classement des villes étudiantes en france

14 May 2025

Top student cities in 2025: the complete list to help you choose your city of study

Higher education in France includes around 2.5 million students across all fields and academic levels. Nearly 3,500 public and private institutions are spread throughout the country. No fewer than 47 French cities each host more than 8,000 students.

In this article, we present the ranking of the top 10 student cities most loved by young people. This ranking is based on several criteria: student density, available accommodation, attractiveness, quality of academic programs, internship and job opportunities, and cultural life. Let’s dive into the cities that truly stand out!

5 minutes

1. Montpellier: The Mediterranean Prodigy

Montpellier takes first place in the 2024 ranking thanks to its energy, diverse academic programs, and sunny setting near the Mediterranean. With over 80,000 students—17% of the population—it’s a true student city. It offers a wide range of programs in business, law, arts, and media, with institutions such as Paul Valéry University, MOMA, and the University of Montpellier. The presence of six grandes écoles and many research centers adds to its academic appeal.

It also stands out with free public transportation—rare among major French cities. While housing options are decent (though not exceptional), Montpellier makes up for it with great accessibility, a 23% employment growth over ten years, and good air quality. Students especially appreciate its welcoming atmosphere and dynamic vibe. It combines attractiveness, economic vitality, and international openness, securing its spot as a top French university city.

2. Rennes: Breton Excellence Serving Students

Rennes secures second place with a rich and varied academic offering. Nearly 20% of its population consists of students, creating a lively and friendly university atmosphere. The city hosts two major universities and top institutions like ENS Rennes, Sciences Po Rennes, and Rennes School of Business (in science, social sciences, business, and more).

Just 1.5 hours from Paris, it boasts an efficient transport network with two metro lines and night services. The city is enhanced by green spaces and a mild climate. Its cultural scene is well-funded and adds to its charm.

Though housing still has room for improvement, rent remains affordable, averaging around €466/month. The SORTIR! program, which provides access to sports and cultural activities, is a major highlight. With a satisfaction rate of about 98%, Rennes is a top choice where quality education and lifestyle go hand in hand.

3. Caen: Discreet but Essential

En troisième position, Caen séduit par l’équilibre entre la diversité de ses formations et son développement économique. La ville accueille 36 000 étudiants sur une population de 214 000 habitants, avec une belle présence de prépas, grandes écoles et filières porteuses comme le commerce, le tourisme ou le génie civil, sciences.

Facile d’accès et bien desservie, Caen bénéficie d’un parc immobilier attractif et de tarifs de transport réduits de moitié pour les étudiants. Son environnement dynamique, marqué par une qualité de l’air remarquable, plus de 600 km de pistes cyclables et 1 100 hectares de parcs, contribue largement à son succès.

Les initiatives locales, les équipements sportifs à prix accessible et une programmation culturelle satisfaisante renforcent encore l’attrait de la ville. Ce sont d’ailleurs 96 % des étudiants qui la recommandent, saluant sa convivialité, son énergie et son excellent rapport qualité-prix.

3. (tie)Toulouse: Innovation, Sunshine, and Warmth

Toulouse shares third place in 2024, driven by economic dynamism and cultural richness. The “Pink City” is home to over 120,000 students and is known for its welcoming and festive spirit, with a 97% recommendation rate.

As a European aerospace hub and innovation leader, it offers strong career prospects (+19% job growth in ten years). Academic programs span commerce, tech, and the arts—an important factor for student decision-making.

Students also value its well-developed transport system, generous sunshine, and 1,470 km of bike lanes. While housing is considered average (€514/month), affordable transport and sports facilities help offset this. Toulouse successfully blends economic vitality, quality of life, and a vibrant student scene.

5. Grenoble: Science Amid Mountains and Innovation

Ranked fifth, Grenoble wins students over with its academic strength, stunning natural environment, and affordability. Over 13% of the population are students, including 15.45% international students.

This human-scale Alpine city offers solid programs in business, engineering, digital fields, and construction. Surrounded by mountains and green spaces, it’s ideal for outdoor activities, boasting nearly 700 km of bike lanes.

Though its arts scene is modest, Grenoble invests heavily in sustainability and has an active student community. Students appreciate the city’s friendly atmosphere and stimulating environment, affirming its appeal.

6. Angers: The Sweet Life Meets Higher Education

Angers holds steady in the ranking, with students making up 17% of its population—nearly one in five residents. It boasts a nearly 99% student satisfaction rate.

The city offers diverse programs in agriculture, environment, business, and digital fields, supported by several grandes écoles. While the cultural offering is modest, Angers shines in quality of life: clean air, 1,500 hectares of parks, extended bike lanes, and accessible sports facilities.

The number of students has grown by 28% in the last decade, a sign of strong appeal. Despite average housing and transportation, Angers is praised for safety, friendliness, and overall livability.

6. Besançon: Great Quality of Life and Accessibility

Besançon is in sixth place, attracting students with its pleasant surroundings and dense educational offering. With over 16% of its population made up of students, Besançon offers some of the lowest rents in France, making it easy to find accommodation.

The city boasts a rich heritage, including a UNESCO-listed site, and numerous cultural and sporting facilities. Its courses cover business, civil engineering and management, with a good balance between universities, grandes écoles and specialist establishments. See the course description for each course on the official website.

The school’s attractiveness is further enhanced by its health facilities, its safety record, which is considered satisfactory, and its friendly atmosphere. Nearly 96% of students recommend it, praising its accessible environment and local energy.

6. Lyon: Student Capital with National Reach

Lyon maintains its rank among France’s major student cities, thanks to the variety and quality of its programs. With nearly 180,000 students, the city offers an extensive range of options, including 67 preparatory classes and grandes écoles.

Its booming economy, marked by a 26% rise in student population over ten years, adds to its appeal. Although housing remains a weak spot, Lyon makes up for it with rich cultural life—boosted by the Student Culture Pass—efficient transport, and a unique environment mixing history, rivers, hills, and green areas.

With a 97% recommendation rate, Lyon cements its status as a student capital that balances academic ambition, lifestyle, and culture.

6. Strasbourg (tie): Europe Within Reach

Strasbourg also lands in sixth place, standing out with its international focus and strong programs in business, arts, law, and political science.

The Alsatian capital welcomes a high number of international students (16.29%) thanks to top-quality courses and a rich living environment, including UNESCO heritage sites, bike paths, and historic districts. While rent is relatively high, excellent public transport, sports facilities, and healthcare access make up for it.

With a recommendation rate close to 98%, Strasbourg offers a cosmopolitan student experience in a manageable city praised for its energy and engagement.

10. Nantes: Creativity and Student Energy

Nantes rounds out the top 10 with its economic dynamism, cultural creativity, and youth-friendly living environment. The number of students has risen 24% in ten years, with diverse offerings in business, arts, media, and tech.

Housing is average, but Nantes stands out for its ambitious cultural policies—among the highest per capita—and transport perks: free buses and trams on weekends and extensive night services.

Students benefit from 1,100+ km of bike lanes, numerous green spaces, and a lively atmosphere. Despite a slightly lower recommendation rate (90%), the city continues to attract thanks to its creativity, accessibility, and career opportunities.

FAQ: frequently asked questions

What are the best student cities in France?

According to the 2024 ranking by L’Étudiant, the top cities are Montpellier, Toulouse, Rennes, Grenoble, and Paris.

Which city offers the best student lifestyle?

Montpellier stands out with its sunny climate, welcoming vibe, and free public transport—making it a benchmark for quality student life.

Which cities are the safest for students?

Angers, Rennes, and Besançon are among the safest, based on student feedback.

Which city has the most students in France?

Paris remains the leader with around 710,000 enrolled students across the greater metropolitan area.

What is the most affordable student city?

Saint-Étienne is often cited as one of the most budget-friendly cities, especially for housing and cost of living. Students can live on €500–600 per month.

Which cities are the most student-friendly?

Medium-sized cities like Poitiers, Limoges, Pau, and Angers are known for their welcoming atmosphere, accessible housing, and quality education.

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