Almost everyone dreams of going to France and standing in front of the gorgeous Eiffel Tower. Moreover, thousands of students dream of getting into a French university and getting a taste of French education. As a popular study abroad choice, this European country not only boasts of beautiful people and a sophisticated lifestyle, but also globally recognized universities, which provide the highest education standards. International students in this country will neither be disappointed or bored with everything France has to offer. Every day in France will be an exciting adventure that may prove to be a life lesson or an unforgettable experience.

You will be delighted to know that France is a country with distinguished cities, ideal for international student living. As soon as you decide to come to France, the choice of where to reside within this beautiful country awaits. Each city has its distinct characteristics, which can induce a unique flavor to your stay. Because France has many cities that welcome international students, we came up with a shortlist of 5 top student cities in France. It is now in your hands to pick the one that appeals to you the most. As they say in French, we hope you have a plein de vie journey!

Table of Contents

1. Study in Paris
2. Study in Lyon
3. Study in Grenoble
4. Study in Nice
5. Study in Toulouse

Study in Paris

The “City of Love” and the “Fashion Capital of the World”, Paris is considered the world’s best student city. More than its striking museums, parks, fashion centres, cafes, and attractions, Paris is home to a large international student population, who have fallen in love with the Parisian lifestyle. This city is home to some of the world’s best universities, including the Ecole Polytechnique, University Pierre et Marie Curie, Ecole Normale Superieure, HEC Paris, and the Paris Sorbonne University.

While it is true that Paris has the highest cost of living (estimated at €1,580 or $1,784 per month) in the whole of France, it is undoubtedly the French city to give you a most rewarding student experience. You will not only be educated inside its reputable learning institutions, but also when you go out and explore the city. The endless boulevards lined with gastronomic places that boast of amazing French cuisine, the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, the Notre Dame, and even the tiniest nook in Paris can teach you something about culture. The city also boasts of a multicultural population due to the number of tourists and students visiting and living in it. Hence, you will not feel too isolated even in the middle of its busy metropolitan streets.

Study in Lyon

The “Capital of Lights”, Lyon is the third largest city in France, which is also dubbed as the country’s culinary capital. You can just take a stroll in its cobblestone roads, and find something to eat. It is located next to the French Alps, which allows easy access for travel to other French cities. Moreover, Lyon is home to spectacular ancient Roman remnants dating back to 43 B.C.and more than 100 street murals. If you are someone who is an art history and architecture buff, you should choose to study in Lyon. Aside from the gastronomic and art treats it can offer, Lyon also has highly respected universities, such as the Université Claude Bernard Lyon, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, and the Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon (INSA). In Lyon, your dream of going to a world-class university within a picturesque location can come true. Besides, studying in this city will incur lower costs compared to studying in Paris.

Study in Grenoble

An alpine city, Grenoble has something more than snow. This is a fact evident in its student population (about 33%), who find Grenoble a charming city despite its cold climate. It boasts of highly recommended universities which have proven expertise in providing superior instruction to students, both local and international. Grenoble is home to some of the world’s best engineering institutions, science universities, and business schools.

The city is also ideal for outdoor activities, such as skiing, hiking, and snowboarding. You can always enjoy an active lifestyle outside the university when you are in this city. Meanwhile, if you are more of an introvert rather than a social butterfly, you can visit Grenoble’s museums such as the Musee de Grenoble and La Musee de la Resistance et la Deportation, which can teach you relevant history and culture. Likewise, Grenoble will not prove to be a disappointment if you are looking for food hubs because you can experience the exquisite French and European cuisine in its food centers. This city will welcome international students in search of a balanced study-play experience in France.

Study in Nice

Have you ever heard of the French Riviera or the Côte d’Azur? Well, we hope you have because this is the location of Nice, another popular student city in France. Nice is a city that boasts of quaint views of the beach and the countryside. Some of its most stunning attractions are the Cours Saleya (an organic produce and flower market), Promenade des Anglais (a 19th-century walkway), and its lovely beaches. It also has a Mediterranean climate, ideal for foreign students. There are also a number of ancient architectural ruins in Nice, which you can explore in your leisure time. Of course, Nice has its own share of outstanding institutions which can grant you excellent education. On top of the list are the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis and the IAE Nice. If you are a student who likes to enjoy a quiet lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty, Nice will be the best choice for you.

Study in Toulouse

What makes Toulouse an attractive study abroad destination is its year-round pleasant weather due to its location in the south of France. Toulouse is also famous for its flourishing aerospace industry, which boasts of the Airbus factory, the center of all things related to aviation and spaceflight. This does not mean, however, that only aeronautics students can find a home in this city. Toulouse has several universities which offer a variety of degree programs, such as the Université Toulouse I (Capitole) and the Université Toulouse II (Le Mirail). You can also find affordable accommodation, transportation, and food in this city.

Still undecided on which city to choose? It’s understandable because the cities mentioned above all appear to be perfect locations for your study abroad experience in France. Why not share this article, and ask your friends to help you make a decision? Who knows, they may even join you in France.