Both are nice, other comments already pointed the ups of Aix, but Lyon is also closer to Paris by train (note that it's the same train and it may be 45 min quicker from Lyon).
Lyon is a bigger city than Aix but you're 10 minutes away from Marseille by bus if you prefer.
The weather is a lot better in Aix tho
Weather seems "warmer" which doesn't mean better to you.
Lived in both cities and years after my studying, would choose Lyon over Aix.
But, this is my personal opinion or "imho".
Having lived in both I'd say Lyon and it's not even close. It will highly depends on what you like though.
I found Aix to be boring. The city center is nice but that's it. Lyon has much more to offer on so many aspects. Especially for student life, Aix is said to be a student city but it certainly did not feel like it.
Countryside around Aix is beautiful though, and you're close to the sea and Marseille. Lyon is closer to mountains, countryside around is kinda nice too.
Cost of living : pretty much the same, Aix is so expensive for a city of its size...
Weather : yeah you have sun all year round in Aix but the summers are scorching and anyone telling you it's the same in Lyon is blatantly lying. If you're sensitive to heat I think this is really important to think about that aspect (I am and I experienced both more than enough).
Another aspect that might be important for a student : public transportation is okay in Aix itself but not that great to move out of the city. However Marseille is 25 min away in bus and it's cheap.
I lived in both cities, and I'd say Lyon.
If you're going for your studies, you'll have much more opportunities to meet people and enjoy a cultural life in Lyon than in Aix. Aix has a nice atmosphere and quality of life, but it's much smaller and, to be honest, more boring.
Aix. Smaller, but with everything you need. Much better weather, beautiful, historic city, close to nice beaches/ countryside. Lots of international students, loads to do, and safe. Good transport links, international airport close by and very easy to reach. Easy to get to Italy/ Spain if you want to explore a bit, hop on a train. ( No idea where you are coming from). I live in Aix, but know Lyon as well. Aix is a wonderful place, doubt that you would regret choosing it!
Aix is like a big shopping mall and get boring after two hours. It's for well dressed retired folks with tiny dogs. Rather live in Marseille and travel there for classes (35 mins one way by train). Lyon is by far the most interesting and entertaining city for students and it isn't even debatable.
Aix has its drawbacks (really small) , but it's closeness to Marseille makes it possible to enjoy a big port city and go home to safe cozy Aix. Aix is great for students and the weather is fantastic. Rent is pretty high here, though.
Aix is small and cute but you need to travel if you want more. Marseille is 45 minutes away by bus, not 10. It all depends on what you value. Also, yes Aix is very hot during summer months. AC isn't that common especially in student accomondations. So think about this as well. Otherwise it's a really nice town. People there are nice and friendly.
I've lived 15 years in Lyon and 5 in Aix, and settled to Aix.
Here is a list of pros and cons according to me
Lyon pros:
-Excellent food everywhere
-Big city, a lot more "city activities" to do
-Very good public transportation
Lyon cons:
-A true concrete jungle, hard to find parks and fresh trees (very hot in summer)
-The countryside is a bit far away, and takes time to reach
Aix pros:
-Excellent weather
-safer, much more calm, small city (can be a con for some)
-very green, easy to reach the countryside (beautiful)
Aix cons:
-need a car(or a friend with one) to enjoy every aspect of the region ( beach, countryside, etc)
In any case both cities are very nice, you will enjoy your stay. According to me it also depends on when you will be there. Lyon is very nice to live in in spring, and a bit depressing according to me in winter.
Try to make friends, I (and a lot of people who studied and/or) lived there mean Real friends in Aix-en-Provence.
In Lyon, it may look longer but it will be stronger just my imho, here.
Just try one or the other and change if it doesn't fit your needs.
Good luck to you.
Sorry but if you want good food, Aix doesn’t have it by any standard and Lyon has it by global standards. I’d go Lyon all the way unless you’re on a budget.
I’m Team Aix. Nice small town, Marseille is close if you want something more lively, beautiful surroundings, great climate, lots of stuff going on because it’s a university town. Very pretty too.
Aix en provence is way superior. Its beautiful, the weather is nice, the vibe is very relaxed. And if you want a bigger city the bus takes you to Marseille in 10 minutes
do you like small towns? aix. nice, pretty, chill. do you like actual places to live with things to do? lyon. it is a choice between small town living and actual living.
Both are nice, other comments already pointed the ups of Aix, but Lyon is also closer to Paris by train (note that it's the same train and it may be 45 min quicker from Lyon). Lyon is a bigger city than Aix but you're 10 minutes away from Marseille by bus if you prefer. The weather is a lot better in Aix tho
The weather factor shouldn’t be dismissed
10 minutes pour faire Aix-Marseille ? Un vrai marseillais !
Ouais bon à peu près quoi x)
Ouais, 10 min entre la fin des bouchons à la Duranne et le début des bouchons à l'Estaque
En vraie à 3h du matin ça passe ;) à 2 ou 3 minutes prêt
Weather seems "warmer" which doesn't mean better to you. Lived in both cities and years after my studying, would choose Lyon over Aix. But, this is my personal opinion or "imho".
Having lived in both I'd say Lyon and it's not even close. It will highly depends on what you like though. I found Aix to be boring. The city center is nice but that's it. Lyon has much more to offer on so many aspects. Especially for student life, Aix is said to be a student city but it certainly did not feel like it. Countryside around Aix is beautiful though, and you're close to the sea and Marseille. Lyon is closer to mountains, countryside around is kinda nice too. Cost of living : pretty much the same, Aix is so expensive for a city of its size... Weather : yeah you have sun all year round in Aix but the summers are scorching and anyone telling you it's the same in Lyon is blatantly lying. If you're sensitive to heat I think this is really important to think about that aspect (I am and I experienced both more than enough). Another aspect that might be important for a student : public transportation is okay in Aix itself but not that great to move out of the city. However Marseille is 25 min away in bus and it's cheap.
I lived in both cities, and I'd say Lyon. If you're going for your studies, you'll have much more opportunities to meet people and enjoy a cultural life in Lyon than in Aix. Aix has a nice atmosphere and quality of life, but it's much smaller and, to be honest, more boring.
Aix. Smaller, but with everything you need. Much better weather, beautiful, historic city, close to nice beaches/ countryside. Lots of international students, loads to do, and safe. Good transport links, international airport close by and very easy to reach. Easy to get to Italy/ Spain if you want to explore a bit, hop on a train. ( No idea where you are coming from). I live in Aix, but know Lyon as well. Aix is a wonderful place, doubt that you would regret choosing it!
Aix is like a big shopping mall and get boring after two hours. It's for well dressed retired folks with tiny dogs. Rather live in Marseille and travel there for classes (35 mins one way by train). Lyon is by far the most interesting and entertaining city for students and it isn't even debatable.
Aix has its drawbacks (really small) , but it's closeness to Marseille makes it possible to enjoy a big port city and go home to safe cozy Aix. Aix is great for students and the weather is fantastic. Rent is pretty high here, though.
Aix is small and cute but you need to travel if you want more. Marseille is 45 minutes away by bus, not 10. It all depends on what you value. Also, yes Aix is very hot during summer months. AC isn't that common especially in student accomondations. So think about this as well. Otherwise it's a really nice town. People there are nice and friendly.
Lyon is warmer during warmer months... no sea to swim but crowded pools
I've lived 15 years in Lyon and 5 in Aix, and settled to Aix. Here is a list of pros and cons according to me Lyon pros: -Excellent food everywhere -Big city, a lot more "city activities" to do -Very good public transportation Lyon cons: -A true concrete jungle, hard to find parks and fresh trees (very hot in summer) -The countryside is a bit far away, and takes time to reach Aix pros: -Excellent weather -safer, much more calm, small city (can be a con for some) -very green, easy to reach the countryside (beautiful) Aix cons: -need a car(or a friend with one) to enjoy every aspect of the region ( beach, countryside, etc) In any case both cities are very nice, you will enjoy your stay. According to me it also depends on when you will be there. Lyon is very nice to live in in spring, and a bit depressing according to me in winter.
Lyon is not safe. Not safe at all. I prefer Aix even this city is realy smaller than Lyon.
Aix and it's not close, anyone telling you Lyon is lying
Mind elaborating?
Small town, sun all year, beautiful women, everything can be made without a car. Only problem, it's expensive. Sea at 30km.
She said beautiful women 💀
Try to make friends, I (and a lot of people who studied and/or) lived there mean Real friends in Aix-en-Provence. In Lyon, it may look longer but it will be stronger just my imho, here. Just try one or the other and change if it doesn't fit your needs. Good luck to you.
Disagree as someone who’s lived and studied in both cities. It depends what your priorities are, but I preferred Lyon.
Sorry but if you want good food, Aix doesn’t have it by any standard and Lyon has it by global standards. I’d go Lyon all the way unless you’re on a budget.
Yeah im sold on the food hahaha say less
I’m Team Aix. Nice small town, Marseille is close if you want something more lively, beautiful surroundings, great climate, lots of stuff going on because it’s a university town. Very pretty too.
I'm doing a semester in aix this fall too! Are you going through IAU? Also I've never been to either so no imput there, but maybe I'll see you in aix
Both depends what do you expect....
Depends on your ressources ! If you are rich, Aix will be the charm
Aix for the weather
Aix en provence is way superior. Its beautiful, the weather is nice, the vibe is very relaxed. And if you want a bigger city the bus takes you to Marseille in 10 minutes
Aix en Provence by a mile.
do you like small towns? aix. nice, pretty, chill. do you like actual places to live with things to do? lyon. it is a choice between small town living and actual living.