What is the AAGP?
The AAGP is a non-profit community group serving the anglophone crowd around Aix and the Pays d’Aix. Their stated mission: promote friendly ties with the host community, share practical information for expats, and celebrate anglophone heritage—very much in step with what you’ll feel at their casual meetups. (aagp-provence.com)
What they actually do (beyond apéros)
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Regular social meetups (that’s where I’ve met half my address book): coffees, lunches, cultural outings, book group, play-reading, and family-friendly events. Annual staples like Burns Night and Thanksgiving also make an appearance. (aagp-provence.com)
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Practical help via a well-stocked English lending library and member-to-member advice. (aagp-provence.com)
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Online community through a private Facebook group (membership required to join). (Facebook)
Fun fact: a 2016 piece pegged the group at ~700 members for its 40th anniversary—a hint at how deep its local roots go. (Connexion France)
How to join (and what it costs)
Membership runs September to September, at 45€ per family plus a 10€ one-time registration (kids under 21 living at home are included). Sign-up details live on their site. After you’re on the rolls, you can request entry to the private Facebook group. (aagp-provence.com)
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Website: aagp-provence.com (contacts, events, library, small ads). (aagp-provence.com)
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Contact address: Maison des Associations, Mairie Aix-Sud (Pont de l’Arc), 13090 Aix. Email via their contact page. (aagp-provence.com)
Where the magic happens: Rotonde & Cours Mirabeau
Summer evenings often gravitate to cafés around Place de la Rotonde; when the air turns crisp, you’ll find the group drifting along the terraces of Cours Mirabeau—prime people-watching zones in the shadow (spray?) of the city’s emblematic fountain. The Rotonde is a 12-meter-high 1860 showstopper marking the west end of the cours; cafés up and down the boulevard make accidentally staying for “just one more” dangerously easy.
(Ask me how I know. My “quick apéro” has a way of becoming a three-chapter social novel. I’m working on my Irish exit. Progress is… curated.)
Why it’s great for your French
They have a French conversation group that meets on Friday mornings. It’s low-pressure, and no one blinks if you conjugate a verb into an avant-garde sculpture.
Micro-game you can try
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Open with a vous to new faces. If someone slides to tu, follow their lead.
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Practice small talk trios: Vous êtes à Aix depuis longtemps ? → Qu’est-ce que vous aimez ici ? → Vous avez des recommandations ?
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Offer a handoff: Je passe au français ? Ou on mélange ?
Quick links
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About the AAGP / events snapshot: aagp-provence.com. (aagp-provence.com)
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Membership details & fees: aagp-provence.com/membership. (aagp-provence.com)
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Private Facebook (after joining): AAGP Members’ Group. (Facebook)
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Rotonde / Cours Mirabeau background: Tourist Office pages and city site.
Level-by-level conversation tips for an apéro in French, but you won't need these at the AAGP apéro
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A1: Memorize 5 intros: Bonjour, je m’appelle… / Je viens de… / J’habite près de… / Je parle un peu français. / J’aime Aix parce que…
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A2: Add questions: Vous travaillez/étudiez ici ? / Quels cafés préférez-vous ? Use parce que and depuis.
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B1: Tell a short story: how you found the group, your first Rotonde apéro. Mix passé composé + imparfait.
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B2: Push nuance: compare social vibes here vs. home; practice softeners (je trouve que…, à mon avis…).
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Advanced: Offer gentle cultural reads in French, then invite correction: Si je me trompe, corrigez-moi ! (It works. People love to help.)
Your turn 👋
Been to an AAGP meetup? Favorite terrace near the Rotonde or along the Cours? Drop a tip for newcomers (and say which French level you’re at so folks can find you!).
PS: If you spot me dithering between tu and vous, please rescue me. I’ll buy the next round.