For many, doing an Erasmus — or Erasmus+, as it is officially called now — in France is a real dream. But keep in mind: living in France can be expensive.

We have spoken to former Erasmus students, met others who are currently in France, and even encountered some at food aid distributions in Paris. They all told us the same thing: the cost of living in France can be difficult to manage. That’s why it's important to be well-informed and prepared.

So, if you’re thinking about doing Erasmus in France — whether it’s Paris, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, or anywhere else — watch the video at the top of this article! We’ll tell you what kind of financial support you can get, and how much you might need each month.

Want to get a more accurate idea of your budget? Try the grant simulator provided by the Erasmus Student Network. We tested it: if you’re coming from Ireland, for example, you’ll get around 300 euros a month, and if you’re coming from Bulgaria, it’s over 600 euros a month.

But remember: the exact amount of the Erasmus grant, as well as the travel assistance, depends on your sending institution. Generally, a portion is paid before departure, with the balance paid at the end of your stay, once all required criteria have been met.

Justine Hagard