aixcentric

is the theme for a big exhibition opening in the town this month.  ‘Marseille de Port en Ports’ celebrates its astonishing geography, colour and light – and its 57 km coastline with 20 ports which range from fishing villages, holiday boat marinas, cruise-ship terminals and the bustling commercial docks, not forgetting the historical heart which is the Vieux Port.

The Musee Regards de Provence has pulled together 160 paintings and photographs from its own collection as well as museums, private collections and archives across town.

What an artistic feast it promises to be!

Plus it’s an ideal opportunity to visit this delightful gallery – large airy spaces inside what used to be the sanitary station for new arrivals at the docks opposite.  You can stand at the big windows and watch the car ferries setting off for North Africa and the pleasure boats heading from the sea to the calm of the Vieux Port.

In fact until 1932, this building would have been on a canal which connected the VP with the docks at La Joliette:  the Fort St Jean (next to MuCEM) was an island. (See photo).

Fernand Detaille Byzance a Phocee, photo en noir et blanc, 40x60cm, Fonds Gerard Detaille/ Coll. Musees de Marseille

Paintings on show include work by Camoin, Cremieux, Dellepiane, Lombard, Marquet, and Olive, all inspiring 19thc/early 20thc artists who worked in the town and along the coast.

11th Dec – 15 May.  Tues – Sun 10-18 hrs.  Programme of family activities.

Super rooftop cafe and restaurant with great views of…what else….the port.

A MUST.