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Montpellier, the capital of the Hérault department in the Occitanie region, is France’s seventh largest city with over 300,000 inhabitants, including 70,000 French and international students. Montpellier is a young and dynamic city, pleasant to live in, committed to ecological and social responsibility, offering a variety of activities accessible to as many people as possible and welcoming students from all over the world! In short, it is a city where life is good.
About Montpellier
- Average annual temperature: 14°C (summer: 25-30°C, winter 5 to 15°C)
- Average daily sunshine: 7 hours and 22 minutes
- Founded in the 10th century, Montpellier became a renowned intellectual center during the Renaissance.
- Close to the Mediterranean Sea (8.1 miles), 4 hours by train from Paris and Barcelona. Bordered by two rivers: the Lez to the east and the Mosson to the west. Pic Saint-Loup (2,157 feet) is the closest peak.
Housing
Finding accommodation can be challenging, so we encourage you to start your search as early as possible.
CROUS is the public operator responsible for managing student accommodation in student residences.
- Several types of accommodation are generally available:
- Single rooms: sink, shared bathroom facilities and shared kitchen in the student residence;
- Renovated “comfort-level” rooms: shower, toilet and sink and shared kitchen in the student residence;
- Studios: sink, bathroom and kitchenette.
- All accommodations are equipped with:
- A bed;
- A desk and/or a table;
- A chair;
- A refrigerator;
- Internet access included in the rent.
Exchange programme students
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- The accommodation application is managed by the International Relations Office of Montpellier Management;
- Interest in CROUS accommodation must be indicated in the Moveon application file.
⚠️ It is not possible to apply directly to CROUS residences.
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- Accommodation offered to exchange students generally includes:
- Renovated “comfort‑level” rooms, and occasionally some studios, for single occupancy;
- Generally located in the Boutonnet, Triolet or Voie Domitienne residences;
- Located 30 to 45 minutes from the Richter campus by public transport or by bike.
- Accommodation offered to exchange students generally includes:
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- Mandatory rental periods:
- 1st semester: from September 1 to January 15;
- 2nd semester: from January 16 to May 31.
- Due to the very limited number of available places, accommodation cannot be guaranteed for all applicants.
- Mandatory rental periods:
⚠️ Priority will be given to students undertaking a full‑year mobility.
Degree-seeking international students
- International students who enroll in a regular study programme may apply for accommodation directly online to the CROUS.
It is also possible to find accommodation in the private sector (shared accommodation, private apartments, student residences, etc.).
The dedicated housing guide provides useful information to help facilitate your search.
Practical Information
Visale: this is a rental guarantee designed to facilitate access to accommodation. This assistance is free of charge and must be requested before the rental agreement between the lessor and the owner is signed. This subsidy enables the tenant to secure future rent and rental charges free of charge. However, the rent cannot exceed €1,500 in Paris and €1,300 in the rest of France.
Please note: Visale does not cover risks such as natural disasters, storms, fires, etc. This is why it is important to take out home insurance for the premises. In addition, young student tenants must complete certain administrative procedures in order to benefit from a high-quality, clean living environment: setting up contracts (water, internet, electricity, gas, etc.).
APL Housing Aid can be combined with Visale.
Financial assistance for private or university housing: Students can apply to the Family Allowance Fund (CAF) for housing assistance called APL (Aide Pour le Logement). This assistance allows you to reduce your monthly rent (approximately €80 for a room in a university residence), starting from the second month of rental, with the first month being the “waiting period.” The application procedure is available at your student residence. The assistance applies to monthly rents; fortnightly rents are not covered.
Compulsory rental insurance: all students must take out home insurance in order to be covered in the event of an accident. You can obtain information from any insurance company or your bank, which can offer you such policies.
Transport
Tram or bus
Montpellier is covered by a dense and efficient public transportation network (TAM).
It includes four tram lines and numerous buses.
If you live in the Montpellier metropolitan area, you can travel for free on public transport by providing proof of address and applying online.
Your ticket also gives access to P+Tram car parks and bike storage near tram stops.
Bike
Cycling in the city means 160 km of bike paths and, eventually, a continuous cycling network. Whether for everyday life, work, sports, or leisure, it’s easy to get around Montpellier by bike, whatever your habits.
To leave the city
- Traveling by train: Montpellier has two main train stations: Saint-Roch station, located in the heart of the city, 200 meters from Place de la Comédie, and Gare Sud de France, a high-speed train station located outside the city. More information is available on the SNCF website.
- By car: The Richter campus is located near the A709 highway, exit 29 Montpellier Est. Please note: parking on campus is subject to a fee.
- By plane: Montpellier Airport is located 8 km from the city center and a 10-minute drive away. The historic center is easily accessible from the airport via shuttle services, taxis, and car rentals.
Culture
Exhibitions, art galleries, street art, events… Montpellier offers a wide range of cultural activities!
Every first Sunday of the month, the Fabre Museum and MO.CO open their doors to the public free of charge.
Heritage
Founded in the Middle Ages, Montpellier is a dynamic city with a rich heritage. It is a city where medieval streets rub shoulders with modern architecture.
Take advantage of Heritage Days to visit historic buildings, museums, and exhibitions for free.
Sports
Did you know? For many years, Montpellier has been the only city outside Paris to have top-level professional clubs in most team sports.
And every spring, don’t miss FISE and come and thrill to the rhythm of extreme sports!
Montpellier, a green city
Montpellier has a large number of natural areas in and around the city. It is also close to many beaches.
