Living in Nantes as an international student — your complete guide

Nantes is consistently ranked among France's top student cities, combining quality of life, affordability and proximity to Paris (2 hours by TGV). With over 65,000 students, a dynamic tram and bike network, and a cost of living significantly lower than the capital (€800–€1,100/month vs €1,500–€2,000 in Paris), it is one of the most attractive destinations in France for international students. Audencia's Atlantic Campus is located in the heart of the city, with easy access to allstudent services, accommodation and transport links.

Why Nantes is one of France's best student cities

Nantes is France's 6th largest city — and one of the most consistently well-regarded for quality of life. <According to L'Étudiant's annual student city ranking, Nantes ranks in the top 10 best student cities in France>, evaluated across 12 criteria including educational offering, quality of life, student atmosphere, employment opportunities and international appeal. What makes Nantes stand out for international students:

A young, creative city 

Over 65,000 students study in Nantes, making it one of France's most dynamic university cities. The city has a strong creative and cultural identity — home to Le Voyage à Nantes (one of France's most inventive annual art events) and Les Machines de l'Île, a landmark artistic and engineering project that has put Nantes on the global cultural map.

Affordable compared to Paris 

Nantes costs 30–50% less than Paris for accommodation and daily life. A studio apartment that would cost €1,100–€1,400 in Paris typically costs €500–€700 in Nantes. Monthly student budgets average €800–€1,100 in Nantes vs €1,500–€2,000 in the capital.

2 hours from Paris by TGV 

Nantes is directly connected to Paris Montparnasse by high-speed TGV train, with multiple daily departures. Tickets start from €25 booked in advance. For professional events, internship interviews or weekend trips, Paris is easily and quickly accessible.

A strong professional ecosystem 

Major employers have significant operations in the Nantes metropolitan area: Airbus, Michelin, Saint-Gobain, Lactalis, Lacoste, and many technology companies and start-ups. This makes Nantes an excellent city for internships and networking alongside your studies at Audencia.

Safe, green and welcoming 

Nantes has a low crime rate compared to other French cities of similar size and is regularly described as one of France's most welcoming cities for international students. It has one of the most extensive cycling networks in France and strong environmental credentials.

Cost of living in Nantes — what to budget as a student

Monthly Budget Table:

Sources : Campus France, Erasmus Play, StudyConnectFrance — data 2026.

Important Note on Housing Assistance (2026): 
Under the 2026 French Finance Act, APL housing aid (from CAF) may no longer be available for non-EU, non-scholarship international students from July 1, 2026. EU students and scholarship holders are not affected. Budget accordingly and check your eligibility on caf.fr before arrival.

Comparison with Paris:

Audencia provides financial aid solutions to facilitate access to its programs: bank loans, scholarships, corporate assignments, and payment facilities. Find out what financial aid is available to help you prepare for your studies.

Private student residences

Several private student residence operators have properties close to Audencia's campus in Nantes. These offer more comfort than CROUS residences (often with en-suite bathrooms and fully equipped kitchens) at a slightly higher price: €550–€700/month. Options include Nexity Studéa, Gecina, and several local operators. Audencia's student services team can provide a list of recommended residences — contact them on arrival.

Shared apartments (colocation)

Sharing an apartment with other students is a popular and affordable option. Rooms in shared apartments in Nantes typically cost €400–€600/month.
Useful platforms:

• HousingAnywhere (international-friendly, English interface)
• LeBonCoin (French-language platform, very widely used)
• Facebook groups: "Colocation Nantes étudiants"
• Lokaviz (CROUS platform for private housing near campuses)

Practical tips for finding accommodation

• Start your search at least 3–4 months before your arrival date
• CROUS places fill up fast — apply in spring for a September start
• For private residences, most providers allow you to book and sign remotely
• Audencia can assist with housing guidance: Use our online accommodation platform in partnership with Studapart, gain access to hundreds of exclusive offers: studios, shared flats, student rooms, rooms with a host family... and benefit from personalized support throughout your rental!

Student life at Audencia and in Nantes

40 student associations at Audencia

Audencia has one of the most active student association scenes of any French business school — over 40 clubs and associations covering arts, sport, entrepreneurship, social impact, and professional development. From the Audencia Financial Club to the Triathlon club, the music society to the consulting club — there is a community for every interest. Joining an association is one of the best ways to build your network and develop leadership skills alongside your studies.

Cultural life in Nantes

Beyond campus, Nantes offers a rich cultural scene that is unusually accessible for a city of its size:

• Le Voyage à Nantes — annual summer art trail transforming the city into an open-air gallery (free entry)
• Les Machines de l'Île — the famous mechanical elephant and carousel on the former shipyards island, now a landmark artistic and engineering space
• Lieu Unique — one of France's leading contemporary arts centres, with concerts, exhibitions and events throughout the year
• Numerous music venues, student bars and restaurants concentrated in the Bouffay and Graslin neighbourhoods near the city centre
• Jardin des Plantes: Nantes' botanical garden with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and a small zoo.
• Île de Versailles: a small island with a Japanese atmosphere where you can rent electric boats with your friends
• The Château des Ducs de Bretagne (or Castle of the Dukes of Brittany): an impressive fortress standing in the heart of historic Nantes, where you can immerse yourself in history and visit the museum, with a lot of art exhibitions organized inside.

Weekend trips from Nantes

Nantes' location in western France makes it an ideal base for weekend exploration:

• Atlantic coast beaches: 45–60 minutes by car or bus (La Baule, Saint-Nazaire, Pornic)
• Brittany: Rennes, Saint-Malo and Mont-Saint-Michel within 1–2 hours
• Loire Valley châteaux: Château de Chambord, Amboise and Chenonceau within 2 hours by car
• Paris: 2 hours by TGV for weekend city trips

Health and well-being in Nantes

French health insurance (Sécurité Sociale)

All students enrolled in a French higher education institution — including international students — are entitled to French health insurance coverage (Sécurité Sociale). Registration is done through ameli.fr after arrival. Most medical consultations cost €25–€30, reimbursed at 70% by Sécurité Sociale.

Complementary health insurance (mutuelle)

Audencia recommends that students take out a complementary health insurance policy (mutuelle) to cover the remaining 30% of medical costs. Several student-specific mutuelles are available from €15–€30/month.

Well-being @Audencia

Audencia's Well-being service provides confidential support for students experiencing personal, academic or professional difficulties. Available throughout the academic year. Contact details provided at registration.