…..starting with the wild Sirocco wind that roared through the south of France on Friday. Here in Aix, it brought down two branches in the little Place Saint-Honoré (up Cours Mirabeau, left before Café le Grillon, just along from Etam…) Incredibly, they hit two passers-by, a gentleman knocked unconscious, and a lady left with a head wound. After hospital treatment, happily both could go home, but what a thing to happen in a sheltered spot. It just shows how fragile some of these old trees are, and must justify the decisions to take some of them down.
Just outside town now to the Barrage de Bimont where the work on the dam has finally finished after 3 years. Pedestrian access has been limited during this time as heavy machinery was needed to reinforce the giant walls and install a massive liner. The area can be enjoyed once more and a celebration was held on Sunday. I hadn’t heard about this but further activities will be taking place this coming Sunday, 23rd June, 9-17:00hrs. Lots of detail here, about ‘Bimont en Fete’ but also the renovation project, http://www.bimontfaitpeauneuve.com/bimont-en-fete/
More on the Obama’s visit to Provence, courtesy of the Daily Mail which has loads of details and pix. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7148123/Barack-Michelle-tour-turrets-Chateau-vacation-France.html The Palais des Papes closed an hour early to welcome the presidential party who then dined at the Michelin-starred ‘La Mirande’. It must be hard to be constantly surrounded by so much security and curiosity from everyone passing, but their holiday villa does look fabulous.
Learning more about Provence, and exploring its riches, is helped by seasonal publications from local paper La Provence. Two at news kiosks now are ‘En Balade’, this summer issue concentrating on walks by the water, and ‘A Table’ which has its annual review of 150 summer wines, plus recipes and ideas of where to eat. At 2,80 and 3,50 respectively, a bargain!
aixcentric 
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