Who lives in Marseille?

[Elle20]

Hi everyone,
I am new to this site so thought I would make a new thread for anyone in Marseille.

I am an Australian and I moved here in August of 2008 to live with my partner.
As much as I love it here I have found it very dificult to find a job and to make new friends.
I am currently learning French but it is not yet strong enough to hold lengthy conversations with other French people, so if there is anyone in Marseille or nearby who speaks English and would ever like to meet up please let me know !

Looking forward to hearing from you

Bisous

[Bevdeforges]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I'm much farther north in France (Paris area, actually) but I can definitely empathize with your situation. Learning French really is the first step to getting integrated into life here in France - necessary for a job (of any sort) and certainly for meeting people.

You may want to contact the AVF (Accueil des Villes Françaises) group in Marseille (AVF -- Présentation) to see what sorts of groups or activities they have for foreigners. The local associations vary greatly in their offerings, but it can be a nice way to meet others in a new town.
Cheers,
Bev

[melisa]

Hi Elle,

I moved to Marseille last year too!! If you want to catch up for a coffee, let me know.. ok?
I'm not quite sure if it's possible to do private messages on this forum, but let me know when you're free and we will try to organise something.
Melisa

[Elle20]

Hi melisa, thanks for contacting me!
Definitely would like to catch up for a drink
here is my email so its easier to get in contact:
elliehorne @ live . com
(it wouldn't let me put the actual address so i put spaces in between it all)
hope to hear from you soon

[stephaniehunter]

Hi Elle

I'm not in Marseille but am hoping to move in the next 6 months - I was wondering if you might be able to give me some advice on where to live/where's dangerous (!) etc etc as I will be moving alone?

I hope you're a little more settled in Marseille by now - I guess its a year you have been there for now?

Hope you are well, and looking forward to hearing from you

Stephanie

[melisa]

Hi Stephanie,
This is Melisa here, I've been living in Marseille for over a year now, and have found it to be wonderful.
To give you some ideas on places you should try, I would recommend somewhere close to Vieux Port, public transport is very easy around there, so you can get yourself just about anywhere.
The 7th Arrondisemont is pretty good in terms of not being dangerous, its close to the Port, and also close to the beach too. The 6th Arrodisemont is situated closer to the city, but still not too far away from the beach. The 1st Arrodisemont is quite nice too, but i would suggest closer to the port, as it is a bit "nicer"!!
I guess it depends on what you're going to be doing here, and what sort of area you would like to live, some places can be a little expensive, but it will be in a "safer" area.
Are you going to be studying French here, because if you are, some of the private schools can help you out with accomodation, eg, living with a French person, learning the language ect...
Anyway, if you need anymore info, don't hesitate to get in touch!!

Take care!!

[stephaniehunter]

Hi Melisa,

thanks so much for replying to my post - I really appreciate it. Its good to hear that you have enjoyed Marseille so far as I have heard some bed things - happy for you!
I'm hoping to be working for Eurocopter - hence the idea of living in Marseille. Basically, accomodation wise I'm happy to pay more to be in a safe area - I hear there are some areas that are best avoided, if you know which they are that information would be really handy! I'm coming to Nice next weekend and will be visiting Marseille for a look-around on the Saturday to see how I feel about the place (I'm not brave enough to just move without at least visiting it first!) Did you do this or just take the plunge and move to Marseille "blind" so to speak?
Also, my other concern is that I have a cat. Nowadays its not difficult to get her a passport (a bit mad that - passports for animals? I get a vision of her packing a napsack and trundling off to the airport on her own!!) but I don't know what the French are like about animals? And how common it is to have a cat in the city?

Thanks again for bein in contact- have a bon weekend! (My french needs some work...)

Take care

Steph

Personally although Marseille is a lively place, if I was working with Eurocopter I would prefer to commute in from Aix rather than Marseille town. Depending on where you are living in Marseille (ie the port area for example), it's barely five minutes more to get to Marignane from Aix.

Otherwise there are no doubt some ok places to live in N/NW Marseille (14/15/16th arrondissements), if commuting time is important, ten or fifteen minutes' drive to Eurocopter.

[melisa]

Pete's suggestion is something to think about too, Aix IS beautiful!!!! While you're here next week, you should definately check it out.
Every Friday I work at a company across the road from Eurocopter, and it is fairly easy for me to get there. From St Charles train station, there is a train that goes to Vitrolles (Marignagne) in about 17 minutes, and it costs about 4euro each way. When you arrive at Vitrolles, there is a bus for Eurocopter employees that takes you directly to the company (pretty good, huh). There is also a bus from St Charles that goes out that way, but its much easier and probably faster to catch the train.
I moved here last August to be with my boyfriend, so settling in in Marseille has been fairly easy for me, but for someone moving on their own, it won't be too hard for you as there are many ways to meet people here, especially expats.
Hope this helps!!
Melisa

[Aussi]

Originally Posted by Elle20

Hi everyone,
I am new to this site so thought I would make a new thread for anyone in Marseille.

I am an Australian and I moved here in August of 2008 to live with my partner.
As much as I love it here I have found it very dificult to find a job and to make new friends.
I am currently learning French but it is not yet strong enough to hold lengthy conversations with other French people, so if there is anyone in Marseille or nearby who speaks English and would ever like to meet up please let me know !

Looking forward to hearing from you

Bisous

Hi,
I'm from Sydney and moved to St Remy de Provence, an hour north of Marseille, 4 months ago. I have found it hard meeting new people but now that the kids are back at school will have alot of free time. If you are ever nearby let me know.
Nat