Experience in Aix-en-Provence, France by Emmanuel

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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 small city but there is plenty of students from all over the world and who are very funny. You can meet people you don't know during the afternoon and go out to drink and eat with them during the evening. It happened to me many times. This city is well-known for its students parties, its night clubs, its bars, its pedestrians streets, its food and most of all for the attractive people. I highly recommend it!

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

I will tell you a typical day in Aix for student. You wake up not too early because you know you got the time... but you know it isn't really true so you are starting to rush, you are still in the clouds because of last night party. Finally, you arrive just in time at the University and you share your last night experience with your friends. During classes, you listen to the teacher with one ear because you want to have a clear conscience and you organise the "apéro" you will do this evening... and the fact that you will hit the bars after the "apéro"... and the entry at the night club... and this day will continue again and again. But first you have to rest in the park under the sun!

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

If you want to go to a student bedroom, it will cost around 250€. However, if you want to have your own flat, it will cost between 400€ and 800€. Often, you have to add the internet and the electricity.

Shopping will cost between 20€ and 30€ weekly but you have to add around 20€ if you go out during the week (except if you know the tips).

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

Yes it is difficult, you need to start looking for a flat at the beginning of the summer because all the good ones will be taken at the end and it will be certainly more expensive. It's a city that moves a lot.

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

I like to eat so I try things, sometimes it is good and sometimes it is not. But food is good, there are many outlets which are specialised in one type of food as delicatessen, cheese, wine, vegan, bio... But there are also wholesalers.

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

All the city and all around the city... and "la Sainte-Victoire" if you enjoy walking on the top of a hill to see great views. It is quite interesting!

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

There is a lot of good restaurants which are cheap. It is good value for money. My favourite ones are "Piacere", you can eat the best "piadine" there; "La Maison de la Fondue"; "Shake Shack" for the pizzas; "Le Bistrot Romain" for the carpaccio; "Au Petit Coin" for the tartare;....

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

You have to go the "Barberousse" to drink good Rum and to the "Rue De la Verrerie" to take a pint in all the bars. When you are ready to dance, there are many night clubs all around you.

But if you prefer to chill, go to the "Estello" it is a lounge bar, then go to the restaurant and shisha.

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

Enjoy and grin!

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