Are you wondering what the Top 5 best student cities in France are?
Whether you’re considering doing a study abroad or planning on moving to France full-time to pursue your academic goals, there are plenty of amazing cities to choose from. There can be so many benefits: not only is the cost of tuition extremely affordable in comparison to UK and US options, but you get the chance to learn about a new culture, discover new places and learn a new language in the process. But there is more to France than Paris and there are plenty of options which are kinder on your wallet and still have a lot going on. Here is our guide to some of the best university cities which will ensure that you have fun and make memories to last a lifetime!

Top 5 best student cities in France

Lyon – Top 5 Best Student Cities in France

Lyon really does have it all: Nightlife, Culture, Food… the list goes on! It is consistently ranked the best city to live in in France and we can see why. This is a great option for those looking for a lively city with a great heart; it is the third largest city in France and is the capital of gastronomy and cinema. What’s not to like!

Cost

Lyon, despite not climbing to Paris prices, is not necessarily the cheapest option on this list: it is in fact the third most expensive city to live in in France. Yet, it has so much to offer and the lifestyle which it offers is worth the price to many. We suggest being prepared to spend at least 600 euros a month for rent, maybe more depending on the type of accommodation you are after. However, whilst rent can be on the more expensive side, eating out and enjoying the nightlife on offer can be really reasonable and balances out the costs.

Best Places To Live – Top 5 Best Student Cities in France

The most picturesque part of the city is without doubt Vieux Lyon, with its classic beauty earning it a title of UNESCO World Heritage Site. The warm, sandy colours make for the perfect background to your studies and make the best home. 

Top 5 best student cities in France - Lyon
Lyon

Job Opportunities For English Speakers in Lyon

To find out more about our job oppotunities in Lyon, click here. Remember there is no French needed to apply for our flexible jobs in France!
We also offer Free French classes. Feel free to browse our jobs below :

Grenoble – Top 5 Best Student Cities in France

With the gorgeous mountains looming over the city, this is a stunning choice for anyone looking to relocate to France. Yet, with over 63,000 students, it is also great for those looking to study in close proximity to nature and tartiflette!

Cost

The price of living in Grenoble is substantially lower than other options such as Lyon or Aix, with many recommending a monthly budget of around 900 euros a month to enjoy your time and live somewhere you love. 

Best Places To Live – Top 5 Best Student Cities in France

In our opinion, the best quartier for students has to be that of Saint-Bruno, which is lively enough to find things to do but also still maintains a sense of community: what’s not to like! 

Top 5 Best Student cities in France - Montpellier
Grenoble

Job Opportunities For English Speakers in Grenoble

To find out more about our job oppotunities in Grenoble, click here. Remember there is no French needed to apply for our flexible jobs in France!
We also offer Free French classes. Feel free to browse our jobs below :

Montpellier – Top 5 Best Student Cities in France

Situated in the south of France just 7km away from the beautiful sea, this is a vibrant city for young people, with more than half of the inhabitants under the age of 35. Whilst the weather is a real draw for many, it also has a great nightlife and food scene and is easy to get around with a great tram system! 

Cost

According to one of the universities in Montpelier, you should be prepared to spend anywhere between 700 and 1000 euros a month on the necessities. This makes it significantly cheaper than some bigger cities such as Paris, although it definitely isn’t the cheapest. 

Best Places To Live – Top 5 Best Student Cities in France

Whilst there are many beautiful parts of the city, the preferred location for students is the quartiers of Beaux-Arts for its beauty and culture as well as the Alco Neighborhood, for a more tranquil student experience. University residences are also an option which can give you more freedom with your budget.

Top 5 Best Student cities in France - Montpellier
Montpellier

Job Opportunities For English Speakers in Montpellier

To find out more about our job oppotunities in Montpellier, click here. Remember there is no French needed to apply for our flexible jobs in France!
We also offer Free French classes. Feel free to browse our jobs below :

Lille – Top 5 Best Student Cities in France

An underrated gem, the Northern city of Lille is quickly becoming increasingly popular with French and international students alike as the third biggest student city in France with over 100,000 students. Whether it be the characteristic kindness of the people or the craft beer and delicious fries, there really is something for everyone! It is also incredibly well connected, making it great for those wanting to make the most of being in the Metropole: just hop on a 1hr long train ride to visit Paris or Brussels, or even make your way to London in just 1.5hrs! 

Cost

The cost of living is average in relation to the rest of France. It is pretty reasonable, with the average cost of rent being 467 euros a month and living costs rarely rising above 800 euros. There are some amazing budget food and drink options which make the most of the beer and fries culture, as well as delicious cheese. Dig in!

Best Places To Live – Top 5 Best Student Cities in France

The charming areas of Vieux Lille, Lille centre and the slightly further out Wazemmes are the most popular student areas and we would recommend sticking to these during your search. There is also some great student accommodation to be found, so be sure to check out your institution’s page or the Lille Crous accommodation page.

Top 5 Best Student cities in France - Lille
Lille

Job Opportunities For English Speakers in Lille

To find out more about our job oppotunities in Lille, click here. Remember there is no French needed to apply for our flexible jobs in France!
We also offer Free French classes. Feel free to browse our jobs below :

Rennes – Top 5 Best Student Cities in France

Voted as the fifth best student city in France, this is a popular choice amongst foreign students and french students! Capital of Bretagne, it is famous for its criss-cross medieval beams and its historic architecture. However this town isn’t stuck in the past: students make up 30 % of the population and the cultural heart of the city is thriving and exciting. They even have Europe’s largest vegetable market every weekend; how special!

Cost

Rent and the cost of living in Rennes in general is relatively low in relation to a lot of other options throughout France. With rent being a maximum of 500 euros a month, there are also lots of student accommodation on offer which is even cheaper! 

Best Places To Live – Top 5 Best Student Cities in France

Rennes is a particularly small city, so it is worth noting that wherever you live, you will always be in relatively close proximity to an area which you love. However, our personal favourite is the quartier of Thabor-Saint Hélier, filled with beautiful parks and the Vilaine River.

Job Opportunities For English Speakers in Rennes

To find out more about our job oppotunities in Rennes, click here. Remember there is no French needed to apply for our flexible jobs in France!
We also offer Free French classes. Feel free to browse our jobs below :

Top 5 Best Student cities in France - Rennes
Rennes

Full-time Or Part-time English Speaking Jobs in France

Wherever you choose to live and study, we are sure you will have a great time. In need of a part-time job whilst in France? Apply to work with Babylangues Instructor now! Top 5 Best Student cities in France.