Vous à Tu: Polyglot Nights in Aix — Tues & Thurs, 19h–21h at Kennedy’s Pub

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When I finally made it to the Aix-en-Provence Polyglot Club—after two lovely sisters from my summer French class insisted, “Everyone is so nice, you have to go.” Reader, they were right. I chatted in French for a focused 30 minutes, then we swapped to English for another 30 because reciprocity is très chic—and frankly, my subjunctive needed a sit-down anyway.

The basics (so you actually find it)

  • When: Every Tuesday and Thursday, 19h–21h (come and go as you like). (Meetup)

  • Where: Kennedy’s Pub, 38 Rue de la Verrerie, 13100 Aix—a lively lane just off the Rotonde/Cours Mirabeau. (Meetup)

  • How it works: You’ll get a name tag with the languages you speak; then just start talking with someone who matches one of yours. All ages, all levels welcome. (Meetup)

  • Fee: Expect a small €2 participation contribution supporting the organizers. (Bring coins.) (polyglotclub.com)

  • Updates & extras: Events are listed on Meetup, PolyglotClub.com, and their Facebook group. (Meetup)

What it feels like

Picture a friendly buzz: clinking glasses, road-tested phrases, and that triumphant look when you finally catch a rapid-fire “tu viens souvent ?”. It’s a curated chaos of accents where beginners are encouraged, pros are patient, and everyone appreciates a good “pardon, encore une fois ?”

First-timer game plan (works for shy & bold)

  1. Arrive a few minutes early to grab your tag and scan the room. (Meetup)

  2. Pick a language window (e.g., 20–30 minutes per language) and announce the switch—it keeps things fair.

  3. Order something (softs count) to support the venue—Kennedy’s is a busy hub most evenings. (Instagram)

  4. Use the tag as your opener: “On fait 20 minutes en français, puis 20 en anglais ?” Easy, clear, kind.

Micro-etiquette that locals appreciate

  • Reciprocity is gold: balance languages so both sides win.

  • Volume control: Rue de la Verrerie gets lively—lean in, don’t shout.

  • Rotate graciously: new folks appear every 10–15 minutes; welcome them in.

  • Coins ready: that €2 jar doesn’t make change. (polyglotclub.com)

Tips by level (take what you need)

  • A1: Prepare 5 intro lines (name, origin, why you’re in Aix, what you’re learning, your favorite pastry). Keep a mini cheat-sheet on your phone; ask “Plus lentement, s’il vous plaît.”

  • A2: Add past weekend / next weekend talk with passé composé & futur proche; bring one question you’ll ask everyone (e.g., “Un café à recommander ?”).

  • B1: Practice opinions with reasons (“Je trouve que… parce que…”) and soft disagreement (“Je ne suis pas tout à fait d’accord”).

  • B2: Try mini-stories (60–90 seconds) and ask for reformulations (“Tu le dirais comment ?”).

  • Advanced: Pick a theme (news, culture, tech). Aim for register play—switch from soutenu to familier and back.

Practical bits

  • Finding it: Kennedy’s is on Rue de la Verrerie—a narrow, pub-lined street a short walk from La Rotonde. (Instagram)

  • When plans change: The organizers sometimes post updates or special nights—peek at Meetup or the Facebook group before you head out. (Meetup)

My mini-review

Friendly crowd, smooth format, fast time-to-conversation. I left with new vocab, two café tips, and renewed faith in my listening comprehension (except when a rapid-fire Parisian and a Glaswegian shared a table… that was advanced mode).

Handy links

  • Meetup: Polyglot Club Aix (times, RSVP, updates). (Meetup)

  • PolyglotClub.com event pages (Tuesdays & Thursdays). (polyglotclub.com)

  • Facebook group (Aix) for week-to-week chatter. (Facebook)

  • Kennedy’s Pub (IG) for hours/vibes. (Instagram)

Your turn 👇

Been to Polyglot Night in Aix? Which language pairs worked best for you, and any pro tips for shy first-timers? A1 to advanced—drop your micro-wins and we’ll cheer you on!

Location: 38 Rue de la Verrerie, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France

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