The 10 Best Cities for Studying Abroad in France

France isn’t only a capital of fashion, culture, and food, but it’s the perfect destination for studying abroad. But, with so many bustling and idyllic cities to choose from, how will you decide where to go? Each location offers an authentic French experience, but some can offer unique lifestyles depending on what you’re looking for. 

Read on to find out the 10 best cities for studying abroad in France, and what makes them unique! 

There are many reasons to choose France as your destination to study abroad, whether you’re after cultural immersion, academic development, or a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

• High-quality education: France boasts of many world-ranked institutions that can provide excellent academic and career progression. 
• Affordable tuition: Tuition fees for international students are generally lower in France than in other developed countries such as the US, starting at around $1,500 USD per semester through direct enrollment. Tuition fees are subsidized by the French government, even for non-EU students!
• Cultural immersion: From the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre to the lavender fields in Aix, studying abroad in France offers a unique cultural experience that you can’t emulate anywhere else. 

Top universities: Côte d'Azur University
Average monthly cost of living (without rent): $1,180 USD

Located on France's southern coastline or the Côte d'Azur, Nice is a chic mix of classic and contemporary bliss. With a delightful palm-fringed beach located only minutes away from its picturesque old town, Nice is a popular spot among travelers and international students alike. 

When you aren’t studying in Nice, you’ll have plenty of leisurely activities to choose from. Whether you want to bask in the warm Mediterranean ocean, saunter down the local markets, grab a coffee in the old town’s narrow and winding streets, or watch OGC Nice compete on the field, there’s plenty to do in the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes.

Top universities: Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble School of Management, Grenoble Institute of Technology
Average monthly cost of living (without rent): $1,110 USD 

Adjacent to the Alps and the Drac and Isère rivers, Grenoble is a natural haven. Known as the Capital of the Alps, Grenoble offers riverside museums, an idyllic old town, and an abundance of outdoor activities such as canoeing, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and more.

However, there’s much more to Grenoble beyond its scenic surface. While the Musee de Grenoble houses pieces from almost every style of art, La Musee de la Resistance et la Deportation exhibits Grenoble’s role in the Resistance during World War II. Despite a more relaxed vibe when compared with Paris, Grenoble has multiple universities and a sizable international student population.

Top universities: Sorbonne University, University of Paris, PSL University, Polytechnic Institute of Paris, University of Paris-Saclay, The American University of Paris
Average monthly cost of living (without rent): $1,125 USD 

Whether you know it as the City of Love or City of Light, Paris offers an immersive experience for fashionistas, history lovers, art enthusiasts, food connoisseurs, and more. With an abundance of monuments, world-class restaurants, renowned art, galleries, and rooftop bars, Paris is sure to entice you.

While Paris is the most expensive French city to study abroad in, living in one of the world’s most dynamic and enchanting cities as a student is a once in a lifetime opportunity. From indulging on croissants, champagne, and coq au vin to inspecting the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, there's no shortage of pleasures to enjoy in this enthralling city. 

Top universities: University of Provence, Aix-Marseille University, 
Average monthly cost of living (without rent): $1,000 USD

Next to Marseille in southern France, Aix-en-Provence - or Aix - is famous for its serene beauty. The city is laden with idyllic streets, lively markets, and fountains - so much as it is known as the City of a Thousand Fountains. Aix’s striking lavender fields create an awe-inspiring visual landscape that influenced the works of artists such as Paul Cézanne. 

In addition to its natural delights, Aix is also a thriving student hub. With a diverse student population, lively streets, and a close proximity to the bustle of Marseille, international students can embrace a varied and engaging lifestyle in Aix. 

Top universities: University of Lyon, National Institute for Applied Sciences, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
Average monthly cost of living (without rent): $1,200 USD

As France's third-largest city, Lyon boasts ancient Roman ruins dating back to  its foundation in 43 BC. As a result, the city boasts of world heritage sights such as the Fourvière Hill that preserves remnants of an ancient civilization, and a stunning mix of renaissance and contemporary architecture.

Today, the Capital of Lights draws a diverse mix of professionals, students, and travelers. Whether you’re a history buff, art enthusiast, banker, or science scholar, Lyon’s industries and institutions offer valuable academic and career opportunities. No matter your field of study, the city’s reputation as France’s hub of gourmet gastronomy is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Top universities: Campus International de Cannes, Côte d'Azur University
Average monthly cost of living (without rent): $1,200

Known for the world's famous film festival, Cannes is a resort town that not only attracts travelers for its film legacy, but also for its soft-sand beaches and promenades that pulsate with life. However, there’s much more to Cannes than movies and beaches. Cannes is also a technology hub that some consider to be a mini Silicon Valley. 

Although its population dwarfs compared to its reputation, you won't find a shortage of things to do here. From tranquil boat rides to islands like the Île Sainte-Marguerite to strolling through walking streets like Rue d'Antibes and Rue Meynadier, Cannes offers a romantic getaway on your studies abroad. 

Top universities: University of Bordeaux
Average monthly cost of living (without rent): $1,140 USD

Located on the Garonne River in southwestern France, Bordeaux boasts of sophistication in abundance. The city is only second to Paris when it comes to listed historic monuments, and it’s also a world capital of wine. Home to not only chateaus and vineyards, Bordeaux hosts Vinexpo - one of the world’s largest wine exhibitions. 

When you’re hungry, try to compose yourself as you navigate ‘the city of a thousand and one restaurants’. Outside of your studies at one of its finest institutions, consider strolling along the banks of the Garonne River, before venturing to its old town, which is on UNESCO’s World Heritage list for its urban architecture. 

Top universities: University of Montpellier, Montpellier SupAgro
Average monthly cost of living (without rent): $1,060 USD

Montpellier offers a striking fusion of medieval and modern lifestyle. Whether you want to bask in its Mediterranean scene and head to terrace cafes and lively bars, or embrace its history as a trade center for international cultures, this unique city has it all!

This rapidly growing university city has a youthful energy, with students making up nearly a quarter of the population. Its centre historique features medieval alleys like L’Ancien Courrier and reflects a legacy of political activism and cultural coexistence. Furthermore, Montpellier is home to the oldest still-operating medical school in Europe, which was also influenced by Arab, Jewish and Christian medical cultures.

Top universities: Strasbourg University, National Institute for Applied Sciences, EM Strasbourg Business School, Robert Schuman University
Average monthly cost of living (without rent): $1,250 USD

If you can’t decide between studying in Germany or France, Strasbourg may be the perfect compromise. Lying on the French-German border, Strasbourg takes the best from both cultures. Think half-timbered houses and French Baroque, French language with a hint of German (or Alsatian) dialect, and the best pastries from either country!

Strasbourg is also one of the main capitals of the European Union in an effort to symbolize Franco-German reconciliation following the Second World War. The city is also walking and cycling friendly, and while the city blooms in spring and summer, the winter snow and Christmas decorations make for a highly festive ambience.

Top universities: University of Toulouse, Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse Capitole University
Average monthly cost of living (without rent): $1,100 USD

Toulouse - or The Pink City - is the fourth largest city in France. Located in southern France, the city is the midway point between the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, offering close proximity to Spain and Andorra. Although it’s a highly diverse city, Toulouse is known for its reputation as Europe’s centre for the aerospace industry. 

If you’re not into aerospace engineering and cosmic affairs, Toulouse still offers a plethora of activities for those who want to remain grounded. Its status as UNESCO's City of Music might entice you and its tranquil riverside walks, pink terracotta brick buildings, and architectural delights such as the Basilica of Saint-Sernin create a serene environment. Regardless of their major, international students can switch between art, nature, and science within an instance. 

We could go on and on for une éternité about the best cities to study in France, but you’ll experience a fantastic and life-changing study abroad experience wherever you go. Whether you find a home in cosmopolitan Paris, timbered Strasbourg, or Mediterranean Nice, you’ll make new friends, travel far and wide, and expand your global perspective while studying abroad in France. 

Read more about studying abroad in France: 

• How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad in France?
• Things to Know Before Studying Abroad in France as an International Student
• How to Study Abroad in France on a Budget