Contacting the IP Office in Aix
You might want to contact the IP Office in Aix-en-Provence. Every one or two years there is a new director, but the assistant director is always the same person. Her name is Sophie Bussenius. Let her know you will be coming with your dependants and she can help with finding an apartment. (I have listed some places to stay in the Housing Research section.) She is very friendly and helpful and can make some phone calls for you if your French is not so good. 
The office is located at:
5, rue du Quatre Septembre
13100 Aix-en-Provence
The telephone number is: 442. 26.73.52
There is also a fax number: 442.38. 34. 57 Email: csu@univ-aix.fr
The office is open August-June. The hours are usually 10am-5pm but with the budget cuts this might change. They have a small library, a table for relaxing and having a bite to eat and English newspapers. You are allowed to send a fax, free of charge, if it is for school business. Your school mailbox is located in the office behind the door.
This is how IP keeps in touch with you through out the year. During the year, if problems arise or you just need a little help with something, Sophie is always willing to help. She has lived in Aix her whole life and can basically answer all your questions. Use this office as much as possible. They are there for help and support and are a valuable resource.
When you stop by for the first time, tell Sophie that Ashley says "Hello".
