Places to be in Montpellier
The student neighbourhoods, the libraries to study in, where to go out in the evening, and how to live well on a budget.
Updated 2026-06-20
Knowing where to go makes a new city yours. Here are the student neighbourhoods of Montpellier, the best places to study for free, where people go out, and how to eat without breaking the budget.
Student neighbourhoods
Where students tend to live and hang out in Montpellier:
- Écusson (centre historique) - Pedestrian old town, central and lively.
- Beaux-Arts - Trendy bohemian district popular with students.
- Boutonnet - Calmer student area near the science faculty.
Free places to study
Libraries and study spaces open to students in Montpellier:
- Médiathèque centrale Émile Zola - Main metropolitan library, 1,400 seats and dedicated work spaces.
Going out in the evening
The areas students head to after dark:
- Place Jean Jaurès - Central rallying point for going out, busy bars and terraces.
- L'Écusson (historic centre) - Web of pedestrian streets where cafés and bars fill up at night.
- Place de la Comédie - The city's main square and the focal point of central nightlife.
Eating well on a budget
CROUS university restaurants serve full meals at a subsidised student price (around 3.30 EUR, about 1 EUR for scholarship holders). Find every site and the menus on the official CROUS map.
Common questions
Where should an international student live in Montpellier?
Look first at CROUS residences (cheapest, apply early) and the student neighbourhoods listed above. Use Visale (a free state-backed guarantor) if a landlord asks for a guarantor and your family is abroad. See our guide on living in France for the full housing route.
Where can I study for free in Montpellier?
University libraries (BU) and the municipal libraries listed above are free and have long opening hours, especially in exam season. They are also a good place to meet other students.
Sources
- L'agenda - Montpellier Métropole et ville · 2026-06-20
- ESN Montpellierofficial · 2026-06-20
- La Comédie du Livre - 10 jours en mai · 2026-06-20
- Fête de la Musiqueofficial · 2026-06-20
- Place Jean Jaurès · 2026-06-20
- L'Écusson (historic centre) · 2026-06-20
- Médiathèque centrale Émile Zola · 2026-06-20
- L'Amigo (TaM) · 2026-06-20
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