The Provence coast
The Provence is famed for its endless fields of laven-der, but this lush landscape also has a beautifully mari-time touch: The Côte Bleue! Small, hidden beaches, charming harbour towns, imposing, craggy bays and a uniquely clear light that has attracted painters includ-ing Cézanne and Braque. The coast derives its name from the deep blue water and extends from Marseille to Martigues. This small town is also known as "The Ven-ice of the North", as it is shaped entirely by water: an inland lake, the sea itself, as well as a connecting canal. In the bays of the Calanques, the steeply-walled coastal inlets in the Mediterranean limestone, Lionel Franc is a cliff diver. His personal record is a hight of 36 metres! Ambi is a sculptress. This young artist's work, who moved to Marseille from Madagascar many years ago, is characterised by a dynamic momentum. As a pas-sionate pétanque player, she demonstrates this drive on the boules courts of the port city. John Pendray is Pein-tre officiel de la Marine, an official marine painter. The French state allows just 40 painters to its circle. There are no monetary rewards, but heaps of honour and a very smart uniform!
