Like most of the south of France, Aix-en-Provence has a Mediterranean climate.
- by train (high-speed TGV train ride 3 hours and 10 minutes) that you can catch from Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport (terminal 2) or from the center of Paris (Gare de Lyon). The Aix TGV train station is located outside the city. Take the shuttle for the 10km trip into town.
- by plane (flight time: 1 hour and 15 minutes). From Marseille Provence airport, take the shuttle for the 32km trip to the Aix bus station.
- Regardless of where you arrive in Aix-en-Provence, consult the dedicated page on getting to the Welcome Desk (Guichet Unique): https://www.univ-amu.fr/fr/public/mobiliteinternationale
- Area
186.08Km2
- Altitude
Min.91m / Max.680m
- Population
147,122 habitants
- Monthly living expenses
1,310€ / mois
- Average monthly rent:
630€ / mois
11th OUT OF 44 FRENCH UNIVERSITY CITIES WHERE IT’S GOOD TO LIVE AND STUDY
In the city and surrounding areas, use the Aix-en-Bus public transportation (bus) system to get around: https://www.aixenbus.fr/
- 5 municipalities served by the La Métropole Mobilité network in Aix en Provence (Aix-en-Provence and its villages, Le Tholonet, Saint-Marc-Jaumegarde, Venelles and Éguilles), thus offering means of travel to more than 160,000 residents.
- 28 urban lines (including the Aixpress line)
- city center lines: Les Diablines
- special lines (called SP)
- On-demand transport services (zonal and TPMR)
ZOU ! For travelling within the region, take the:
Provence – Alpes – Côte d’Azur regional trains: https://www.ter.sncf.com/paca
The PACA Region created the Carte ZOU which allows you to travel cheap:
https://www.ter.sncf.com/paca > tarifs et achats > cartes et abonnement.
- The Quatre Dauphins (Four Dolphins) fountain
- The Cours Mirabeau
- There are 8 private mansions classed as historical monuments: http://www.aixenprovence.fr/hotelsparticuliers-classes
- Vieil Aix (old town): Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville (City Hall square), Tour de l’Horloge (Clock Tower), place Albertas, and the Saint-Sauveur cathedral and cloisters.
- The Atelier Cézanne
- The Ancien Palais de l’Archevêché
- The Vasarely Foundation
- Sainte-Victoire mountain
- Daily open-air markets in Aix-en-Provence
To learn (and see) more, consult the Tourist Office:
https://www.aixenprovencetourism.com/
IMPORTANT ANNUAL EVENTS
APRIL
- Aix-en-Provence Carnival, a theme carnival in the city center.
- Aix-en-Foulées, a foot race through the city.
- Rencontre du 9e Art, a graphic novel festival (free admission).
MAY
- Pint of Science , a European initiative for learning about research in atypical venues: https://pintofscience.fr/events/aix-en-provence
- The Nuit Européenne des Musées (European Museum Night), an occasion to visit museums differently (and for free).
- C’est Sud, a festival with numerous events – musical, theatrical, and choreographed – in the city center (free admission)
- Pays d’Aix Tennis Open (free admission).
JUNE
- Fête de la Musique with music everywhere in town (free concerts).
IMPORTANT ANNUAL EVENTS
JULY – AUGUST
- the Aix Festival, lyrical and musical, one of the most prestigious in France and the world (reduced rates for those under 30): https://festival-aix.com/fr
- Instants d’Été (Summer Moments), free movie screenings in the open-air, in the city center and surrounding parks
- ZIK-ZAK Festival, a festival of contemporary world music (free admission).
SEPTEMBER
- Les Journées du Patrimoine (heritage days), free visits of cultural venues.
- Festival Jours et Nuits de Cirque(s), a contemporary circus festival with reduced rates for students.
OCTOBER
- Nuit des Etudiants du Monde – Students of the World Night, a festive evening with student associations, CROUS, and the University (in Marseille): www.nuitdesetudiantsdumonde.org/nem
- Aix Students Fest, free concert at the start of the academic year.
- Festiv’Amu, two days of sports and cultural activities for the entire Aix-Marseille University community: http://www.festiv-amu.fr/
- Fête de la Science, a science festival in the university laboratories.
NOVEMBER – DECEMBER
- Christmas activities, numerous events including the traditional Santons of Provence fair and the 13 Desserts Market (culinary specialties for a Provence Christmas).
- Tous Courts, an international festival for short-feature films (reduced rated for students).
Learn more: http://www.aixenprovence.fr/
> Culture à Aix > Les grands rendez-vous de la culture