According to the most recent ranking from L’Étudiant, some French cities stand out as especially student-friendly.
If you’re an international student looking to study in France in 2026, this may interest you. Read more to find out what the best cities in France are to live and study in.
What are the best student cities in France?
The best 10 cities in France according to students are: Toulouse, Besançon, Montpellier, Rennes, Caen, Grenoble, Lyon, Nantes, Strasbourg and Nancy.
According to L’Étudiant, these are the best cities in France for students. 47 French cities (each with at least 8,000 students) were evaluated across 12 criteria grouped into 5 categories: educational offerings (universities and specialized schools), quality of life, student life, employment and economic vitality, and overall appeal (attractiveness and ability to draw in international students).
Honourable mentions to Bordeaux, Nice and Paris, who are still in the top 20.
Where to live and study in France?
Toulouse
Toulouse is the 4th-largest city in France. It is often called the Pink City for its distinctive red-pink brick-and-tile buildings. Located in the southwest, the region is known for its rich cultural heritage with many UNESCO World Heritage sites to visit. Toulouse is also a dynamic hub of innovation, the European capital of aeronautics and space, and home to major industry players such as Airbus and the French space agency (CNES).
See our schools in Toulouse: https://gogofrance.com/en/language-schools-in-france/toulouse/
Montpellier
Montpellier is the third-largest French city near the Mediterranean coast, just behind Marseille and Nice. Known for its Mediterranean charm and sunny climate, it offers the perfect balance of a relaxed yet lively atmosphere. With nearly one in three residents being a student, Montpellier is a youthful and dynamic city.
See our schools in Montpellier: https://gogofrance.com/en/language-schools-in-france/montpellier/
Lyon
Lyon is the third-largest city in France, after Paris and Marseille. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich history and beautiful architecture. The city is considered the capital of French gastronomy and is home to the world-famous chef Paul Bocuse. From Lyon, the best of France is within easy reach. The city is close to the Alps, just two and a half hours from Paris, and only one hour from Marseille and the Mediterranean Sea by train.
See our schools in Lyon:
https://gogofrance.com/en/language-schools-in-france/lyon/
https://gogofrance.com/en/universities-locations/lyon/
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is recognized as the international capital of wine and as one of the world’s most important wine-producing regions. The region is home to famous appellations such as Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and Pomerol, making it the ultimate destination for wine lovers. But Bordeaux is not all about wine; it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architecture and rich heritage. In 2023, Bordeaux was voted the most attractive city in France for its quality of life.
See our schools in Bordeaux: https://gogofrance.com/en/universities-locations/lyon/
Nice
Nice is the fifth-largest city in France and the economic capital of the French Riviera. It lies between the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps, just 30 kilometres from Italy. The city is famous for its beautiful coastline, including the iconic Promenade des Anglais. Nice is a lively, international city that welcomes thousands of tourists each year. It is also the perfect base to visit nearby destinations such as Cannes, Saint-Tropez, or Monaco.
See our schools in Nice: https://gogofrance.com/en/language-schools-in-france/nice/
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city of France, known worldwide as the City of Light. It is the place to be if you love big city life. There is always something to do, incredible events and festivals to attend, museums to visit and plenty of places to eat and drink. Paris is also at the heart of Europe, with two major international airports that make exploring other European countries simple and convenient.
See our schools in Paris:
https://gogofrance.com/en/language-schools-in-france/paris/
https://gogofrance.com/en/universities-locations/paris/
How to choose where to study in France?
The best place to live in France as a student depends on your lifestyle, budget, and preferences. To choose the right city for you, start by considering what matters most in your daily life, such as city size, living costs, and the type of environment you prefer. Big cities offer convenience and opportunities, while smaller towns provide a quieter pace and lower costs.
Think about:
- Budget & Housing: If affordability matters, cities with lower rents or lower demand, like Bordeaux and Montpellier, might suit you better. Large cities such as Paris or Lyon tend to be expensive.
- Lifestyle & Climate: Do you want a dynamic, metropolitan lifestyle, a quiet, smaller-city feel, or seaside Mediterranean life?
- Transport & Accessibility: Public transportation is quite developed in all cities, and most cities offer student-discounted passes. If you plan to travel to other cities in France or Europe, a city with an international airport, like Paris or Toulouse, or one with good train connections to other countries, like Lyon, might suit you better.
- Opportunities & Employment: Cities with strong economic sectors or industry presence may offer better internships or job chances.
How can you help me live and study in France?
Go! Go! France is a FREE study abroad service helping international students move to France. We help you choose the best school, find the right accommodation, manage visa requirements, and take care of all the small, but important, steps to ensure a smooth transition to life in France.
Contact our team to get started.
