Experience in Aix-en-Provence, France by Camilla

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What is it like to live in Aix-en-Provence? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Aix-en-Provence is wonderful place to live. It's full of beautiful places, Mediterranean customs (markets) and culture. It is in a good location, 40 minutes from the coast (the calanques being the most beautiful to climb and swim), 10 minutes from Montagne St Victoire, a couple of hours from the French riviera or the Alps.

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

Unfortunately, everyday student lifestyle is good but the night life is pretty poor. There are plenty of Irish bars or other interesting bars (Sextius bar being my favorite for flaming shots and reggae and The Wohoo being popular with Erasmus students), but clubbing is virtually non existant. Steer away from Le Mistral, unless you like to hang around underage teenagers.

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

It is very expensive and unfortunately the prices seem to go up every year, being even more expensive in the Summer.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Aix-en-Provence? Is there any advice you can give?

I can't help much with accommodation as my parents live in Aix.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Aix is famous for the amount of restaurants it has. My favorite is Chez Nino.

What places would you recommend visiting in Aix-en-Provence?

Le Grand Theatre, Cinéma Mazarin and Renoir, Par Jourdan, Place des Cardeurs, Pavillon Vendome, Musée Granet, L'Orienthé, Samarkande.

Is it good to eat out in Aix-en-Provence? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Amazing. Chez Nino and La Pizza are my favorite.

Is the nightlife good in Aix-en-Provence? Where is good to go?

Not really. Very bad for clubbing but for bar hopping it's great. Start at O'Sullivans and work your way to The Wohoo, via Cut Back or Sextius Bar. The Bulldog is very studenty but often hard to find a seat.

What advice would you give future students heading to Aix-en-Provence?

Once you've discovered Aix, if you like nature, make sure you do a trip up Montagne Ste Victoire and sleep in the hut at the top and visit the Calanques of Marseille, the Gorges du Verdon, Avignon and the French Riviera.

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