Experience in Aix-en-Provence, France by Elisa

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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 a great city for students. Its nightlife is great, unless you live in the streets of the old town where there are bars and nightclubs (too noisy! ). But it's easy enough to avoid renting there. There's a lot of animations throughout the year: in December, the Christmas market stays open at night; they have a great "vin chaud de noël", which is hot wine; in june, the "Fête de la musique" is free, and a lot of fun. The museums are good, some of them free for students (or with a cheaper fee). The cinemas are quite expensive, but at least they have original version viewings.

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

There's a lot of life in the city. If you live within the city, you won't miss out on anything. It's going out of the city that will you the full experience. Go to Marseille, visit the beaches, go on trips to the Ste Victoire mountain...

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

It's frankly not a cheap city. Be careful where you shop, as prices vary from one place to the next. (But if you go to Dia or even Casino, you'll be alright). You may want to do your shopping in Aix-les-Milles (outside the main city); ideally you'd have a car to do that. Accommodation isn't cheap at all.

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

Accomodations aren't cheap. Landlords can pressure you into paying the months of August (even July), or keep your place throughout the summer even though you don't need it. They usually have the upper hand, and you have to relent. Unfortunately, there's a high demand for these places. Try and get in a collocation (Facebook groups for students can help there). Best of all, if you're a university student on a tight budget, go for university housing. It's the cheapest. The rooms are small, more often that not without ensuite. But at least you're not overpaying for an inner city place. Otherwise in France, one of the most used website is Leboncoin.

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

Food in Aix is a whole experience. You can have a whole array of different kinds for different budgets. From nice restaurants to street food, no complaints there. Be careful not to overpay your coffee though! And watch out for the stickers on windows fronts, if they have a "Guide du routard year XXXX" and TripAdvisor ones, you're good to go. I would avoid the restaurants directly on the Cours Mirabeau (not that they're bad) if you're on a tight budget. There are a lot of tiny, in-a-nook restaurants (foreign ones too) that you should check out.

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

I would advise to ask your French friends for help, especially when it comes to all the issues you may have with rental contracts... Many of them will be well-versed and happy to help you. There's an Erasmus bar, the Woohoo, where a lot of English speakers hang. So if you feel a bit homesick, that may be just the spot for you.

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