Welcome to Aix-en-Provence

Since the 6th September, Aix has been my new home, and even though I have only been here for 2 months, I can safely say that I love it! This is why I want to share my experience of Aix with Erasmusu.

Aix-en-Provence has a population of 143, 400, which is in fact very small in comparison to my dear hometown, Seville. It is located in South France, in the heart of Provence on the edge of the Côte d’azur. It is only 30km (20-30 minutes by bus) from Marseille and 1 hour from Avignon (1 hour by bus). The climate is very similar to the South of Spain (mild winters and hot summers) but it can also get a seasonal wind called Le Mistral, which is cold, very strong and typical of the Provence region.

If I wanted to describe Aix in a few words, I would say that it is a student city that has great weather and good nightlife. Aix is a city that is very typically French and has a bohemian culture. Its streets are narrow and golden brown, and the squares are full of life and decorated with fountains and terraces.

The city's most famous monument is the Place du Général de Gaulle, rather known as "La Rotonde", which is a beautiful fountain which acts as a roundabout, decorated with great stone lions.

The Cours Mirabeau in the nineteenth century was the most chic street in Aix, where wealthy people would socialize and live. I love to walk along the street alone or enjoy a coffee there, whilst watching people walk by; the special thing about the street is the way that the trees align the pavements, which freshens the city during the hot months of the summer. Le Fontaine des Neuf Canons and Le Fontaine d'Eau Chaude are decorated with greenery in the same way.

In the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville is the town hall (a wonderful building) some bustling cafes, and of course another fountain. Aix is the city of fountains, wherever you walk in the city you will find one. Another well known fountain is 'Les Quatre Dauphins' which is situated in the Mazarin district.

Another symbol of the city is the famous painter Paul Cézanne. Near the Rotonde, there is a statue of him to honor his legacy. You can also see the city from an artistic point of view by visiting Cézanne's workshop, visiting the places where he worked.

As for religious buildings, there is the Cathedral of course, the church du Saint-Esprit and the Madeleine Church.

But let's talk about Erasmus interests, why is Aix so popular amongst so many students?

• The main reason is the number of students who live in the city from late August to June.
• Two former universities that attracted French and international students have now joined together and is called Université Aix Marseille which will open next January (if I remember correctly.
• As an Erasmus student, the best thing about the city for students is that it is very accesible, you can go everywhere on foot. It is something I really appreciate as I come from a very large city.
• The other advantage is of course the university environment: where I can meet many people of the same age. I live in an area where there are three residence halls and three university departments, and almost all businesses offer cheaper prices for students.
• This very historic town has a young atmosphere and there is plenty of cultural activities such as concerts, theaters, markets, local salsa (here everyone is crazy about Latin dances) or international events.

This is my new town, I have decided that when I finish my Erasmus semester, I will call Aix "my town", since I've never had one and it is smaller than Seville.