was already ongoing on the A55 bridge which carries 80,000 vehicles a day. It started back in 2012 and has a 40m euro budget.  ‘Il n’ya aucun danger a y rouler’, says the sous-prefet.  These ‘travaux’ are due to be finished in 2020.

Meanwhile down in the town, visitors can witness the old bridge that regularly opens to let boats pass (shown in the photo above) and walk by the canals in the footsteps of dozens of artists.  Easy parking.  A pleasant day out from Aix.