Every year, Bordeaux attracts many international students through university exchange programs with its prestigious institutions (Kedge Business School, Sciences Po Bordeaux, and the University of Bordeaux) and corporate internships. Finding furnished housing for a few months in a city where the rental market remains tight requires starting early and knowing the right steps to take.
The Best Neighborhoods for You, Based on Your Profile
- The historic center (Chartrons, Saint-Pierre, Triangle d’Or): ideal if you want to be close to everything—public transportation and student life—with apartments often located in beautiful Bordeaux buildings
- Les Quinconces and Gambetta: also central, with good access to the tram lines
- Bastide (right bank), a rapidly developing neighborhood that is often more affordable, with quick access to downtown via the tram
The Unique Characteristics of the Bordeaux Market
Bordeaux has seen a sharp rise in housing prices in recent years, with student and tourist demand remaining very high year-round. For an international student, this means fierce competition for quality properties in the city center—which is why it’s important to start your search well in advance and work with an agent who already has access to pre-screened and verified housing options.
What You Must Check Before Signing
- Legal compliance of the proposed contract (mobility lease or a valid sublease agreement)
- A detailed list of what is included: furniture, appliances, linens, Wi-Fi
- Proximity to your school or internship site, and access to public transportation (particularly the tram system, which is very well-developed in Bordeaux)
- The absence of a requirement for a French guarantor, which should not be required in the context of supervised student exchange programs
Plan Ahead Based on Your Arrival Schedule
- Arriving in September: Start your search as early as May or June
- Arriving in January: Get started as early as October–November
The best apartments in the city center are booked several weeks—or even several months—before the start of the school year.
Support Tailored to Your Mobility Needs in Bordeaux
Swwitch offers a selection of furnished and fully equipped apartments in Bordeaux, located in the neighborhoods most sought after by international students, with a lease that complies with French law and support from start to finish: remote booking, easy check-in, and assistance throughout your stay.
Are you coming to Bordeaux soon for an exchange program or an internship? Check out the apartments available in Bordeaux on Swwitch.
