60+ à Aix: Free Buses, Big Smiles — How my husband fell in love with public transport (My Journey)

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Who this is for & what you’ll get

For anyone 60+ (or shopping for a parent/ami) who’s moving to or visiting Aix-en-Provence and wondering if buses are realistic—especially without a car. Here’s exactly how my husband went from LA transit-skeptic to Aix bus superfan: proof you need, how to order LaCarte online and get it by mail, where to activate it, and a few French phrases so you sound local.

What changed for us (and might for you)

  • 65+ ride free across the entire Aix–Marseille–Provence network (Aix-en-Bus included) starting Sept 1, 2025—just get the right card and validate when you board. (La Métropole Mobilité)

  • That means freedom without une voiture: errands, classes, markets, and day trips—no parking drama, no fuel costs, no “where did we leave it?” moments.

  • You still tap every time you hop on (even when it’s free), so count that as your daily wrist workout. (aixenbus.fr)

Micro-story from Aix: Todd (Team Car in LA) discovered the 65+ perk and—poof—suddenly compares routes like wine notes. “The A’s tannins at Krypton are chef’s kiss.” I just nod and enjoy the view from Rotonde.

How to get set up (step-by-step)

1) Order LaCarte (the transport smartcard) online

  • Use the Métropole Mobilité portal to request LaCarte for 65+ and the free pass together; you’ll upload proof of age and proof of domicile in the Métropole. The card is mailed to you—no queue at the Mobility Boutique. (La Métropole Mobilité)

  • Keep a passport-style photo handy; it’s part of the application. (aixenbus.fr)

2) Activate it once at a kiosk (2 minutes)

  • When your card arrives, wake it up at a Distributeur Automatique de Titres (orange ticket machines at major stops and along Aixpress A). Place the card on the reader and follow the prompts; you can also do this at the Boutique if you prefer humans. (aixenbus.fr)

3) Ride like a local

  • Validate on boarding every single time (free riders too). You’ll hear the happy beep; if not, try again or switch validators. (aixenbus.fr)

  • Forgot the card or hosting younger guests? Contactless bank card/phone works on the buses and trams across the Métropole (useful for visitors). (La Métropole Mobilité)

Reality check: The card isn’t “good for 10 or 20 years.” The support (plastic) is valid 8 years—still ages in bus years. (aixenbus.fr)

Price & When to Go

  • Price range: For 65+ domiciled in the Métropole, the pass is free; everyone else can use standard fares or contactless pay-as-you-go. (La Métropole Mobilité)

  • Best time: Off-peak (10:00–16:00) is quieter and perfect for errands or scenic rides on Aixpress A.

  • Booking tips: Order LaCarte as soon as you have a justificatif de domicile (utility bill/lease). Keep scans ready so the online form is one-and-done. (La Métropole Mobilité)

Getting There & Accessibility

  • Bus & tram: Aixpress A crosses the city every few minutes with level boarding and wide doors; DAT kiosks line the route.

  • Walking terrain: Central stops (Rotonde, Gare Routière) are flat; sidewalks can be narrow in the old town—give yourself a few extra minutes.

  • Step-free: Most Aixpress stations are step-free with benches. If in doubt, board at Rotonde—staff and frequent buses make life easy.

FAQ

Is the free pass automatic at 65?
No—apply once, show proof of domicile + proof of age, and the free 65+ pass is loaded to your LaCarte. After that, validate every ride. (La Métropole Mobilité)

Can I still pay without a card?
Yes. Tap a contactless bank card/phone/watch on the validator; it calculates the correct fare across partner networks. Great for visitors. (La Métropole Mobilité)

Where do I activate the card if the kiosk confuses me?
At any Distributeur Automatique de Titres (instructions on-screen) or at the Boutique Métropolitaine (inside the Office de Tourisme). (aixenbus.fr)

How long is the card valid?
The physical card is valid 8 years; you’ll renew the support if it wears out. (aixenbus.fr)

Your Turn (tell us in the comments!)

  • A1: Try this at the front door: Bonjour ! Je valide ici ? Post how it went.

  • A2: Ask for help: Je viens d’avoir 65 ans. Où activer ma carte, s’il vous plaît ?

  • B1: Follow-up on the bus: Je descends à La Rotonde—vous pouvez me prévenir ? Merci !

  • B2: Register switch: Excusez-moi Madame, tu… euh, vous savez si ce valideur marche ?

  • C+: Style play: rewrite the driver’s “Ça valide pas, essayez l’autre” in standard vs. très Aixois.

Internal Links (no tracking)

Related reads

  • Vie Hachés — “Aix by bus: fastest routes with zero sprinting”

  • Étranger Things — “From ‘vous’ to ‘tu’ without drama (on the bus)”

Mini Sources

  • Métropole Mobilité — Gratuité 65+ & <11 (from Sept 1, 2025): lametropolemobilite.fr/gratuite/ (La Métropole Mobilité)

  • Commander LaCarte en ligne (65+): lametropolemobilite.fr/commander-la-carte/ (La Métropole Mobilité)

  • Aix-en-Bus — LaCarte validity (8 years) & kiosks: aixenbus.fr/fr/BWl-LaCarte.html and /fr/Kvq-Distributeurs-Automatiques-de-Titres.html (aixenbus.fr)

PS: If Todd starts ranking bus stops like restaurants, I reserve the right to publish his top-five benches for people-watching at La Rotonde.

Location: Aix-en-Provence, France