Life in France
Whether you're a theater lover, music enthusiast, or a foodie, France has something for everyone.
France: at the crossroads of Europe
Studying in France means being at the gateway to Europe! Whether by train or plane, major European capitals are less than two hours away from Paris. France shares borders with Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Principality of Monaco. Living in France means residing in a member state of the European Union, which allows you to travel freely and visa-free across the 26 countries in the Schengen Area.
Living in France also gives you access to three seas and three oceans, the chance to explore four continents, and hike across five European mountain ranges. Not to mention the 53 UNESCO World Heritage sites you can discover.
An industrial dynamism that is exported worldwide
Several French industrial groups, such as Airbus, Total, Orange, Sanofi, LVMH, L'Oréal and Danone, are leaders in their sectors and have operations all over the world.
The industrial dynamism of France's major companies is underpinned by innovation and research. But France's international reputation is also underpinned by its high-quality traditional crafts.
Dijon & Lyon, at the heart of major regions
Burgundy: a heritage of Wine and Excellence
Burgundy is renowned for its expertise in food, wine, and hospitality. The region's “Climats” vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2015, feature over 1,247 prestigious vineyards, including Romanée-Conti and Clos de Vougeot.
Dijon, Burgundy’s capital, is a leader in food and nutrition, research, and innovation. The city is driving progress in health, sustainable development, and ecological transition, making it a hub of both tradition and modernity.
Rhône-Alpes, a Hub of Innovation and Adventure
Home to 8 million people, Rhône-Alpes is France’s third largest region and a top destination for sports, mountaineering, and tourism, thanks to its proximity to Switzerland and Italy.
A leader in high-tech and engineering, the region hosts major companies in sectors like smart energy, industrial manufacturing, and healthcare.
With 65,000 new companies launched annually and €6.5 billion in R&D investments, Rhône-Alpe sis a hotspot for innovation, ranking second in France for patents filed. The region boasts the second highest GDP in France and the eighth highest in Europe, cementing its status as a thriving economic powerhouse.
Some regional highlights
5
UNESCO world heritage sites
1st
Gastronomic region in France
1st
Ski area in the world with 172 ski resorts
3
Alpine mountain ranges: Alps, Jura, Massif Central
Dijon: a Food & Culture Hub
Only 1h30 from Paris, Dijon offers a dynamic and lively atmosphere. With concert halls, museums, festivals, and vibrant nightlife all within walking distance, its strong cultural orientation always offer something exciting to do between classes.
Dijon is not only a cultural hub but also a safe city with affordable living costs, especially when it comes to housing. This combination of security, culture, and accessibility makes it an ideal destination for students and young professionals alike. Plus, as one of Europe’s greenest cities,
Dijon is dedicated to urban sustainability, offering plenty of green spaces to study, relax, or explore.
Lyon: a vibrant and connected city
About 2h from Paris, Lyon is a vibrant hub with 51,000 jobs in the digital and creative industries. With a rich industrial past, Lyon has evolved into a modern metropolis focused on education and technology.
Home to over 21,000 international students, Lyon offers a dynamic atmosphere, enhanced by a thriving cultural scene with museums, festivals, and historical landmarks. Renowned for its quality of life, the city combines career opportunities with affordable living, excellent public transport, and green spaces, making it an ideal destination for both professionals and students.
