Loire-Atlantique

The Loire-Atlantique department is in western France, at the mouth of the Loire river and on the Atlantic coast, and its capital is Nantes, a city that has repeatedly been named in recent years as one of the best cities in France to live in. Historically, this department was part of Brittany, although it is now administratively in the Pays de la Loire region. Its economy combines maritime and shipbuilding industries (Saint-Nazaire), technology, aerospace (Airbus) and coastal tourism. With its creative culture, a cost of living more reasonable than Paris, and easy access to the Atlantic coast, Nantes is a popular destination for French students and young people.

Nantes, Saint-Nazaire, Rezé

• Nantes Université
• Pôle universitaire de Saint-Nazaire – Nantes Université

Nantes is a large, lively city; the central and student neighborhoods are usually busy, and as in any big city, some areas are safer and some somewhat more sensitive. Saint-Nazaire is a coastal industrial city with a student-worker atmosphere. Overall, with ordinary European caution, it is a suitable place for student life.

The TAN transport network in Nantes includes trams, buses and bicycle rental. Between Nantes, Saint-Nazaire and the coastal towns, TER trains and Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Pays de la Loire regional buses are used.