Good news: Castorama Aix-en-Provence (Les Milles/La Pioline) is typically open on Sundays, 09:00–18:00, so you can snag a small heater if it happens to you on a Sunday like it happened to us today! That’s the one at 115 rue Beauvoisin, ZAC La Pioline (Les Milles). Source: Castorama’s own store page lists Sunday hours 09:00–18:00. (Castorama)
If you’re closer to the retail sprawl, Castorama Plan de Campagne is also shown as open Sundays (commonly 09:00–20:00). (Castorama)
As for Bricorama: their online selection of radiateurs d’appoint is solid (convectors, oil-filled, blowers). If your nearest store is closed today, click & collect for tomorrow still works. (bricorama.fr)
The quick & cozy plan (today)
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If you can get to Castorama (open Sunday):
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Ask for a “radiateur d’appoint” (portable electric heater). You’ll see convecteurs (fast warm air), bain d’huile (oil-filled, slower but stable heat), and compact soufflants (fan heaters). Pick one with overheat/anti-tip features. (bricorama.fr)
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If everything’s closed or you can’t get there:
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Layer smart: thermal top + sweater + fleece; hat & socks indoors are not a scandal, they’re chic-survival.
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Room zoning: pick one small room, close doors, put a draft stopper (a rolled towel) at the base.
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DIY heat traps: boil a kettle, fill a bouillotte (hot-water bottle) or a jar in a sock; sit under a couverture polaire (throw).
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Warm-up cycle: 10 squats, 10 wall push-ups, 2 minutes of marching—repeat every hour.
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Shower timing: quick, warm shower; dress immediately in that steamy bathroom so you keep the heat.
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Kitchen caution: Do not use the gas/oven for room heating—unsafe and a hard non.
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Tomorrow morning game plan (if you still need gear):
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Bricorama for budget heaters (your friend’s €25 tip), extension cords with prise terre (ground), and a thermomètre. (bricorama.fr)
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Castorama for a slightly wider range, sometimes open every day with Sunday hours listed. (Castorama)
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What to buy (minimalist cart)
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Radiateur d’appoint, 1000–2000W, with thermostat + tip-over protection (choose bain d’huile for steady, quiet heat; convecteur/soufflant for quick blasts). (bricorama.fr)
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Multiprise avec terre (surge-protected power strip) and rallonge long enough to keep heater away from curtains/rugs.
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Boudin de porte (draft stopper) and joint mousse (adhesive foam) for that leaky window.
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Couverture polaire or plaid (if you don’t own one yet).
Safety basics (be the warm neighbor, not the smoky legend)
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Keep 50 cm clearance around heaters; no drying socks on them (tempting, I know).
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Plug directly into a wall or a proper grounded strip (no daisy-chains).
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Turn off when you sleep or leave the room (unless it has a certified anti-tilt + thermostat and you’re in the next room).
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If you’re sensitive to dry air, put a bol d’eau on a shelf (not on the heater!).
Tiny glossary for the aisle (and your phone notes)
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un radiateur d’appoint — space heater
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un radiateur à bain d’huile — oil-filled heater
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un convecteur — convector heater
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un radiateur soufflant — fan heater
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un boudin de porte — draft stopper
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une rallonge / multiprise — extension cord / power strip
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prise avec terre — grounded plug
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déperdition de chaleur — heat loss
Micro-scripts in French (A1 → Advanced)
A1
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Bonjour, vous avez un petit radiateur d’appoint, s’il vous plaît ?
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Je cherche quelque chose autour de 30 euros.
A2
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C’est pour une chambre. Vous conseillez un bain d’huile ou un convecteur ?
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Il a une sécurité anti-basculement ?
B1
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Mon immeuble n’a pas encore allumé le chauffage collectif. J’ai besoin d’un appareil provisoire et économique.
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Quelle puissance pour 15 mètres carrés, à peu près ?
B2
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Je préfère un modèle plus silencieux et économe. Est-ce qu’il régule bien la température sans surchauffer ?
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Vous avez des joints pour calfeutrer une fenêtre ancienne ?
Advanced
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Je privilégie l’inertie thermique pour éviter les pics de consommation et obtenir une chaleur diffuse. Un conseil de configuration (thermostat, positionnement) ?
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Je veux limiter l’empreinte énergétique : existe-t-il un comparatif des rendements par type d’appareil ?
Getting there (Aix quick notes)
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Castorama Aix – Les Milles/La Pioline (usually open Sundays ~09:00–18:00). Check the live store page before you go for today’s hours. (Castorama)
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Castorama Plan de Campagne (also listed open Sundays, often later hours). (Castorama)
Extra nerdy (but warm) tips
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Heat the human, not the home: a bouillotte in your hoodie pouch is peak efficiency.
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Curtains to the floor act like a second wall at night.
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Door discipline: every open door is a heat leak.
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Meter-minded: many French flats bill electricity bi-monthly; a 2000W heater for 3h ≈ 6 kWh—watch your usage.
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Keep this curated checklist in your notes for the next cold snap.
Useful links
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Castorama Aix (Les Milles/La Pioline) — store info & hours. (Castorama)
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Castorama Plan de Campagne — store info & hours. (Castorama)
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Bricorama — “Chauffage d’appoint” guide & products. (bricorama.fr)
Your turn 👇
What’s your best cold-snap hack in France? Did you find a €25 gem at Bricorama—or a silent winner at Casto? Drop tips (and neighborhood sightings of open stores on Sundays). A1/B1 folks: try ordering in French using the scripts above. Advanced folks: compare energy use by heater type and teach us your tricks.