How about getting a business education in one of the top travel destinations in France? Vibrant Mediterranean ambiance, a busy harbour, red-tile roofed houses, serene blue waters, and multiethnic heritage… You are right, we are talking about Marseille, the perfect place for your business studies in France!
Student Accommodation in Marseille
KEDGE Marseille is situated on two different sites: the Luminy campus, nestled on the edge of the Calanques National Park, and La Joliette campus, located in the heart of the city.
Learn more about your life on campus
Where to stay in Marseille?
The Luminy campus is located in the 9th arrondissement, in the Luminy area. It is advisable to search for housing options close to any of the stops along the Bus 21 line, as it goes straight to the school. La Joliette campus for executive education is located in La Joliette business district, close to the Docks and the MuCEM (a museum dedicated to the Mediterranean). The 6th, 8th, and 9th arrondissements are the ones to favour while searching for student accommodation.
- Individual studio or two rooms are popular options with students looking for accommodation in Marseille. A lot of them would love to live in the popular 8th arrondissement. This district's many landmarks and new green spaces contribute to a pleasant living and learning environment. However, this neighbourhood is quite pricey and might not be suitable on a student's budget.
- Students are now getting particularly attracted by the 9th arrondissement which is a more budget-friendly arrondissement. It is quite large, located closer to the campus, and offers many housing options.
- The liveliest and trendiest areas to live in Marseille city centre are Préfecture, Castellane, Perier, and Cours Julien. All the new and vibrant shops and boutiques, bars and restaurants and green spaces are located here.
- In the 6th arrondissement, you will find the Prefecture, the monumental fountain of Place Castellane, and an important bus and metro interchange. They serve as a significant infrastructure for student housing in the area.
The average rent in Marseille is around €530 per month (bills not included), but it often reaches €600 and more in popular districts. The price depends primarily on the location and size of the dwelling. This budget is higher than the average rent in France, which is a sign of a dynamic market. Despite the high demand, the supply of student housing in Marseille is large enough to accommodate everyone without too much difficulty.
In terms of the type of housing, 55% of students are looking primarily for a studio with an average rent of €488 per month or a T1 or a one-room flat, with an average rent of €658 per month. Shared accommodation is also in great demand since it is the cheapest solution to obtain a more spacious and comfortable student accommodation in Marseille.
Marseille is a sunny place where you can study and have fun. It blends the energy of a big metropolis with the allure of the Mediterranean. There are a lot of cultural activities offered, while nautical activities are particularly appreciated. Finally, students may explore the magnificent nature, such as the renowned creeks' wild trails and turquoise waters just a few kilometres from Marseille. Both entertainment and study possibilities are included in the city programme.
So, what will be your perfect neighbourhood in Marseille?
How to find accommodation in Marseille?
Arrival information
If you arrive from abroad for your management studies and have never visited Marseille or do not speak French, we are here to help you find your way to KEDGE.
How to get to Marseille KEDGE Luminy campus?
Address: Domaine de Luminy, Rue Antoine Bourdelle, 13009 Marseille
A lot of domestic and international flights arrive at Marseille-Provence airport, located in Marignane, about 30-45 minutes to the northwest of the town.
From the airport, you can reach the city centre by several means of transport:
- The airport-Saint-Charles railway station shuttle N°91: It departs every 10 minutes, the full fare ticket costs €10 (the reduced cost of €7 for 12-25-year olds). The journey takes around 25 minutes. You will arrive at Saint-Charles railway station. From the station, you can take many bus lines, as well as M1 and M2 metro lines.
- Airport train: The Vitrolles Aeroport railway station is located a 5-minute drive from the airport - you can get there by shuttle for free. The train will take you to Saint-Charles railway station, where you can change to the metro and reach the centre. The duration of the trip by train is 18 minutes, the ticket price is €5.1.
- Taxi: you can take a taxi to get to the city centre. The fare is around 70-80 euros.
Saint-Charles is the main railway station in the town. Intercity trains, TERs, and TGVs connect it to the regional and national networks. That enables a journey to Paris in just 3 hours and 17 minutes, to Nice in 2 hours and 40 minutes, and to Lyon in an hour and 40 minutes. There are even connections to some cities abroad, which include Geneva in Switzerland, Milan and Genoa in Italy, or Barcelona and Madrid in Spain.
Several bus lines are available from the Saint-Charles station to get to the city centre or neighbouring towns. You can also use two metro lines, M1 and M2.
To get from Marseille-Provence airport to the Luminy:
1) Take the airport shuttle to the Saint-Charles railway station.
2) Take the Metro Line 2 in the direction of “Sainte-Marguerite Dromel” (the entrances are located near the taxi stand or inside the railway station).
Option 1: Alight at the “Rond Point du Prado” stop and get on the B1 bus to the Luminy KEDGE BS stop.
Option 2: Alight at the “Rond Point du Prado” stop, then take the Boulevard Michelet exit (the one to the left) and cross the road to get on the bus 21 or 921 (JETBUS), both going directly to KEDGE Business School (the bus stop: Luminy ESCAE). Bus 21 will take you to the terminus, and you will have to walk for 5 minutes to reach the Luminy.
Option 3: Alight at the “Sainte-Marguerite Dromel” stop of the metro line and get on bus B24 to the KEDGE BS stop. The bus arrives at the entry gate of the school.
To get from Saint-Charles railway station to the Luminy:
Take the Metro Line 2 in the direction of “Sainte-Marguerite Dromel”(the entrances are located near the taxi stand or inside the railway station).
Option 1: Alight at the “Rond Point du Prado” stop and get on the B1 bus to the Luminy KEDGE BS stop.
Option 2: Alight at the “Rond Point du Prado” stop, then take the Boulevard Michelet exit (the one to the left) and cross the road to get on the bus 21 or 921 (JETBUS), both going directly to KEDGE Business School (the bus stop: Luminy ESCAE). Bus 21 will take you to the terminus, and you will have to walk for 5 minutes to reach the Luminy.
Option 3: Alight at the “Sainte-Marguerite Dromel” stop of the metro line and get on bus B24 to the KEDGE BS stop. The bus arrives at the entry gate of the school.
- From Castellane, take the bus route B1 to the Luminy KEDGE BS stop. There is direct access to building B of the KEDGE Business School campus.
- From Sainte Marguerite/Drome, take the bus route 24 to the KEDGE BS stop. There is direct access to the KEDGE Business School main entrance.
How to get to KEDGE La Joliette campus?
Address:
Grand Large building : 7, Boulevard de Dunkerque, 13002
Espace Gaymard building – 2-4, Place d'Arvieux, 13002
Means of transport to get to La Joliette campus for executive education:
- Metro Line 2 – in the direction of Bougainville – Joliette stop;
- Bus 35 - in the direction of Plage de Corbières;
- Bus 49 - in the direction of Réformés Cannebière;
- Bus 83 - in the direction of Rond Point du Prado metro – Vieux-Port stop.
Pick-up assistance
Every semester, KEDGE Business School and its International Student Association “Interact” offer our students a pick-up service from Saint-Charles railway station. You will receive information on how to order your pick-up by email before the summer holidays.
Integration
The International Student Association “Interact” helps the International Student Office facilitate the integration of international students among the French new comers through the organisation of activities all year round.
The Interact team will be available to help you upon your arrival, during the orientation session, and throughout your stay in France. They will be able to provide support and/or additional information on:
- how to open a bank account;
- how to open an electricity or gas account;
- how to buy public transportation tickets;
- how to get a mobile phone;
- how to search for housing options etc.
Do not hesitate to contact them for more details on FACEBOOK - INTERACT
Student life in Marseille
With a busy harbour and vibrant urban energy, Marseille appeals to international students and travellers seeking an authentic French experience in Provence. This lively metropolis is France's oldest and the second-largest city after Paris. Its colourful and multi ethnic heritage also makes it a fascinating place to study.
Things to know:
- The second most populous town in France, with 865,000 inhabitants;
- Founded around 600 BC by Greek settlers, it is the oldest city in France;
- The third-largest metropolitan area in France after Paris and Lyon;
- 37,000 students;
- Ranked 6th French region for hosting scholars from abroad;
- 21,000 international graduates and undergraduates;
- Ranked 10th (out of 43) among French university towns as a great place to live and study (awarded by l’Etudiant magazine).
Places to see
Due to its spectacular natural surroundings and dynamic university life, Marseille is the most significant French town on the Mediterranean Sea and one of the top choices for international students worldwide.
It is the ideal synthesis of fishing village sociability and big-city bustle. It is also one of the most beautiful French towns, with more sun and less noise than elsewhere. There are 16 arrondissements (districts), each having a distinct personality and offering something new and original.
Take a look at some new places to see and visit:
- Notre Dame de la Garde: One of the most famous landmarks, situated on the hill overlooking the town and the sea. You will not be disappointed with the spectacular views!
- Les Calanques: The cliffs of the Calanques are a natural wonder nestled between Marseille and Cassis. This unique and breathtaking scenery is an absolute must-see! It is the perfect location to sunbathe, explore the seabed, or try yourself at some water sports such as kayaking.
- The Vieux Port: The area that most people visit to take pictures, eat fresh fish, see the boats, and ride the Big wheel. It is a significant part of the town's historic district and is ideally situated for access to all the top sights. Sunsets during the summer are particularly awe-inspiring!
- Old Town, Le Panier: One of the most picturesque and oldest neighbourhoods visitors will find anywhere in France. It is easily accessible from the Vieux Port, as it is situated on a nearby hillside. It is the most multicultural part of the town, making it a unique place to spend an evening or to go for a walk.
- The MuCEM: The top museum in the area. It examines the history of Mediterranean civilizations and offers a perceptive look at how they have evolved into what they are today.
- Château d’If: Come to explore the 16th-century castle. You will be able to learn all about its history as a prison for real-life political enemies of the state. There are boats that leave daily from the Vieux Port.
And, of course, do not forget to order a pastis and play pétanque!
Partying
It is no wonder that Marseille's best night venues are situated on open-air places and panoramic sea sides, given the town's 300 sunny days per year. Its nightlife provides a unique experience for every age, whether it is relaxing on rooftops, firing up the dance floor, or drinking cocktails on the beach, you will not be disappointed.
Let’s discover the new party venues together:
- Cabaret Aléatoire, located in a huge restored factory, provides something off the electronic beaten path. What about clubbing in the gigantic, strobe-filled caverns?
- Rowing Club, a laid-back but stylish venue to start the party night, with tapas-style French dishes served early in the evening and a DJ spinning summer oldies.
- Le Petit Pavillon, literally hanging off the cliff. Put on your little black dress or trouser equivalent (proper dress required!) for a summer party at one of the liveliest coastal locations.
- La Caravelle, the most convivial bar of the ones in the Vieux Port area. Sit on the sunny terrace and enjoy the homemade set meal, as well as the beverages and live music, which ranges from pop to salsa.
- La Part des Anges, serving organic wine. This trendy spot is more than just a fantastic wine bar; it also includes a wine shop and a dining area. A great place to end the week and have some fun after your management courses!
Means of transport
- The RTM public transportation (metro, tramway, bus) is available for getting around the town and surrounding areas. Please, visit their website for more details.
- You can take the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur regional trains to travel within the region.
- You can also rent a bike from levelo, the town bike-share system (130 stations, 1000 bikes).
- For ride-sharing, refer to the collaborative websites:
- National website: https://www.blablacar.fr
- Regional website: http://se-deplacer.marseille.fr > Alternatives à la voiture en ville > Autopartage et Covoiturage
More practical information and details related to Marseille, transportation, accommodation, estimated living expenses, health & home insurance, banking, visas, scholarships, and other administrative formalities can be found in the “International Student Handbook” below.
We look forward to welcoming you to Marseille!
