Expats in Aix-en-Provence

1. The Climate in Aix-en-Provence
2. International schools
3. Nearby Cities and Towns
4. Transportation in Aix-en-Provence
5. French Language Schools Nearby
6. Restaurants in Aix-en-Provence
7. Aix-en-Provence Business Environment
8. Hospitals & Doctors
9. Sites of Interest
10. History

The Climate in Aix-en-Provence

The climate in Aix-en-Provence is typically Mediterranean, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. In the summer months, temperatures usually range from the high 60s to low 80s Fahrenheit, while in the winter, temperatures typically stay in the 40s to low 50s.

International schools

As for international schools, there are a few options near Aix-en-Provence.

The International School of Aix-en-Provence offers an international curriculum taught in English for students from kindergarten to high school.

CIPEC International School is located in Aix-en-Provence and offers an English – French bilingual system and "welcomes children from all over the world. As well as an education, CIPEC is place where different cultures mix and share together."

Nearby Cities and Towns

Aix-en-Provence is surrounded by a number of charming towns and villages that offer a variety of options for those looking to live or visit the area, and they are generally considered safe places to live, with low crime rates and friendly communities.

Some of the most popular cities, towns and villages near Aix-en-Provence include:

Marseille: France's second-largest city offers a cosmopolitan atmosphere, a rich cultural heritage, and a thriving port. An expat who retired in Marseille shared that "France is not cheap like Mexico or Panama but it is not that expensive either. The housing is the most expensive part of living here so spend some time finding the right location for you."

Cassis: A picturesque fishing village located along the Mediterranean coast, known for its beautiful beaches and clear blue waters. Think about Cassis if you need to work within a lower budget.

Saint-Remy-de-Provence: A charming town known for its well-preserved historical center and its association with the famous artist Vincent van Gogh, look here if you're able to work within a mid-range budget.

Arles: A historic city with a rich cultural heritage, including Roman ruins and the Van Gogh Museum.

Les Baux-de-Provence: A hilltop village known for its stunning views, historic castle, and charming streets, this town has some higher-end options for those who want to spend a little more for real estate.

In terms of safety, the towns and villages near Aix-en-Provence are generally considered safe places to live, with low crime rates and friendly communities.

It's important to keep in mind that housing prices in Provence can vary widely depending on the specific town or village.

Transportation in Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence has several public transportation options, including bus and taxi services. The city's bus network, operated by RTM (Régie des Transports de Marseille), provides coverage throughout the city and its surrounding areas. There are also several taxi services available, which offer a convenient option for getting around town.

Having a car can make life more convenient in Aix-en-Provence, as it obviously offers more flexibility and enables you to travel to outlying areas and attractions. However, finding parking in the Aix-en-Provence city center can be challenging and expensive. Parking fees in Aix-en-Provence vary depending on the location and time of day, but it's generally more expensive to park in the city center than in the outskirts. Additionally, parking regulations are strictly enforced, so it's important to be aware of the local parking rules and to park only in designated areas.

French Language Schools Nearby

There are several French language schools in Aix-en-Provence, France. Some of the most popular ones include:

Alliance Française d'Aix-en-Provence: The Alliance Française is a well-established and respected French language school that has been teaching French for over a century. It has a campus in both Marseille and Aix-en-Provence.

IS Aix-en-Provence is an international French language school for adults. IS Aix-en-Provence "has welcomed every year since 1972 more than 1000 participants from all around the world."

These are just a few of the French language schools in Aix-en-Provence. There are many available throughout the region. You may want to conduct thorough research once you have a good idea as to where exactly you will live and what schools will be conveniently located near your new home.

Restaurants in Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is known for its rich gastronomic culture and its cuisine is considered some of the best in France. The city is situated in the heart of Provence, so its cuisine is heavily influenced by the local ingredients and cooking styles of the region.

Some popular local dishes include bouillabaisse (a fish stew), aioli (a garlicky mayonnaise), ratatouille (a vegetable stew), and tapenade (a paste made from olives, capers, and anchovies).

Aix-en-Provence Business Environment

Aix-en-Provence has a diverse and dynamic business environment that is driven by a range of industries and sectors. This includes businesses of all sizes - it is home to a vibrant and growing startup community, with many small and medium-sized companies operating in a variety of industries, including technology, tourism, and agriculture. There are also many large corporations involved in various industries.

Some of the sectors that are attracting significant investment and attention:

Technology: The city is home to a thriving tech community, with several startups specializing in areas such as software development, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Tourism: Aix-en-Provence is a popular tourist destination, and many businesses in the area are focused on providing travel and hospitality services, such as hotels, restaurants, and tour operators.

Agriculture: The surrounding area is known for its rich agricultural heritage, and there are many small and medium-sized companies that specialize in producing high-quality local products, such as olive oil, wine, and cheese.

Overall, Aix-en-Provence has a thriving business community and is a great place for entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized businesses to grow and succeed.

Some of the largest employers in the city include:

• Groupe Lumsden: a leading provider of energy and water management solutions
• Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Aix-Marseille: the largest hospital in the region, providing medical care and research
• Ecole Supérieure d'Art d'Aix-en-Provence: one of the largest art schools in France.
• Aix-Marseille University: a large public university
• Technicolor: a global digital entertainment and content services firm.
• Pôle Emploi: the French employment agency, which provides job placement services and unemployment benefits.
• AXA: a multinational insurance company with a significant presence in the region.

Aix-en-Provence and the surrounding region have a growing technology ecosystem. Here is a small sample of small-to-medium companies involved in the tech and artificial intelligence sector:

• Thales: A multinational company with a research center in Aix-en-Provence, Thales is involved in a wide range of technology areas, including artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
• Inside Secure: A cybersecurity and mobile payments company located in Aix-en-Provence, Inside Secure has developed solutions that leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance security.
• The Cosmo Tech Group: A startup based in Aix-en-Provence, Cosmo Tech has developed a platform that uses AI and predictive analytics to help companies optimize their operations and improve their decision-making.
• Resilient Innovation: A startup focused on developing advanced technology solutions for the healthcare industry, Resilient Innovation is located in nearby Marseille and may be involved in AI-related projects.
• Ad Scientiam: A digital health startup based in Aix-en-Provence, Ad Scientiam has developed a mobile platform that uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to help clinicians and researchers collect and analyze patient data.
• Enzyme: A startup based in nearby Marseille, Enzyme provides a platform for automating and optimizing online advertising campaigns using machine learning and other advanced technologies.
• Piksel: A global technology company with an office in Aix-en-Provence, Piksel provides software and services for video streaming, content management, and other digital media applications.
• Usercube: A cybersecurity company that provides solutions for identity and access management using advanced technologies such as machine learning and behavioral analysis.

Hospitals & Doctors

Aix-en-Provence is home to several high-quality hospitals and health clinics, offering a range of medical services to the local community. Some of the best hospitals and health clinics in the city include:

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Aix-Marseille (CHU): A large public hospital that provides a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, specialist clinics, and inpatient treatment.

Hopital Prive de Provence - The Private Hospital of Provence is a private health facility that welcomes and treats its patients in Aix-en-Provence.

Polyclinique du Grand Sud: A private clinic offering a range of medical services, including general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and dermatology.

Sites of Interest

Aix-en-Provence's beauty and rich cultural heritage mean that there are plenty of sites of for tourists and locals alike. Some of the must-see attractions include:

Cours Mirabeau: A large and leafy boulevard in the heart of the city, lined with plane trees and beautiful fountains, and surrounded by historic buildings and cafes.

Musée Granet: A museum of fine arts, featuring an extensive collection of works by Cézanne and other major artists of the Provençal region.

Eglise Saint-Sauveur: A beautiful medieval church, with a rich history and stunning architectural details.

Montagne Sainte-Victoire: A majestic mountain located just outside the city, offering breathtaking views and hiking opportunities.

Atelier Cezanne: The former studio of the famous artist Paul Cézanne, now a museum dedicated to his life and work.

These are just a few examples of the many sites of interest in Aix-en-Provence, but the city has much more to offer, including historic buildings, parks, markets, and cultural events.

History

Aix-en-Provence is a city with a rich and varied history, dating back to the Roman era. Over the centuries, Aix-en-Provence grew and evolved, becoming a major center of culture and learning in the Middle Ages. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Aix-en-Provence was a center of the Enlightenment, attracting intellectuals and artists from all over Europe.

The city was also the birthplace of the famous artist Paul Cézanne, and continues to be a major center of the arts and culture to this day.