Aix-en-Provence

The South of France is sought for its mild and sunny Mediterranean climate. Aix-en-Provence, with an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, is no exception.

Though a medium size city, Aix is well connected. Marseille airport, Marignane, is only thirty minutes’ drive away, and Aix station is on a main TGV line, with direct trains from Paris and even London. Many students attend the university and the many higher education institutes, adding a youthful atmosphere to this already dynamic city.

Nicknamed the city of water and art, this elegant French city is filled with parks, squares, fountains, and beautiful baroque architecture, and buzzing with little shops, galleries, markets, restaurants, trendy bars, and café terraces opened throughout the year. No wonder the city was adopted by many famous artists and writers such as Émile Zola or Ernest Hemingway. The surrounding countryside has been admired and painted by Paul Cézanne and many other artists till today, and little art galleries can be found in many villages in the region.

Students can head to the daily market in Place Richelme (open everyday until 1pm) and the surrounding streets to find artisan shops that treat chocolate like an art form and olive oil like perfume. The Rue d’Italie is full of delicatessens, independent cheese shops and great butchers and bakers, where students can pick up a rotisserie chicken for lunch and fresh baguettes. Aix’s dining scene is expanding drastically, with approximately 700 restaurants of all kinds and styles.

Follow the Cezanne trail to see where this local artist ate, drank, studied, and painted. The Atelier Paul Cezanne, a recreation of his last studio, is a must-see and in July and August the gardens host an open-air cinema. To see Cezanne’s work, visit the Musee Granet. Housed in a 17th century priory of the Knights of Malta it contains Italian, Flemish, and French art from the 16th to the 20th century, including works by Picasso, Leger, Matisse, Monet, and Van Gogh.

The Provençal landscape is also known for its sunshine, lavender fields, and vineyards. So, it is no surprise that activities include outdoor activities for all ages as well as perfume making, cooking or wine tasting.

Aix-en-Provence is great place to experience the Provençal way of life while learning French.