Vous à Tu: Meet AIF “Aix International Friends” (aka — the WhatsApp that launched a thousand coffees)

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If you’ve ever wanted a friendly nudge from your phone that says “Apéro?” instead of “two-factor authentication,” welcome to AIF — Aix International Friends: a cheerful swarm of newcomers, long-timers, and French friends who like turning “vous” into “tu” over coffee, hikes, markets, and museum wanderings. There’s a main AIF chat and several sub-groups (think: cafés & lunches, day trips, hikes, language exchange, cultural nights), so you can keep pings focused on the stuff you actually love. Expect at least one monthly meetup hosted by Ted, plus spontaneous mini-gatherings whenever someone types “sun’s out, who’s out?” (You blink, and suddenly you’re at Place de l’Hôtel de Ville with three new friends and a diabolo menthe.)

How to join AIF (and the WhatsApp groups)

There isn’t a public invite link floating around the internet (bless—spam control!). The simplest route is to contact Ted directly and ask to be added:

  • Message Ted via his website (contact/booking): he runs local tours and is the point person for AIF. Mention you’d like to join “Aix International Friends” on WhatsApp and which sub-groups interest you. (Ted Aix Tours)

  • Or DM Ted on Instagram (@tedaix_tours)—he’s active there. A quick “Bonjour, I’d love to join AIF” usually does the trick. (Instagram)

(For proof the group exists in the wild internet: a recent local thread references “AIF — Aix International Friends” meetups—handy breadcrumb! (Reddit))

Once Ted has your number, one of two things happens:

  1. He adds you directly to the main AIF WhatsApp group, or

  2. He sends you an invite link. Tap it in WhatsApp → Join Group. (If you’re new to WhatsApp with foreign numbers, add the contact with the +33 country code first; then the invite works smoothly.)

New to WhatsApp?

  • Install the app → verify your number → allow contacts.

  • To mute a lively sub-group (no hard feelings!), open the chat → tap the name → Mute (8 hours / 1 week / Always).

  • To keep chats tidy, star the main AIF group: chat header → Star.

What the rhythm looks like

  • Monthly anchor meetup: planned by Ted; easy on-ramp for first-timers. (Dates pop up in the main group.) The next meeting is in the comments below.

  • Spontaneous outings: coffee at noon, sunset walk to Terrain des Peintres, last-minute cinema, Friday “brocantes raid,” you name it—organized by members right in chat.

  • Sub-groups: opt in to only the threads you want—your notifications (and sanity) say merci.

Friendly etiquette (so you stay “vous-welcome”)

  • Keep it on topic in each sub-group (hikes in Hikes, food in Foodies).

  • Post a brief who/what/when/where for any pop-up plan; add a Google Map pin if helpful.

  • Cap the RSVP chatter: one headcount message beats 27 variations of “coming!”

  • Safety first: meet in public places; share transit info; buddy up on trails.

  • Language vibe: Franglais allowed, smiles required. If you’re not sure whether to “tu” or “vous,” mirror the other person—or just ask with a grin.

Why AIF works

It’s the right mix of light structure (a monthly meetup gives everyone a home base) and member-made sparks (those pop-up invitations). It’s also, dare we say, curated by the community—welcoming, low-pressure, and very Aix: fountains, plane trees, and someone always knows the bus line.

Quick steps (copy-paste for a friend)

  1. Ping Ted to join AIF (site contact or Instagram DM). (Ted Aix Tours)

  2. Tap the invite (or accept being added) in WhatsApp.

  3. Join sub-groups that fit your interests.

  4. Show up to the monthly meetup; say bonjour; collect friends.

  5. Post your own outing next time. Easy.

Your Turn 👋

Have you joined AIF? Drop a comment with:

  • A1: one simple line you’ll use to invite people (“On se retrouve à 15h à la Rotonde ?”)

  • A2: your go-to RSVP in French (“Je viens avec un ami.”)

  • B1: a two-sentence event post (where/when/why)

  • B2: a mini recap of a meetup (what you did + one tip)

  • Advanced: your best tu/vous save—when did you switch, and how did it go?

We’ll add your phrasing to our community playbook so the next newcomer knows exactly how to jump in. À bientôt sous les platanes!

Location: Aix-en-Provence, France