Are you coming to France for a semester-long university exchange, an internship, or a work assignment lasting a few months, and looking for a furnished apartment where you can settle in without committing to a standard 3-year lease? This is a very specific need that isn’t well met by the traditional French rental market—here’s how to navigate it.
Why the Traditional Rental Market Isn't Right for Your Situation
The standard unfurnished or furnished lease in France is designed for long-term occupancy (1 to 3 years). However, as an international student, you need housing for a specific period of a few months (generally 4 to 10 months), without the usual constraints: a high security deposit, a French guarantor, or a long-term commitment. This is exactly what the “mobilité” lease covers—a legal status created specifically for people in training, internships, or temporary assignments.
Things to Consider Before Choosing an Apartment
- The exact duration of the contract, which must correspond to the length of your stay (the mobility lease covers a period of 1 to 10 months)
- What's included: linens, kitchen utensils, Wi-Fi, utilities—a truly “furnished and equipped” apartment saves you from having to make last-minute purchases upon arrival
- The location, ideally close to your school or internship site, and public transportation
- The legality of the contract: Make sure the housing is offered to you through a valid contract (a mobility lease or a properly drafted sublease agreement), not through a simple informal agreement that would leave you without recourse if a problem arises.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Online scams: Never send money before visiting (in person or via video call) and verifying that the property and its owner or manager actually exist.
- The absence of a written contract, which leaves you with no recourse in the event of a dispute
- Unfurnished apartments advertised as “furnished ”: check the detailed list of amenities before signing Requests for a French guarantor—which are often impossible for international students to provide and should not be required under a mobility lease
A Timeline to Help You Plan Your Search Effectively
The best housing options go fast, especially in major college towns. Ideally:
- If you're planning to arrive in September: start your search in May or June
- If you're arriving in January: start in October or November
What Swwitch Offers
Swwitch is an agency specializing in short-term furnished housing for international and French students participating in exchange programs in several major French university cities (Lyon, Paris, Bordeaux, and others). Each apartment is carefully selected, fully furnished and equipped, and comes with a lease that complies with French law—along with a concierge service that supports you from check-in through your move-in.
Are you looking for a furnished apartment for your next stay in France? Check out the available accommodations on Swwitch
