aixcentric

Good news for cyclists – work has started on a dedicated cycle-way, a ‘piste cyclable’, along by the sea. It will run along the Corniche and then past all the beaches down to Pointe Rouge.  When we did this bike ride, some years ago, it was a case of weaving from road to footpaths and through park areas.  Now cyclists will have their own section of the road, and the aim is to have it ready for the Fete du Velo on 2nd July. Details of bike rental here: https://www.marseilletourisme.fr/fr/decouvrir/infos-pratiques/transports/velo-marseille/

More pedestrianisation is afoot: the lower part of La Canebiere and some adjoining areas, 22-hectares, are going to be made traffic-free.  Surfaces and buildings in a wider area, 72 hectares in all, will be renovated, and new public spaces created. Over 450 new trees will be planted in this 60m euro major makeover.  It’s aimed at helping businesses in centre ville by creating a more pleasant commercial area, which in turn should attract tourists visiting France’s 2nd city.

It’s such a vibrant city and creative types may be interested in capturing aspects during the annual Photo-Marathon: 30th March 14-17:30.  Details https://www.euromediterranee.fr/actualites/marathon-photo-2019-lancement-des-inscriptions

News of the Villa Mediterrannée, now closed, but all the same, costing 300,000 euros a year to maintain, according to this week’s La Provence.  Région Sud president Renaud Muselier is quoted as saying, ‘C’est un fait que….ce batiment a été mal concu, mal construit et est ingérable’.  Quite. It cost 62 million euros, before tax, to build and has earned little through ticket sales.  Indeed demolition was considered in 2016.

But regular followers will remember that the decision was taken to morph the place  into a replica of the underground cave, la Grotte Cosquer. La Provence reports that this will cost 6.4 million euros of which 1.6m will be  needed for problems of ‘étanchéité….leaks.  There are two groups bidding for the gig, and we will find out who prevails on 21st June.

Better to cross the road to a building that really is a joy to visit – the Musee Regards de Provence.  Their new expo is inspired by the fact that 2019 is the Year of Gastronomy.  ‘De la Table au Tableau’ promises to be a colourful artistic celebration of cuisine….more when I have visited next week.

Tues-Sat, 10-18:00.