Erasmus Experience in Aix-en-Provence, France by Lilou

Why did you choose to go to Aix-en-Provence, France?

For the weather, the atmosphere, the scenery, the food, the people, the architecture, the nightlife!

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What is the student lifestyle like in Aix-en-Provence?

The student lifestyle here is great. It is a true student city and it is so easy to meet people. There is the parc jourdan near the fac de lettres where everyone meets at the weekends and have some drinks and play music. And in the heart of the town there is la rue de la verrerie or place des cardeurs which are both busy all week long and there is a great atmosphere!

Would you recommend the city and the University of Aix-en-Provence to other students?

Definitely, you will love it here.

Le parc Jourdan (Source)

What is the food like?

The food here is delicious, there is so many various options and flavors!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Aix-en-Provence?

Accommodation in Aix is relatively easy to find if you know where to look on the internet and social media. But most students live in student accommodations - Les Gazelles, Estelan, Cuques. I hardly recommend living there as it is there that you will make the most friends and meet the most amazing people.

How much does it cost to live in Aix-en-Provence?

Aix is quite expensive so be ready for that. If you are reasonable it is okay and easy to manage but there are so many temptations everywhere you go.

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Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Once you get submerged within french culture there is no doubt that your french will significantly improve. Even if you don’t think it will, it does. Just make sure to have confidence within yourself and put yourself out there to meet french people and make french friends. Little by little you will see yourself getting more confident speaking the language and making huge progress. There is also loads of help available within the town to help you if you are struggling. (But anyway, most people here speak some bit English so you will never find yourself truly stuck).

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Aix-en-Provence from your city?

I, from Ireland - travelled from Dublin to Marseille in August. The flight is relatively cheap but it is a seasonal flight so it stops during the winter. But no worries as there are flights from Nice to Cork / Dublin at very low prices. And Nice airport is very easily accessible by bus [FlixBus or Ouibus] it usually doesn’t cost more than €10 return.

La Place des Cardeurs (Source)

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Aix-en-Provence?

I would definitely recommend Rue de la Verrerie. IPN is a great club if you love dancing and good music. It is small but the staff is nice and they sometimes let Erasmus students go in for free if you introduce yourself with a smile. Place des Cardeurs is great too.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Aix-en-Provence?

The pizzas and crepes around aix are amazing. But I personally love the Tapas cafe. It is so good.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There are many museums and historical areas to visit when you come live here. I would recommend popping into the tourist office which is near les Allées provençale to get yourself some leaflets and ask the person behind the counter for some information and sites which would be relatable to your personality.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Aix-en-Provence in the future?

When you come to Aix, definitely don’t limit yourself to that horizon. Move around, get yourself a Carte Treize in the bus station. With that card, the return by bus to Marseille is only €2 and Marseille is amazing and it is only 30 minutes drive from Aix. I would recommend living in student accommodations too as they are much cheaper than private apartments and they are very clean and modern. And it is there that you make the most friends. There is no point spending your year abroad isolating yourself from the world - as scary as it might seem go out there and enjoy this once in a lifetime opportunity!

Marseille (Source)