Living in Aix-en-Provence

Activites Overview

Bookstores and the Library

Church

Entertainment

Food & Restaurants

Sports & Recreation

Theater, Dance, Art

Bookstores and the Library

Finding English Language Books and the Library

Book in Bar

  If you are looking for a bookstore that sells English language books, then I would recommend Book in Bar.  It is located at:

1 bis, Rue Joseph Cabassol
13100 Aix-en-Provence
Tel: 04 42 26 60 07 www.bookinbar.com/Book%20In%20Bar.htm

  There is a tiny area with tables located in the back where you can buy tea, coffee and other drinks.  There are also tables where you can enjoy your beverages while reading.  They also have a bulletin board where advertisements are posted.  It has everything from rentals, to car sales, to tutors, to childcare.  The book store has a wide range of materials.  There are even books, games, and movies for children in both English and French.  If you want an item but can not find it, the front desk will order it for you.  I spent a lot of time in here because the atmosphere is very appealing.  It is cozy and warm and the people who work there are very friendly.

Paradox

  The other book store that I recommend is Paradox.  They also sell English and French language books. They are located at:

Place des Quatre Dauphins
13100 Aix-en-Provence
http://pro.wanadoo.fr/paradoxe/bienvenue.html

  They are open Monday-Saturday from 9:00-12:30 and then from 2:00-6:30.  They also have a small room to the front that is used as a grocery store for those items that Americans or the British are missing from home like, Dr. Pepper, Root Beer, Kraft Mac n Cheese, Campbell’s soup and other “essentials”. 

The Library
 
  Aix-en-Provence has a major library called Cite du Livre-Bibliotheque Mejanes.  It is located at:

8-10, Rue des Allumettes
13090 Aix-en-Provence
Tel: 04 42 91 98 88
www.citedulivre-aix.com/index.asp

  Once on the main page, click on the orange square titled Cite du Livre, then click on Cite Pratique and scroll down.  This area of the site will give you all the information about the hours of operation, member cards and entertainment.

 
  The library is housed in a 19th century building that used to be a match factory, hence the name of the street.  Aside from books, it has an international film library and several writing workshops.  There is a multimedia center where you can use the internet, expositions and cinema nights, cultural programs, movies for kids and movie rentals.  On Wednesday afternoons, they have a story or video time for children.

  Library cards can be purchased by anyone.  Those who are 16 years or younger can obtain one for free.  If you are over 16 the cost is 15 euros per year.  Bring your rental agreement when purchasing one, as this is the price for residents in Aix.  You can also check with the Office of Tourism on special events that will be going on at the library throughout the year.   
 

Church

International Christian Community of Provence

  I was lucky enough to run into a pastor and his wife and kids about two weeks after arriving in Aix.  They had just moved to Aix from Southern California and were in the process of taking over as pastors of an English speaking church located in town.  Pastor Darrin Jones, his wife Julie and their children, Sawyer and McKenna, became good friends  of my family.  Our second year in France my two younger children went to school with their children.  (See Education). 

  Darrin and Julie told me what they were trying to accomplish in France and invited me to go to church.  They hold their services on Sunday nights at 5:30pm.  The church is called International Christian Community of Provence (ICCP) and is located off the Cours Mirabeau at 9 Rue de la Messe.  Darrin and Julie’s web site is www.jonesfam.us.  You can access the church web site from there or you can go directly to www.iccpaix.org.

On the site you can find directions to the church, information about adult Sunday school classes, children’s Sunday school, outings with the church, and Wednesday get-togethers for teens and adults.  Both sites also have photos and a great video.

  I really enjoyed Darrin’s sermons.  Each week he gave a powerful message and I always came away knowing that God was speaking to me.  The church also holds many get-togethers through out the year.  Many times they are at the home of Tim and April Anderson. The Anderson’s are one of the nicest couples I met while living in Aix. They graciously open there house several times a year for church functions.

Outings

  In September, we had a dinner and swim party just to get to know every one and to learn what direction the church would be going in and the main focus for the year.  At the end of January, we all took a one day hike up to the top of Mt. San Victoire.  We packed a sack lunch and enjoyed the view from the top.  Later that evening, we all got together at the Anderson’s house for pizza, a movie and fellowship. This is a great way to meet other people and to have a network of friends.

  In October of each year and in the spring, the church takes a weekend trip to the Cevennes.  Over the weekend you get to stay in a chateau which is owned by the most delightful old man.  He is in his 80’s and lives alone but enjoys very much for groups to come and stay with him.  Over the weekend we explored the chateau, took walks through his forest and visited the nearby town which has a museum dedicated to the Protestants. My family had a wonderful time and it was great to visit and look around at the photos of his family and his paintings and marvel at the beauty in which we were surrounded.  The trip is very inexpensive and everyone car pools so you don’t need to worry if you do not have transportation.

  In addition to these outings, there are picnics, parties and holiday celebrations.

Meeting People and Group Studies

  The church is very welcoming and I meet several people there from the IP Program.  I also met people from other countries who either spoke English or were trying to learn.  It is a great social opportunity and you can meet people who can help you with your French.  If the French Bible Study group has formed, I would encourage you to join.  That way, you are practicing your French and socializing in The Word at the same time!

  I can’t say enough about Pastor Darrin and Julie.  They were always kind and helpful and a real blessing. They minister to the community and are always willing to help if you need it. If you are looking for a place where one is always welcome and you can meet new friends from all over, then try ICCP. When you get there, tell Darrin and Julie that Ashley and the kids say “HI”. 

Entertainment

Going to the Movies and Renting Videos

The Cinema

  In Aix-en-Provence there are three movie theaters.  Two of the theaters, CINEMA RENOIR and CINEMA MAZARIN, play movies in their original format whether it is in English, Spanish, Italian, etc.  If the movie is in VO (version original) the sub-titles will be in French.

  The other theater, CINEMA CEZANNE, only shows movies in French.  If the movie is not originally from France then it will be dubbed in French.

  CINEMA RENOIR and CINEMA MAZARIN do not have a concession stand.  You have to bring your own treats or buy something from the vending machine in the hallway.  CINEMA CEZANNE has a concession stand with everything from popcorn and coke to candy.  Just like in America, the treats are really expensive. 

Special Pass

  In October of each year, CINEMA RENOIR and CINEMA MAZARIN sell a pass that is a great deal.  It cost around 10 euros and is good for one school year.  With the pass, you can get into either movie theatre for 5 euros.

Family Discount
 
  If you don’t want to buy the pass then each movie theater has a family ticket price.  You pay a set fee for 5 people. When my family lived in France, it was about 30 euros for 5 people.

Show Listings and Times
 
  For all theater locations and show times go to www.aixbynight.net/aix_en_provence_cinema

  The scroll bar on the left has all the theaters in Aix. Click on one and it will give the address and phone number.  Find the word “sceances” this will give you a list of the movies playing and their show times.

Renting Videos
 
  Since going to the movies was pretty expensive for my family, we decided to buy a DVD player and rent movies.  Your apartment might already have one if you are lucky, but if not, it is a great investment.  DVD players are really inexpensive and you will definitely get your monies worth out of it, especially during those long, cold winter months.

  You can rent movies at VIDEO FUTURE. There are two locations in Aix.  One is right next to CINEMA CEZANE movie theater.  This one is two stories and has a better selection than the smaller one which is located on Rue Aristad Brande.  You just need to go to the counter and ask for a membership card, which is free.  Bring your rental agreement with you just in case they want proof that you live in town.

How the card works: put money on it, in increments of 20 to 60 euros, kind of like a rechargeable gift card.  Since the card is prepaid, when you choose your DVDs you hand the clerk your card and they swipe it.  When you get down to being able to rent only two more DVDs they ask you if you would like to put more money on your card.   I found this system to be really easy to use and you didn’t have to worry about having money at the moment you wanted to rent something.

Movie Rental Deals

  The rental place was always having special deals, too.  For example, if you put 40 euros on your card you will get 50 euros worth of movies, or if you put money on your card between certain dates, you can choose from an array of movies to own for free.

  My family used this card several times a week and it was worth it to by the DVD player. As a matter of fact, we brought the player back to The States with us because we had bought movies while living in France and we can only play them on a Region 2 player. 

Video Vending Machines
 
  There are also video vending machines.  You can find them just about any where in town.  They are exactly what they sound like.  You search for the movie you want at a little machine, you pay for the movie and the movie drops out of the bottom.  It sounds crazy, but a lot of people used them.  I never tried one out, but I knew several people who did and they though it was great.  If any one tries it please let me know how it works out for you and leave any details you have in my feed back section.

                                       

      

Food & Restaurants

Great Places to Eat in Aix

  Just as eating at a restaurant in The States can be quite expensive for a family, you will find it to be about the same in France.  My family did not eat out that often.  With the six of us, I found it less expensive and more convenient to make the meals at home. There are, however, some places that were not too expensive and everyone was agreeable to the menu.

Casino Cafeteria

  There is a cafeteria style restaurant in the supermarket area of Geant and next to the Casino market on Rue de Lettre de Tassigney. It is called Casino Cafeteria and directions are in the shopping section of Essential Living.   They offer chicken, fish, hamburgers, pasta and a variety of side menus and desserts.  The prices are reasonable and they offer a discount for children under 12.  It is very appropriate for families since it is buffet style and everyone can go by and see what is available and make their own selections.  This was the restaurant most visited by my family.  They were, however, closed on Sundays.

Pizza and More

  La Grange (Pizzeria) was another very good restaurant.  They usually had a special menu price of 12 euros in which you could have a salad or pasta, an entrée and a dessert.  Drinks were not included.  They also have a children’s menu and pizza.  Don’t be deceived by the small appearance of the downstairs area, the place is very large and has an upstairs room which can accommodate big parties.  They are located at:

2 bis, Rue Nazareth
13100  Aix en Provence
Tel: 04 42 26 19085

Just For The Adults

  For a special night out with a significant other or friends, try Le Basilic Gourmand.  It is rather expensive and not for children.  The food is the best in town and I know the cook, his name is Sammy. I would recommend you try the duck with the ravioli and foi gras.   It is located at:

6 Rue du Griffon
13100 Aix en Provence
Tel: 04 42 96 08 58

Italian

  If Italian food is something that you like then go to La Piazza PaPa.  They have all kinds of pastas, chicken, fish and pizza and their desserts are simply heaven.  They are located at:

33 Cours Mirabeau
13100 Aix-en-Provence
Tel: 04 42 26 72 02
www.pizzapapa.fr

Food On The Go

  For less formal eating or eating on the go, there were four places that my family liked.  The first was Pizza Capri.  Besides pizza, they also have Paninis and Forccacia.  They are open Monday-Thursday from 8:00am-1:30am, Friday and Saturday from 8:00-3:30am and on Sundays from 8:00-11:00pm.  The food is really inexpensive, but good.  Slices of pizza (which are large) range from 1,70 to 2 euros and you can buy a whole pizza from 6,80 to 8 euros.  3 euros will get you a slice and a drink.  The Paninis range from 2,50 to 3,60 euros.  They are located at the corner of Cours Mirabeau and Rue Fabrot.

  There are two McDonald’s located in town.  I don’t really advocate eating there while you are in France, but sometimes it was a treat the kids enjoyed.  I do have to say that the food was better there. The first one is located on Ave. Jean Giono.  You can get there by taking the number 16 bus from the “Rotonde”.  It stops just after you see McDonald’s.  The other one is located in Aix-Les Milles at the Centre Commercial Carrefour.  Just take the number 15 or 16 bus and get off at the Shopping Center.  It is located at the far right inside the Carrefour building.  Both McDonald’s have WIFI so you can work online while you eat.

  If you feel sometimes that you want a good old fashion sandwich, there is a Subway Sandwich in town.  It is open 7 days a week from 10:00am to 12:00am and is located at:

22 Cours Sextius
13100 Aix-en-Provence
Tel: 04 42 93 03 27

Crepes

  For a great snack I recommend going to Crepes-a-GoGo.  They make over 80 different kinds of crepes and are open from Monday to Saturday 11:00am to 7:15pm.  They are closed on Sundays and during the month of August.  Their prices range from 1,10 to 4,60 euros.  They are located in the underground passage of Victor Hugo just across from the Office of Tourism.

Chocolate!!!

  The best chocolate place in town is Puyricard.  Once you have tasted their chocolate you will go back on a regular basis, guaranteed!  They make everything on site and it is fresh and made with no preservatives.  You can by different sizes of boxes and choose what you want in them or you can buy assorted chocolate bars.  They make wonderful presents (the lines are long during the holidays) or a treat for yourself. They are open Monday-Saturday from 9:00am to 6:00pm and are located at:

7 Rue Rifle Rafle
13100 Aix-en-Provence
Tel: 04 42 21 13 26
www.puyricard.fr

                                       

      

Sports & Recreation

How to Get Involved in Sports in Aix

  While living in France, your children might want to do some after school activities.  There are a variety of sports activities and special interest things that you and your children can choose from. 

Team Sports

  This is also a great way to meet other French people and learn new vocabulary. A.S.P.T.T.  (I don’t actually know what the acronym stands for) is a sporting association that is located in Les Milles.  Here children can play basketball, soccer and even do gymnastics.  Their phone number is 04 42 24 39 74.  Sign ups are usually in September, but some sports actually start as late as October.  

  At A.S.P.T.T. they have a booklet on all sports activities, when to sign up, and when they start.  The prices are very reasonable.  This booklet might also be available at the Hotel de Ville.  The Hotel de Ville usually has a lot of information on other activities for adults and children.  For more information on what the Hotel de Ville offers, go to www.mairie-aixenprovence.fr. This web site will tell you all about what is going on in town.

Summer Activities Card For Kids

  If you want real specifics then go to www.mairie-aixenprovence.fr/plan.php and search through the scroll bar on the left.  It has different areas of interest: culture, children, sports, the economy, and tourism.  There is an activities card that you can purchase for your children, ages 11-18, so they can take advantage of all the interesting activities offered in the summer months like art, museums, sports, science and cultural outings.  The cost is only 25 euros and it is well worth it as many things are then free or at a reduced price.  It is called Carte Surf and you can purchase it at the Hotel de Ville which is located at:

Place de l’Hotel de Ville
13616 Aix-en-Provence
Tel: 04 42 91 90 00

Or you can also purchase it at:                                  
37 Boulevard Aristide Briand
13100 Aix-en-Provence
Email: bijaixenprovence@hotmail.com 

Soccer and American Football

  If you have children who play soccer and are really good, you might try AUC(Aix Universite Club).  They are located in the Stade Ruocco at Pont de lArc.  Aix even has its own American Football Team for young boys, the Argonautes. Their web site is www.argos-aix.com.  The association is located at the
                                            
Office Municipal de Sports
Maison des Sports
Complexe du Val de l’Arc
Avenue des Infirmeries
Tel: 04 42 91 54 40
04 42 26 89 55

  Please note that your son must be at least 12 years old by the day of registration.

Many Other Activities For the Whole Family

  Aix offers many other recreational activites for the whole family. Two good web sites to visit are www.aixenprovencetourism.com/aix-loisirs.html and www.virtualis.fr/sorties-sports.html. They will give you a list of parks, pools, and equestrian centers.  There is also fencing, boating, fishing and any other activity that you might be interested in. Both sites have addresses and phone numbers for all activities.

Gyms

  For those of us adults that prefer to work out in a gym, I know of two in Aix that are good.  The first one is Gym Concept and it is located at:

27 Boulevard Aristide Briand
13100 Aix-en-Provence
Tel: 04 42 23 50 80
Their web site is www.gymconcept.com.

  The other one is Aix en Ligne Form and it is located at:

Ave Jean Dalmas 13090 Aix-en-Provence

Theater, Dance, Art

How to Get Involved in the Arts in Aix

  While living in France, your children might want to do some after school activities.  There are a variety of activities and special interest things that you and your children can choose from. 

Theatre, Art, Music

  If your children like theater, music, or arts and crafts, then the Maison des Jeunesse et de la Culture Jacques Prevert is where you should go.  It is located just down from the “Rotonde” at:

24 Boulevard de la Republique
13100 Aix en Provence
 
  They have classes for children from ages pre-school through middle school.  Registration for most things is held twice a year and the price is reasonable. When you enter the front door there are booklets on the table of the classes that will be offered during the year.   

Dance Classes

  My two younger girls decided that they wanted to take a jazz class and my older daughter wanted to do a hip hop class.  I think the best dance school for those who are a little more serious and want to make a one year commitment is Aix City Ballet.  Don’t let the name fool you.  The school is very well known for its ballet but they offer many other types of classes.  My girls really loved going and learning all the dance moves and at the end of the year all the classes show off what they have learned in a recital.  This is a huge deal and runs for two nights.

The recital takes place downtown in one of the most beautiful theaters I have seen.  It is a classic Louis XVI theater and the recital is usually a sold out performance.  I figured it would be one of those things were the stage is like in your local school and real small.  I was way off.  This performance was about four hours long and the children actually have costumes and their make-up professionally done. The students practice several days a week during the last two weeks before the performance. 

Photos of The Performance

  For photos of last year’s performance, go to www.photo13.net.  Click on “galleries” then scroll down to “9 juin-Theatre du Jeu de Paume Don Quichotte”. The screen will then say the photos have been moved. Click where it says “here”.  There are 36 pages of the performances. Aix City Ballet is located at 27 bis rue du 11 novembre just behind the Subway sandwich shop.  Their telephone number is 04 42 27 54 54. Here are a few photos of my children in the performance.
   

If your children are really into are then the place to go is L'Ecole Superiuere d'Art d'Aix-en-Provence. The school is located on Rue Emile Tavan.  Their phone number is 04 42 27 57 35.  They also have a web site that will give you more information on the classes that are offered, however, it is only in French.  That site is www.ecole-art-aix.fr. Click on “ecole” then “Enseignants Ateliers Ouverts”.  This is where you will find the after school classes for all ages.

  This is a college for the arts, but on Wednesday afternoons and week day evenings they offer classes to any one.  Two of my daughters took classes there during the school year.  They both took a painting and drawing class and my oldest daughter took an animation drawing class.  The teacher for the animation class actually published a comic book with the class art in it.  My daughter was really impressed with him and highly recommends the class.  His name is Eric Cartier and the class is called Bande Dessinee. 

  The school has one day a year to register and the lines are long.  I suggest getting there very early. The registration is usually during the third week of September.  Their dates change according to the year so go into their office ahead of time for a list of classes and the dates and fees.  You have to bring proof that you are a resident in Aix and bring your children’s passports and proof they are in school. You might need to bring a utility bill, too, as proof of residency. This is because prices are much cheaper if you live in Aix. The total amount for all classes must be paid at the time of registration. All classes are held Wednesday afternoons and weekday evenings.

Other Fun Ways to Keep Busy

   Aix offers many other recreational activities for the whole family.  Two good sites are  www.aixenprovencetourism.com/aix-loisirs.html and www.virtualis.fr/sorties-sports.html.

  In Aix-en-Provence there are numerous activities to get involved in.  If you are interested in all the other types of activities go to www.aix-en-provence.com/ancpa/french/sports/artsmart.htm.  The scroll down bar has a list of every sport and activity that is available.  It will show you the names of the associations with their addresses and phone numbers. I have to say that the more your family gets involved in extra-curricular activities, the more French people you will meet and the better you will become at speaking and understanding the language.  You will also acquire new vocabulary outside of the classroom.