FRANCE
TRAVEL STUDY
GUIDE
The definitive directory for language immersion in 2026.
The definitive directory for language immersion in 2026.
Tips & Stories
The Schools
Some Helpful Info
Before diving into the directory, it is helpful to understand how these regions are organized. We have grouped the schools primarily by their telephone regional codes (01 through 05), which correspond to specific areas of France. This makes it easier to coordinate your language studies with your travel itinerary.
Paris Student Essentials
Based on recommendations from Gabriel Jaquemet at leparisien.fr
CROUS & CVEC
Every student in higher education must enroll in the CVEC program (updated for 2026 to €103). This entitles you to eat in university restaurants for the student rate of €3.30.
09.72.59.65.00 | www.crous-paris.fr
Library of the Centre Pompidou (BPI)
Paris’s largest public library, open until 10 PM. Admission is free for everyone. It is an excellent place for quiet study in the heart of the 4th Arrondissement.
Métro: Châtelet / Rambuteau | www.bpi.fr
Kiosques Paris Jeunes
Discounted tickets for plays, concerts, and sports for those aged 13–30 living or studying in Paris. Register online first.
Located at QJ: 4 place du Louvre, 75001
Club International des Jeunes (CIJP)
A nonprofit promoting exchange between French and foreign students via group activities. €15 annual fee.
201-203 rue de Vaugirard, 15e | www.club-international.org
Culture & Museums
- Paris Opera: Last-minute tickets for under-28s: €35 for opera, €25 for ballet. Standing room tickets at Opéra Bastille for €5.
- Musée d’Orsay: Free for non-EU students (18-25) residing in France on a long-stay visa.
French on its Native Soil
In recent academic years, France has seen a surge in international enrollment, hosting over 400,000 students from around the globe. It remains the fourth most popular destination in the world for students seeking higher education abroad, particularly for those from English-speaking nations like the United States, Canada, and the UK.
Whether your focus is cuisine, the fine arts, or the language itself, studying in France is an incomparable way to learn. To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a directory of programs and a toolkit of expert advice.
Expert Insights:
Margot Steinhart, former president of the American Association of Teachers of French, shares 12 essential tips for success.
Dominique Brémond, founder of The French Class, offers guidance on choosing the right city for your personality.
Our editorial intern, Vivian Ohanian, recounts her year in Toulouse, exploring the head-spinning differences between the UC Berkeley system and the Université de Toulouse II-Le Mirail.
Of course, the language isn’t the only draw. France is a living classroom for gastronomy and the arts. While legendary niche schools often come and go, the country remains saturated with residential workshops, cooking intensives, and atelier-style painting programs.
With such a wide variety of possibilities, there is a travel-study program in France that is perfect for you. LeFrancophile hopes this guide will help you find it.
Which class for moi?
By Dominique Brémond
Every year, thousands of students decide to prendre le taureau par les cornes (take the bull by the horns) and enroll in a language program in France. If you are among them, you’ll face many questions: Paris or a small city? Intensive or leisurely? Host family or hotel? There is no single answer, but here are a few suggestions to help you find your fit.
🎓 For the Novice
Pick Paris & Go Half-Day: A morning class after your café au lait sets you up to try freshly learned vocabulary on shopkeepers in the afternoon. It’s a safe, comfortable way to start a lifelong friendship with France.
🌍 For the Seasoned Traveler
Try a New City: If you’ve done Paris, look to Lyon, Bordeaux, or Montpellier. These cities offer deep immersion while still being “foreigner friendly” enough to find your way around easily.
🏡 For Total Immersion
Rent an Apartment or Stay with a Family: In small towns, you’ll get more individual attention and a more accurate view of the French way of life. Host families are excellent for forced practice sessions over dinner!
Pro Tip: Unless you are under a strict professional deadline, try to joindre l’utile à l’agréable (mix business with pleasure). A French course is far more productive when approached with a fun and relaxed perspective. Bonne chance et bon voyage!
QUICK REGIONAL COMPARISON
| Region | Best For… | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Paris (01) | Fast-paced life, museums, and endless networking. | Cosmopolitan & Intense |
| Northwest (02) | History buffs, coastal air, and Norman gastronomy. | Historic & Scenic |
| Southeast (04) | Sunny weather, Mediterranean views, and high-end lifestyle. | Glamorous & Warm |
| Southwest (05) | Wine lovers, rugby fans, and relaxed outdoor living. | Authentic & Laid-back |
Note: All 2026 programs are subject to availability; early booking is recommended.
THE FRANCOPHILE’S GUIDE TO GUIDEBOOKS
By Vivian Ohanian
The travel section of your local bookstore can be as seductive and confusing as the foreign lands you wish to visit. Which guide will be most useful based on your travel style, budget, and length of stay? To choose the best companion for your next trip to France, here are some expert tips from LeFrancophile:
I think we’re not in Berkeley anymore…
By Vivian Ohanian
When I first arrived in Toulouse for a year of study, everything seemed familiar. There was a Gap, a McDonald’s, and a Starbucks. I was a student at the Université Toulouse – Jean Jaurès (formerly known as Le Mirail), which I assumed would be like my home campus, the University of California at Berkeley. I was wrong.
🏛️ The Bureaucracy
At Berkeley, registration was a few clicks. In France, the bureaucracy is a famously complex “maze.” I spent my first few weeks navigating paperwork and physical appointments just to secure my spot in classes.
🎓 The Classroom
At Berkeley, we were encouraged to challenge professors. In France, the professor is the undisputed authority. Lectures are long, interaction is minimal, and meticulous note-taking is the law of the land.
However, the experience of living in Toulouse was incredible. Known as the Ville Rose (Pink City) because of its terracotta bricks, it is a vibrant hub with a massive student population. My advice to anyone considering a similar move? Be patient with the paperwork, embrace the academic rigor, and remember that the differences are exactly why you traveled in the first place.
Dos and Don’ts
By Margot Steinhart, Ph.D.
Dr. Margot Steinhart, a past president of the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF), has mentored hundreds of students through the “big leap” to France. Here are her top 12 curated tips for maximizing your experience and avoiding common cultural pitfalls.
- Embrace Flexibility: Be patient when bureaucracy slows down and stay open to new experiences.
- Commit to the Language: Speak French even if locals switch to English to be “helpful.” Persistence pays off!
- Observe the Locals: When in doubt, watch how the French behave. Pay attention to public volume, personal space, and the subtle signals of eye contact. (Pro-tip: “Overly” friendly American smiles can sometimes be misinterpreted as flirtatious.)
- Master the Shop Greeting: Always say “Bonjour, Madame/Monsieur” when entering a shop and “Merci, au revoir” when leaving. It is considered a basic social requirement.
- Be Eco-Conscious: Europeans are very mindful of water and electricity usage. Be conservative with your utility consumption, especially in host families.
- Use Your Resources: Consult L’Officiel des Spectacles (available at kiosks for ~€2.40) to check out cultural events in Paris.
- Flash Your ID: Carry a student photo ID at all times. Always ask, “Est-ce qu’il y a un tarif étudiant ?” for museums, theaters, and the métro.
- Layer Your Style: Coordinate your clothes for layering. Most importantly, bring sturdy, broken-in walking shoes. Fashion matters, but blisters hurt more.
- Check Your Volts: Use battery-operated devices where possible. If bringing electronics, ensure they are dual-voltage and that you have a French Type E/C plug adapter.
- Phone Prep: Ensure your phone is unlocked and get a local French SIM card or eSIM for the best data rates.
- Pre-Book Rail Travel: Buy Eurailpasses before leaving your home country for the best rates.
- Stay “Street Smart”: Be aware of “stranger danger.” Use the same common-sense precautions you would in any major world city.
🚨 Know Who to Call
LeFrancophile has compiled a comprehensive guide to emergency procedures in France.
To read about Margot Steinhart’s personal journey and her student years in France,
click here to read “Turbulent Times.”
GET A READ ON THE FRENCH
Before you set off for your travel study adventure, get to know the French with a little advance reading. LeFrancophile asked Dr. Margot Steinhart which book she recommends to prepare her students for immersion in French culture. Says Steinhart about Sixty Million Frenchmen Can’t Be Wrong: “This book provides insight into cultural behavior in France that might be misunderstood by Americans. It also provides students a point of reference for confirming or questioning the behavioral patterns.”

The Bonjour Effect
By Julie Barlow & Jean-Benoît Nadeau
The French don’t just communicate, they converse. Learn the hidden codes of French conversation.

Sixty Million Frenchmen Can’t Be Wrong
By J.B. Nadeau & Julie Barlow
A historical and cultural guide revealing the French approach to land, food, privacy, and language.

The French Way
By Ross Steele
A deep dive into the aspects of behavior, attitudes, and customs that define the French people.
The Schools Directory
Searching for schools in France can be confusing. To make your quest easier, LeFrancophile has compiled a list of schools and programs that cater to different people and interests. The French schools are divided into five geographical areas, as shown in the map below. Next come bilingual and study abroad programs based in the U.S., followed by art study and cooking programs.
Notice to Our Readers
LeFrancophile has known some of the schools on our list for at least 15 years; some are new to us and some have existed for over a century (The Alliance Française de Paris was established in 1883). We have researched each school through their website at the time of update.
We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, as to the operation of the services of any establishment on the list. We strongly urge you to research your chosen course and read their T&Cs before parting with money, especially if you are sending funds to a country other than your own.
Caveat emptor, quia ignorare non debuit quod jus alienum emit.
In the interest of transparency, we receive no revenue or sponsorship of any kind nor are we affiliated to any school on the list. Most schools require a minimum age of 18. Where we know a school accommodates younger students, we have included that information.
📞 Dialing and Contact Tips
France is divided into five regional area codes: 01, 02, 03, 04, and 05. Codes starting with 06 and 07 are mobile (cell) numbers.
Calling from the United States:
011 + 33 + [Area Code without the 0] + [Number]
Example: To call 01.55.12.13.14, dial 011 33 1 55 12 13 14.
🚫 Pro Tip: Identify Telemarketers
To avoid unwanted sales calls (démarchage téléphonique), watch out for specific prefixes. Since 2023, French law requires telemarketers to use numbers starting with:
01 62, 01 63, 02 70, 02 71, 03 77, 03 78, 04 24, 04 25, 05 68, 05 69.
If you see a call from these numbers, it is likely a commercial solicitation.
Explore Schools by Region
France’s language schools are organized by their telephone regional codes.
Select a region below to view the curated directory for that area.

French Telephone Area Code
01 Paris & Île-de-France
The heart of France offers the widest variety of programs, from historic institutions in the Latin Quarter to modern boutique schools near the Eiffel Tower.
Alliance Française de Paris
Established in 1883, this is the flagship of the global Alliance Française network. They offer highly structured intensive and semi-intensive courses, as well as specialized workshops in phonetics and culture.
📍 Address: 101 Boulevard Raspail, 75006 Paris
📞 Tel: 01.42.84.90.00
ACCORD French Language School
Located near the Eiffel Tower, ACCORD is a “boutique” style school known for its diverse nationality mix and high-quality teaching. They offer specialized courses such as “French and Law” and Business French.
📍 Address: 3bis Rue Jean-Pierre Bloch, 75015 Paris
📞 Tel: 01.55.33.52.33
LSI – Language Studies International
Set in a historic building in the heart of the city, LSI provides a friendly atmosphere with small class sizes. Excellent for students who want a central base to explore Paris.
📍 Address: 35 bis Rue de Montmartre, 75002 Paris
📞 Tel: 01.42.60.53.70
Eurocentres Paris
Located in a quiet pedestrian passage in the Latin Quarter, Eurocentres offers high-tech classrooms and a strong focus on exam preparation (DELF/DALF).
📍 Address: 13 Passage Dauphine, 75006 Paris
📞 Tel: 01.40.46.72.00
| 01 PARIS REGION | ||
|---|---|---|
| School & Website | Telephone | Program Highlights |
| Accord École de Langues www.accord-langues.com |
01.55.33.52.33 | All levels. Intensive & executive courses. Accommodation aid available. |
| Alliance Française de Paris www.alliancefr.org |
01.42.84.90.00 | Flagship institute. Monthly sessions. Online/Onsite. All levels. |
| Campus Langues www.campuslangues.com |
01.40.05.92.42 | Private Institute. Great for student visas and budget-conscious learners. |
| Eurocentres Paris www.eurocentres.com |
01.40.46.72.00 | Latin Quarter location. Deep focus on language immersion and culture. |
| France Langue www.france-langue.com |
01.45.00.40.15 | Multiple central locations. General, professional, and specialized French. |
| Lutece Langue www.lutece-langue.com |
01.47.34.11.11 | Small groups only. Personalized attention with a strong business focus. |
| CCFS – Sorbonne www.ccfs-sorbonne.fr |
01.44.10.72.72 | Cours de Civilisation Française. Phonetics, lecture, and language labs. |
| WICE www.wice-paris.org |
01.45.66.75.50 | Volunteer-led. Excellent cultural programs and conversation for expats. |
| Université de Paris (FLE) u-paris.fr |
— | Academic French as a Foreign Language. Semester and year-long courses. |
| Université Paris-Nanterre www.parisnanterre.fr |
01.40.97.72.00 | FETE Program. University-level French for international students. |
02 NORTHWEST REGION
From the dramatic coasts of Brittany to the historic châteaux of the Loire Valley, the Northwest offers some of France’s most immersive and culturally rich language programs.
French in Normandy
Located in historic Rouen, this award-winning school is famous for its “Français & Cuisine” workshops and intensive DELF/DALF preparation. It offers a warm, boutique atmosphere in the heart of Normandy.
📍 Address: 26bis Rue Valmont de Bomare, 76100 Rouen
📞 Tel: 02.35.72.08.63
Institut de Touraine
A prestigious institution in Tours, the “Garden of France.” They specialize in linguistic immersion combined with gastronomy, wine tasting, and visits to the famous Loire Valley châteaux.
📍 Address: 1 Rue de la Grandière, 37000 Tours
📞 Tel: 02.47.05.76.83
CIEL Bretagne
Study in a beautiful 19th-century manor overlooking the sea in Brest. Known for high-quality intensive courses, university prep, and teacher training programs.
📍 Address: Rue du Gué Fleuri, 29480 Le Relecq-Kerhuon
📞 Tel: 02.98.30.45.75
| School & Website | Telephone | Program Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| CEL St-Malo / CCIFA www.cel-saint-malo.com |
02.99.19.15.46 | One of 150 CEL centers across France. |
| CLE Tours www.cle.fr |
02.47.64.06.19 | Personalized courses for all levels in the city center. |
| Cœur de France www.coeurdefrance.com |
02.48.79.34.08 | Acclaimed immersion school in Sancerre. Families/Adults. |
| Écolangues (Angers) www.ecolangues.com |
02.41.25.73.73 | Broad range of levels and accommodation assistance. |
| ELIT Groupe St-Denis www.saint-denis.net |
02.47.59.04.26 | Junior programs (12-17) with on-campus boarding. |
| Français à la Carte www.cours-francais.fr |
02.47.96.42.18 | Customized 1-on-1 and small group training in Tours. |
| Immersion France www.immersionfrance.co.uk |
+44 20 8764 8356 | Authentic village immersion based in Suèvres. |
| PERL (École des Roches) www.ecoledesroches.com |
02.32.60.40.00 | Junior summer programs (11-18) in Verneuil. |
| Tours Langues www.langues.com |
02.47.66.01.00 | Unique “Artisanal Internships” alongside language study. |
| Uni. de Caen (CEFE) www.unicaen.fr |
— | Intensive academic courses in the historic city of Caen. |
03 NORTHEAST REGION
The Northeast is home to Europe’s administrative capital, Strasbourg, and the vibrant student city of Lille. This region is ideal for students seeking academic excellence and a cross-cultural experience near the borders of Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland.
Université de Franche-Comté: CLA
The Center for Applied Linguistics (CLA) in Besançon is world-renowned for its innovative teaching methods and teacher training. It offers intensive monthly sessions and specialized courses in a friendly, mid-sized city environment.
📍 Address: 6 Rue Gabriel Plançon, 25000 Besançon
📞 Tel: 03.81.66.52.00
Institut Catholique Lille: Clarife
Located on a stunning campus often called the “Oxford of Lille,” Clarife offers the “European Summer Program” which combines language learning with cultural excursions in northern France and nearby European capitals.
📍 Address: 60 Boulevard Vauban, 59000 Lille
📞 Tel: 03.20.13.40.50
CIEL Strasbourg
Perfectly situated for those interested in European politics and history. This center provides high-quality French instruction for international students and professionals, with a strong emphasis on intercultural communication.
📍 Address: 10 Rue du Maréchal Juin, 67000 Strasbourg
📞 Tel: 03.88.43.08.31
| School & Website | Telephone | Program Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Université de Bourgogne: CIEF cief.u-bourgogne.fr |
03.80.39.35.60 | Based in Dijon. Academic calendar courses; intensive summer sessions. |
| Inlingua French Lessons www.inlingua.com |
— | Centers in Dijon, Lille, and Amiens. Professional & conversational French. |
04 SOUTHEAST REGION
From the gastronomic heart of Lyon to the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast, the Southeast offers the ultimate French lifestyle. Whether you want to study in a Provençal villa or an Alpine university campus, this region has it all.
Institut de Français
The gold standard for adult immersion. Students live and breathe French in a stunning villa overlooking the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer. Highly popular with professionals and motivated adults seeking rapid progress in a luxury setting.
📍 Address: 23 Avenue Général-Leclerc, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer
📞 Tel: 04.93.01.88.44
CAVILAM – Alliance Française
A world leader in pedagogical innovation located in the elegant spa town of Vichy. They offer high-tech intensive courses year-round, teacher training, and a special “Prestige” program for cultural connoisseurs.
📍 Address: 1 Avenue des Célestins, 03206 Vichy
📞 Tel: 04.70.30.83.83
École des Trois Ponts
Perfect for those who love food as much as language. This residential school specializes in “French & Pastry” and “French & Gastronomy” programs in a charming 19th-century villa near Lyon.
📍 Address: 645 Rue du Maréchal Foch, 42153 Riorges (Grand Roanne)
📞 Tel: 04.77.71.53.00
| School & Website | Telephone | Program Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Alliance Française Marseille www.afmarseille.org |
04.96.10.24.60 | Cultural immersion in France’s oldest city. Online options available. |
| IFALPES (Annecy) www.ifalpes.com |
04.50.45.38.37 | Study in the “Venice of the Alps.” Combined French and Skiing/Hiking. |
| IS Aix-en-Provence www.is-aix.com |
04.42.93.47.90 | High-quality courses for adults in a sophisticated Provençal setting. |
| Institut Grand Bleu (Antibes) www.grand-bleu.fr |
06.28.05.60.73 | Residential campus for all ages with strong maritime focus. |
| Parlons en Provence (Noves) www.parlonsenprovence.com |
09.51.43.14.61 | Boutique immersion in St-Rémy area. Highly personalized. |
| CUEF Grenoble cuef.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr |
04.76.74.34.60 | Academic semester programs at the University of Grenoble. |
| ISEFE (Chambéry) www.univ-smb.fr |
04.79.75.85.85 | Specialized university institute for Savoyard mountain immersion. |
| French With Olivia www.oliviafrenchclassonline.com |
— | Personalized online tutoring for medical, business, and conversation. |
05 SOUTHWEST REGION
The Southwest is a land of rugby, fine wine, and aeronautics. From the sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast to the pink-hued streets of Toulouse, this region offers a relaxed “art de vivre” paired with some of the most innovative language centers in the country.
CAREL Royan
A state-of-the-art audiovisual language center located on the Atlantic coast. CAREL is famous for its “Total Immersion” approach and its specialized laboratories that help students perfect their phonetics and listening skills in a seaside resort setting.
📍 Address: 48 Boulevard Franck Lamy, 17200 Royan
📞 Tel: 05.46.39.50.00
Langue Onze Toulouse
Located in a beautiful 19th-century building in the “Pink City,” this school is renowned for its communicative teaching and vibrant social calendar. They offer unique “French & Gastronomy” and “French & Pottery” workshops alongside intensive courses.
📍 Address: 10 Rue des Arts, 31000 Toulouse
📞 Tel: 05.61.62.54.58
Valorme
For those who prefer a quiet, intimate setting, Valorme offers residential immersion for small groups (maximum 6 students) in the medieval town of Foix. It’s an exceptional choice for mountain lovers and those wanting deep cultural integration.
📍 Address: 2 Place du 8 mai 1945, 09000 Foix
📞 Tel: 05.61.03.89.46
| School & Website | Telephone | Program Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Newdeal Institut (Bordeaux) www.newdealinstitut.com |
05.56.51.10.05 | Boutique school in central Bordeaux. “Senior 50+” and Au Pair programs. |
| L’Age Baston www.lagebaston.com |
05.45.63.53.07 | Château immersion in Charente. Combined painting/walking/cooking holidays. |
| Université de Poitiers: CELFÉ celfe.univ-poitiers.fr |
05.49.45.32.94 | Academic semester-based learning at one of France’s oldest universities. |
06 CANADA & THE CARIBBEAN
Experience the French language in the “Belle Province” of Quebec or under the tropical sun of the Antilles. These destinations offer a unique blend of North American efficiency, Caribbean rhythm, and authentic Francophone culture.
Université de Montréal (UdeM)
A powerhouse of Francophone education. Their world-famous “French Immersion Summer School” (July 2026) combines intensive academic training with sociocultural themes like Indigenous cultures, the Jazz Festival, and Montreal’s art of living.
📍 Address: 2900 Edouard-Montpetit Blvd, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
📧 Contact: info-immersion@fac.umontreal.ca
Centre Caribéen de Langues (CCL)
Study French in a tropical paradise. Located just minutes from the beach in Sainte-Anne, Guadeloupe, this school specializes in “French & Discovery” programs where you can practice your verbs on a sunny terrace overlooking the ocean.
📍 Address: Rue de la Plage, 97180 Sainte-Anne, Guadeloupe
📞 Tel: +590 (0) 590 85 10 01
Alliance Française de Montréal
Celebrate your 2026 immersion in the heart of Old Montreal. Known for its communicative method and small class sizes (6-8 people), this center offers unique “Cultural Experience” afternoons to put your learning into practice immediately.
📍 Address: 101 Boulevard Saint-Joseph O, Montréal, QC H2T 2P7
📞 Tel: +1 514-845-7071
| School & Website | Location | Program Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Université Laval (ÉLUL) www.flsh.ulaval.ca |
Quebec City | 5-week intensive summer sessions. Deep immersion in Quebec culture. |
| UQTR (École Internationale) www.uqtr.ca/eif |
Trois-Rivières | 3 to 5-week programs. Includes “Sugar Shack” evenings and talent shows. |
| Institut de français (UBC) opl.educ.ubc.ca |
Quebec City | Teacher-focused immersion marking its 50th anniversary in 2026. |
| Alliance Française St. Lucia afcaraibe.org |
Castries, St. Lucia | Major hub for French learning in the Eastern Caribbean. |
| HEC Montréal www.hec.ca |
Montréal | The only Business French summer school of its kind in North America. |
| IMLC Guadeloupe www.imlc.fr |
Le Gosier | Small, adult-only school famous for its beach-side location. |
ART & COOKING SCHOOLS
France is the world’s ultimate classroom for the fine arts and culinary mastery. These specialized institutions allow you to pair professional-level training with cultural immersion in some of the most inspiring locations in the country.
ArtStudy Giverny
Follow in the footsteps of Claude Monet. This unique program offers painting workshops and art history sessions right in Giverny. It is designed for artists of all levels who want to capture the light and atmosphere of the famous Impressionist gardens.
📍 Location: Giverny, Normandy
📞 Tel: 02.32.21.96.83
Gastronomicom Culinary Academy
A premier international culinary school on the Mediterranean coast. They offer a unique mix of intensive French language classes and professional cooking or pastry training, often followed by internships in high-end French restaurants.
📍 Address: 8 Bd de l’Ayrolle, 34300 Agde
📞 Tel: 04.67.32.15.07
| School & Website | Focus | Program Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| EICAR Film School www.eicar.fr |
Cinema & TV | International film school in Paris. Degree and short-term technical courses. |
| École Olivier Bajard www.olivier-bajard.com |
Pastry & Baking | Located in Perpignan. Masterclasses led by a “Meilleur Ouvrier de France.” |





