Learn French in Nice or Montepellier?

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The beautiful Côte d’Azur is a popular destination for French language programs in France. Our students love studying French in Southern France, near the beach, in one of the beautiful colorful cities. There are several options: you can learn French in Montpellier, Antibes, Cannes, Nice, or Aix-en-Provence, to name a few. If you’re deciding between taking a French course in Nice or Montpellier, we have some good tips for you before choosing the best place for your French language course. Will you learn French in Nice or Montpellier?

First of all, it’s good to know that whatever you choose, it’s always good. Both cities – Nice and Montpellier – have a great atmosphere and good French language schools, and you will have a great time (and learn French) in both cities. But there are, of course, some differences between the two cities.

Learning French in Nice or Montpellier?

Nice is known for a bit more glitz and glamour, with lots of high-end shops, restaurants, and hotels. It’s a popular destination for tourists, especially during the summer months, and it can get quite busy. Montpellier is a bit more relaxed and has a more bohemian feel. Montpellier is a university town, so there are many young people and a vibrant arts and culture scene. In the summer, there are many festivals.

French language schools

Both cities have a range of French language schools to choose from, but Nice may have a slight edge in terms of reputation. Nice is home to the Institut Français, a respected language school with a long history, and a few other language schools in Nice. However, there are great French schools in Montepellier too, including the Alliance Française, the CUEF (Centre Universitaire d’Etudes Françaises), and a few other French schools in different price ranges.

The students in Nice and Montpellier

In terms of the number of young people attending French schools, both cities will likely have a good mix of ages, and there are always young students present. In addition, during the summer, there are many families and summer camps for your French learners who participate in French courses for children and teenagers. Montpellier may have a slightly higher concentration of students because it is a typical university town. However, people of all ages, including those 55 and older, are learning French in both cities throughout the year.

Cafés and nightlife

When it comes to cafés and nightlife, both Nice and Montpellier have plenty of options. In Nice, for example, you could visit La Cave de la Tour, a wine bar with an excellent selection.

What to do in Nice and Montpellier

Both cities have a lot to offer when it comes to activities. Nice is located on the Mediterranean Sea, so you have easy access to beautiful beaches like Plage Beau Rivage and Plage de la Promenade des Anglais. It’s also great for hiking and exploring the surrounding hills and mountains.

In Montpellier, you can visit the Musée Fabre, a world-class art museum, or stroll through the city’s historic center, which is full of beautiful architecture and charming cafes. There’s also a fantastic zoo, extensive botanical gardens to visit, the Arc de Triomphe to explore, the old town to see, or go shopping. At the eastern end of the “Place de la Comédie” you will find “Le Triangle” and “Le Polygone”, two indoor shopping centers.

In Nice, you can walk through the flower market at Cours Saleya, visit the Musée Matisse, climb La Colline du Chateau, and take a day trip to Cannes or visit Villa Ephrussi. Just outside Nice, on the way to Monaco, is the town of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat where you can visit this pink villa and the beautiful garden.

Learning French in Nice or Montpellier?

 

 

Best beaches in Nice and Montpellier

When it comes to the best beaches, Nice definitely has the upper hand. The beaches in Nice are among the most beautiful in the world, with crystal clear water and stunning views of the coastline. The most popular sandy beach outside of Nice is Villefranche-Sur-Mer.

Near the Saint Jean Cap Ferrat harbor, a beautiful marina, you will find two coves: Plage Fossettes and Plage des Fosses, with crystal clear, calm waters. Perfect for swimming, stand-up paddling, and snorkeling.

But Montpellier also has some truly charming beaches, such as Palavas-les-Flots and Carnon-Plage. The distance to the beach in Montpellier is further than in Nice, as the latter is located on the coast. However, you can easily get to the beach in Montpellier – with or without a car – by simply taking the tram from the center of Montpellier (line 3 to Perols Etang de l’Or and then walking to Carnon beach; during the summer there is a shuttle bus). The closest beach to the center of Montpellier is Carnon Plage, just 13 km from the city center.

Which city is more expensive: Nice or Montpellier?

Finally, the cost of living in both cities. Both cities are relatively expensive compared to other parts of France, but Nice is generally considered slightly more expensive. However, you can still find affordable French lessons, housing, and food options in both places if you do your research.

Learning French in Nice or Montpellier?

Overall, both Nice and Montpellier are great options for studying French in France, and it comes down to your personal preference. If you’re looking for a bit more glamour and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, then Nice might be the better option. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more bohemian, artistic atmosphere with a vibrant student population and lots of cultural activities, then Montpellier might be a better choice. In both cases, you will have a great time during your French language course, both in Nice and Montpellier.