5 Cheapest French Cities To Live In As a Student

#5 Lille

Lille is a merchant city turned major trade hub, and is known for its chic boutiques, vibrant flea markets and street festivals.

One of France’s most well-connected cities, Lille is just over an hour from both Paris and London by Eurostar. Plus, Lille sits just over the Belgian border – meaning you can get to France’s neighbouring country in just half an hour (perfect for a day trip!).

Here’s how the cost of living in Lille compares to the national average:

#4 Toulouse

A scenic metropolis in France’s southern Occitanie region, Toulouse is often dubbed ‘The Pink City’ due to the terra-cotta bricks used in many of its buildings.

It is home to the University of Toulouse, which dates back to 1229 and is one of the oldest higher education institutions in Europe. It also boasts France’s fourth-largest student population of almost 140,000!

Here’s how the cost of living in Toulouse compares to the national average:

#3 Nantes

Nantes is a historic city with a nationally renowned art scene, known for its buzzing student community and high quality of life.

Must-see sights include Château des Ducs de Bretagne, a former residence of the French Monarchy that overlooks the city’s medieval quarter, and the Fine Arts Museum of Nantes, which houses collections dating back to the 13th century and is one of the largest galleries in the region.

Here’s how living costs in Nantes compare to the national average:

#2 Marseille

Founded by Greek settlers in around 600 BC, Marseille is France’s oldest city, as well as its second most populous. It is home to the country’s largest harbour, the Old Port, which has been a centre of maritime activity for centuries and is now a major tourist attraction.

Marseille is a hotspot for students and home to no shortage of bars and clubs. The city’s Mediterranean location and year-round sunny climate offer plenty of opportunity to enjoy its many sandy beaches.

Here’s how the cost of living in Marseille compares to the national average:

#1 Grenoble

Coming out on top as France’s cheapest student city is Grenoble, often dubbed ‘Capital of the Alps’ due to its proximity to the spectacular mountain range.

Grenoble is a small, charming city, nestled between ski resorts, mountain lakes and alpine trails. There are currently around 8,500 international students taking advantage of its natural scenery and unique cultural attractions.

Here’s how the cost of living in Grenoble compares to the national average:

For more tips on keeping your costs down, check out our list of ways to make studying in France more affordable.

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