Albane Leprince 9:00 a.m., February 14, 2024
Palaiseau, in the Paris region, has just obtained the title of European capital of coliving. Indeed, it is here that the largest residence in Europe is located, its name: Ecla. Inaugurated at the end of January, Europe 1 was able to go there and speak with management and residents...
Between the hotel and shared accommodation... This is a bit like how we can present coliving. The largest residence in Europe was inaugurated at the end of January in Palaiseau by the UXCO group. 40,000 m², including 4,000 of common areas. Great pride for the CEO, Maël Aoustin, who explains that the residence "is made up of a base on which we find the common areas with a very wide range of services such as sports, gaming, music, nap rooms, co-working spaces and even a restaurant.” On the upper floors, 1,800 beds are available in different types of accommodation ranging from shared apartments to two-room duplexes.
The residence also has several gyms. Photo credit: Albane Leprince
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In the rent, all services and charges are included (Wifi, electricity, water), "residents do not have to worry about anything other than their rent" declares Maël Aoustin who recalls that tenants who benefit from APL can receive up to 300 euros and therefore divide their rent by two in the cheapest configuration. And if the UXCO group chose Palaiseau to set up its Ecla residence, it is by strategy, "we are on the Saclay plateau where there are international head offices such as that of Carrefour, the major engineering schools, the university of Saclay or the CNRS".
One of the residence's cinema rooms that can be privatized free of charge. Photo credit: Albane Leprince/Europe1
A formula that appeals to students as well as young professionals and even business leaders, like Gaëlle. For her, co-living allows her to optimize her time, “everything is there, gym, laundry, restaurant for lunch”. This young boss who has set her sights on a duplex assures him, when she looks at her friends who live in Paris, "it's incomparable, the living conditions are optimal". “Since I have been here, I have had the opportunity to meet a lot of people from all over the world and my address book has grown considerably, opportunities are everywhere!” And the business manager does not for a second consider returning to a classic apartment.
Two new Ecla residences will open soon, in Archamps in Haute-Savoie and on the campus of the University of Bordeaux.