LOCATION

Aix-en-Provence is a small town in the south of France about 20 miles north of Marseille and very close to the Mediterranean Sea. It is located in the department of Bouches-du-Rhône, in the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. It sits between the Rhone River, the Esterel Mountains, and the Southern Alps. It’s especially conveniently located for travel to Italy and Spain

STUDYING ABROAD IN AIX-EN-PROVENCE

When you study abroad in Aix-en-Provence, you’ll attend the Institute for American Universities (IAU). Founded in 1957 under the auspices of l’Université d’Aix-Marseille and chartered by the Regents of the University of the State of New York, it’s one of the oldest education-abroad programs in Europe. You’ll enroll in one of three programs: The School of Humanities and Social Sciences (open to any level of French language), The French Honors Program (a 100%-French learning environment for those of you who are already advanced in your language skills and including an internship option), or The Marchutz School of Fine Arts (open to any level of French language and focusing on a combination of studio art production and liberal arts).

You’ll live in a French homestay in a safe neighborhood, a reasonable distance from the school. You’ll likely share a room with another international student. Bathrooms are also shared. You’ll have breakfast every day and six dinners per week plus one load of laundry each week.

Semester students with an intermediate or higher level of French have an opportunity to participate in a variety of volunteering activities.

WHAT’S AIX-EN-PROVENCE LIKE?

Lonely Planet calls Aix a “pocket of left-bank Parisian chic.” It’s quaint yet elegant, and the perfect (and dreamiest) place to immerse yourself in French culture without the overwhelm of big city Paris (though that is just a short trip up north and easy to visit!).

You’ll find yourself in a small university town with about 145,000 residents called Aixois. Roam the streets under the 300 days of sunshine per year and you’ll spot tranquil moss-covered fountains (there are many; it’s nicknamed “The City of a Thousand Fountains”), atmospheric sun-dappled squares lined with restaurants and cafes, leafy boulevards, bustling markets full of fresh produce, charming streets to explore, and art to devour. At the right time of year, you’ll find music festivals—an important part of local culture.

HOW CAN I SPEND MY FREE TIME?

Aix-en-Provence has a smaller town feel than the bigger global cities that are always popular with study abroaders, and with that more intimate vibe comes the opportunity to really get to know locals, experience the more traditional culture and foods, and carve out your home for the semester, summer, or year in a more accessible way. Despite its size, it is home to a large population of student, and there will be plenty to keep you busy: 

ART. Aix is often referred to as the “City of Art” and has been home to many artists, including painter Paul Cézanne whose work was inspired by the landscape surrounding the city. To begin exploring the local art scene and beyond, visit Escape 361, Carré d’Artistes, Gallifet, or Street Part.

TOURS. Speaking of art above, you can join a Cézanne tour that will take you to his studio and some of the beautiful areas of nature that inspired him. If an art tour is not your thing, there is a tour that will take you on whirlwind adventure through local history and gourmet food. There are also cultural experiences to join in on like the olive harvest, fishing trips, or old-fashioned grape stomping!

SQUARES. Stop by Place Richelme for its amazing local food market, Place des Prêcheurs for a great antique and flower market (and more food), Place des Trois Ormeaux to kick back and enjoy a coffee, or Place des Martyrs de la Résistance to see the famous tapestry collection from the 17th and 18th centuries at La Musée des Tapisseries.

MUSIC. Place des Martyrs de la Résistance is also the location of the famous annual Aix Music Festival every July! The city is also host to some amazing classical and jazz concerts as well as contemporary music with indoor and outdoor venues dotted around the city.

HISTORY. Whether you opt for an organized history tour or grab a self-guided walking tour map and head out with a friend, Vieil Aix—the city’s Old Town—is a good place to start. Also check out national French Monument Roman Catholic Paroisse Cathédrale Saint Sauveur Aix-en-Provence, Fontaine de La Rotonde, Cours Mirabeau (to find out the goss about the houses’ famous residents!), Place d’Albertas, and Hotel de France Aix-en-Provence among other sites.

BOOKS. Book lovers should visit the beautiful Book in Bar to find books in different languages, and spend some time browsing the shelves on the three floors of Librairie Goulard. Also keep an eye open for book readings, poetry recitals and workshops.

COUNTRYSIDE. Aix is surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside, fragrant lavender fields, and medieval towns, which give you plenty of opportunities for memorable day and weekend trips on your doorstep.

WHAT (AND WHERE) SHOULD I EAT?

Provence is renowned for its role in French gastronomy, and you’ll find some of the best French dishes in this area of the country. Think fresh and seasonal, with some neighborly influence from nearby Italy. While there are many very upmarket dining experiences here, there’s also a huge student population and a student budget won’t stop you from eating memorable meals.

CAFES. There’s a big brunch scene in Aix, and cafes are popular for mid-morning meals. Working/studying in cafes, however, can be frowned upon here, especially during busy times, so always ask before you pull out your laptop and be considerate ordering something every so often. Head to Mana for both delicious coffee and yummy food, order pastries at Weibel, find iced rea at COLDE, or for some feline snuggles with your brew, check out the local cat café Meow Cat. If you’re missing the Starbucks vibes from back home, the closest bet is Columbus Café.

FOOD. For a French/Mediterranean menu (including some more adventurous options like escargot, octopus, frog legs, crispy pig) and a cozy atmosphere, have a meal at Le Bouche a Oreille. For a quick sandwich, try O’bagel. For crepes, try Crepes a Gogo. For a healthy lunch, it’s Maison Nosh or Green Bowl. For pasta, we like Pasta Luce, and for pizza, Le Four Aixois.

MUST TRY. One of the most popular local tastes here is the calisson, which is a small diamond-shaped cake that tastes like almond and fruit. Try a noisette if you’re a coffee-lover. Eat all the cheese (and try the local goat’s cheese banon which come wrapped in chestnut leaves). Olives and olive oil are important in Mediterranean cuisine, as are tomatoes, sea salt, capers, herbs, and the freshest seafood (which is great in bouillabaisse). More than 80% of France’s truffles come from this region, so be sure to incorporate a taste of those. For comfort food, dig into a steamy bowl of daube de boeuf (beef stew).

ANY OTHER TIPS?

A few other things to keep in mind to make the most of a study abroad experience in Aix-en-Provence… 

1. TIPPING. If you take a taxi, tipping is generally 5-10% and washroom attendants are usually given a euro. A service charge may be included as optional on restaurant bills.

2. PICNICS. If ever there was a place for a picnic, this is a great one! Pick up some local goodies like cheese, baguettes, fruit, etc. and save some money on some of those beautiful sun-shiny afternoons.

3. MARKETS. Golden rule: Arrive early, before 9am if possible. You’ll avoid the crowds and have the pick of the best goodies on offer.

4. RELAX. This is the south of France and the pace of life here is typically slower than many of us are used to in the US. Enjoy those long luxurious weekend lunches that last all afternoon, and try not to get frustrated when things take a bit longer than you’re used to.