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Capital of the Hérault department in the Occitanie region, Montpellier is the 7th largest city in France, with over 300,000 residents – including 70,000 French and international students.
Montpellier is a young, vibrant, and welcoming city, known for its quality of life, ecological transition, and social responsibility. The city offers a wide variety of accessible activities and welcomes students from all over the world.
In short: Montpellier is a great place to live!
About Montpellier
- Average annual temperature: 14°C (summer: 25–30°C, winter: 5–15°C)
- Average daily sunshine: 7 hours and 22 minutes
- Founded in the 10th century, Montpellier became a renowned intellectual center during the Renaissance.
- Located 13 km from the Mediterranean Sea, and 4 hours by train from Paris and Barcelona. Next to two rivers: the Lez (east) and the Mosson (west). The Pic Saint-Loup (658 meters) is the nearest mountain.
Housing
Finding accommodation can be challenging, so we encourage you to start your search as early as possible.
The CROUS is the public body responsible for managing university residences. Several types of accommodation are generally available:
Standard rooms: equipped with a sink, with shared bathrooms and kitchen facilities on each floor
Comfort-level renovated rooms: include a private shower, toilet, and sink, with a shared kitchen in the building
Studios: include a private bathroom and kitchenette
All accommodation types are furnished (bed, desk, chair, refrigerator) and include internet access in the rent.
Exchange Students
If you are an exchange student, your housing request must be submitted through your Moveon application, managed by the International Relations Office of Montpellier Management.
You cannot apply directly to CROUS residences.
We offer a limited number of comfort-level renovated rooms, for single occupancy, usually located in the Boutonnet, Triolet, or Voie Domitienne residences — approximately 30 to 45 minutes by public transport or bike from the Richter campus.
Rental periods are fixed: September 1st to mid-January for the first semester and Mid-January to end of May for the second semester.
Please note that rooms are limited, and we cannot guarantee accommodation to all applicants.
Non-Exchange International Students
If you are enrolled in a regular degree program, you can apply online for CROUS housing directly via the CROUS platform.
There are many private rental options in Montpellier.
Shared flats, private apartments, or private student residences… You’ll find useful information and tips in our dedicated housing guide.
Download the housing guidePractical Information
Visale Housing Guarantee: Visale is a free rental guarantee service that helps students secure accommodation. It is free, it must be requested before signing a lease agreement.
This subsidy enables the tenant to secure future rents and rental charges free of charge. However, the rent may not exceed €1,500 in Paris and €1,300 in the rest of France.
Please note: it does not cover natural disasters, fire, or storms, so additional home insurance is required.
Students will also need to complete administrative tasks such as setting up water, electricity, gas, and internet contracts.
APL Housing Aid can be combined with Visale.
Financial assistance for private or university accommodation: Students can apply to the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF) for housing assistance known as APL (Aide Pour le Logement). This aid enables you to reduce your monthly rent (around 80 euros for a room in a hall of residence), from the second month of rental, the first month being the “mois de carence”. The application procedure is available from your student residence. The assistance applies to monthly rents, not fortnightly rents.
Mandatory rental insurance: all students are required to take out rental insurance to provide cover in the event of an accident. You can ask any insurance company or your bank, which can offer you such policies.
Transport
Trams & Buses
Montpellier has an efficient public transport network (TAM).
It includes four tram lines and numerous buses.
If you live in the Montpellier Metropolitan Area, you may be eligible for free public transport upon proof of residence and an online request.
Your ticket also gives access to P+Tram car parks and bike storage near tram stops.
Bike
Montpellier features 160 km of cycling paths and is expanding towards a continuous bike lane network.
Cycling is a great way to get around the city, whether for daily life, school, sports, or leisure.
Leaving the City
- By train: Two main train stations — Saint-Roch (city center) and Sud de France (high-speed TGV station outside the city). Learn more on the SNCF website
- By car: The Richter campus is near the A709 highway, exit 29 Montpellier Est. Please note: Parking on campus is subject to a fee.
- By air: Montpellier Airport is 8 km from downtown and accessible via shuttle, taxi, or car rental.
Culture
Montpellier is a hub for culture: exhibitions, galleries, street art, events…
On the first Sunday of each month, entry to the Musée Fabre and MO.CO is free for all visitors.
Heritage
Founded in the Middle Ages, Montpellier is a vibrant city with a rich architectural heritage, blending medieval alleyways and contemporary buildings.
Take advantage of the Heritage Days to visit museums, historic buildings, and exhibitions — all for free!
Sports
Montpellier is the only French city outside Paris with top-tier professional teams across most major sports.
Each spring, don’t miss the FISE Festival and enjoy the excitement of extreme sports!
Montpellier, a green city
Montpellier has many green spaces in and around the city and is located just a short distance from beautiful Mediterranean beaches.
