French cities see shifts in student appeal and rental demand

Recent data highlights shifting trends in French urban attractiveness, specifically regarding student life and the rental market. According to the 2026 L’Étudiant rankings, Toulouse remains the top student city in France for the second consecutive year. Rennes and Nantes also feature in the top five. To expand its presence in these high-ranking areas, École Pivaut plans to open new campuses in Montpellier and Bordeaux in 2027.

Simultaneously, the rental market is experiencing significant shifts. Nice has joined Paris at the top of the ranking for rental tension, seeing 43 candidates per listing, which surpasses the demand in Paris. This reflects a growing trend of attractiveness in southern French metropolises. While Marseille remains in the top three, Nice has overtaken it in demand. Other cities such as Lyon, Bordeaux, Montpellier, and Toulouse continue to show high levels of rental activity, though Bordeaux has seen a notable decrease in demand compared to previous periods.