If you’re in Aix-en-Provence (for a week, a semester, a lifetime—or a very convincing croissant), this page is for your story. Why are you here? Why French? We’ve heard every reason and adore them all:
“Je suis tombé amoureux… of France.”
“I’m French-born but grew up elsewhere and never learned.”
“Career sabbatical. Sun. Soap. Soupe au pistou. In that order.”
“It’s time to talk to my belle-mère without fear.”
“Because ‘tu’ vs ‘vous’ is the sport I was born to play.”
This is a safe, friendly corner of the internet where small confusions turn into big smiles. Post a comment below and tell us your why. (Yes, imperfect French is more than welcome—we collect typos the way Provence collects fountains.)
A tiny nudge that makes sharing easier (psychology says this works 😉)
Identity cue: If you see yourself as “someone who builds community,” write the first line now. You’ll help the next shy person hit send.
Implementation intention: “After I read this paragraph, I’ll type two sentences about my why.”
Foot-in-the-door: Start with one detail (how you chose Aix, your first “bonjour,” your biggest oops). The rest will follow.
Social proof (but nice): Lots of us have posted messy, brave first comments. You’re in good company here.
Post your story with this easy template
Copy, paste, fill in the blanks (Franglais totally allowed):
Name or nickname: ___
Where I’m from: ___
Why Aix: ___
Why French (my “why”): ___
One little win: ___ (e.g., ordered a baguette without pointing)
One funny fail: ___ (e.g., said “beaucoup” like… something else 🙈)
When I’d like to practice: mornings / afternoons / evenings / weekends
How to connect: (username or alias—no need to share your phone/email)
Not sure how to keep your info private? Use an alias or a messaging username (Signal/Telegram) instead of your number.
Conversation starters (steal these!)
What moment made French feel real for you in Aix?
A word you love (or fear).
A habit from home you didn’t realize you had until France laughed at it (guilty… all of us).
One place in or near Aix that surprised you.
Micro-prompts by level (A1 → advanced)
A1: “Bonjour, je m’appelle ___. Je suis de ___. J’apprends le français pour ___.”
A2: “Je suis à Aix pendant ___. Mon objectif est de ___, et j’adore ___ ici.”
B1: “J’ai choisi Aix parce que ___. Mon plus grand défi linguistique: ___. Une astuce qui m’aide: ___.”
B2: “Racontez un mini-échec qui vous a fait progresser (ex: tutoiement raté, malentendu au marché) et ce que vous en avez tiré.”
C1/C2: “Décrivez une croyance que vous aviez sur la France/la langue et comment Aix l’a nuancée.”
Want to be a guest author?
If you’d like to write a full post (photo essay, study tips, housing hacks, the great tu/vous debacle, all of it), tell me directly. We’ll help with edits, images, and getting your voice out there. Short-term visitors and students especially welcome—you see things locals miss!
House rules (short & sweet)
Be kind. Be curious. No shaming accents, levels, or mistakes—we celebrate them. Share tips that help others, and keep contact info private by using aliases/usernames rather than phone numbers or emails.
Your turn 💬
Drop your comment below using the template, or just wing it. If you post now, future-you will thank present-you (and present-you gets a small hit of dopamine—science!). Can’t wait to read your journey. Bienvenue !
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