Studying in Paris

The implementation is managed by associations, the hostels are open to students aged 18 to 25. Priority is given to apprentices, trainees or those doing a sandwich course. The advantage of these places is primarily financial. In fact, room rates are significantly lower than those of private facilities. It costs about 600 euros if you want to adopt this option in the capital.

Having a room of one’s own, in the heart of a French family’s home, is a simple and economical choice that many foreign students make. In addition to enjoying low rent and the comfort of a large apartment, the main advantage of this type of residence is the daily immersion in French culture. Note that we can find an alternative to this type of rental. We are talking about intergenerational housing, putting students and seniors in touch with each other in order to bring company, in exchange for a room at a very affordable price.

This is the most common case. Many students choose to rent an apartment, usually a studio. Of course, wanting to rent in the capital has a cost. The average cost of a studio apartment is 800 euros per month. The economic choice consists in aiming for a larger apartment, and to live in it with several people, in a shared apartment. It is a good way to save money on various bills, but also to get to know a new culture, by learning the language.

This is a very common method of dealing with the housing shortage, private student residences. In the case of a refusal from the Crous, it is a good alternative to pay less than in standard rental and to have access to many advantages. They offer access to the internet, sports facilities, a rich community life or simply equipped and furnished apartments.

In order to apply to this type of institution, the student must be enrolled in a school in the Paris region and be preparing a Master 1 level degree (at least). A true reference in the field, the Cité internationale universitaire de Paris has a large number of student accommodations that welcome students, but also sportsmen, artists or researchers of a higher level, coming from all regions of the world.

Detailed information on the many museums and monuments in Paris can be found here

Among the most famous and unmissable museums are the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée National d’Art Moderne (Centre Pompidou – Beaubourg), Grand Palais, Palais de Tokyo (Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris)… Most national museums are closed on Tuesdays. European citizens under the age of 26 have free access to the permanent collections of national museums (temporary exhibitions are generally subject to a charge.) Other museums offer a reduced rate for students (a student card is required.) Most of them are free on the first Sunday of each month.

In addition to these great museums, Paris also offers the possibility to visit many small museums and art galleries such as the Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain, the Musée Rodin, the Maison Européenne de la Photographie, the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson, etc. There are many small art galleries in several districts, but especially in the Marais district (3rd and 4th arrondissements).

The “Arts & Culture” section of Time Out Paris can be a good starting point for finding information on current exhibitions.

Paris has the highest density of cinemas in the world (number of cinemas per inhabitant), giving you the opportunity to see almost any type of film you might be interested in, from independent foreign films to huge blockbusters. Some cinemas, particularly in the Latin Quarter, specialize in old classics or cult films. You can still watch recent releases either in their original version with French subtitles, or dubbed into French. Admission can be a little expensive (around €12 or €13), but most cinemas offer discounts for students (admission around €8). It is also often possible to buy a discounted multiple-entry pass.

Most cinema chains (Gaumont, UGC) focus on popular releases, while MK2 pays more attention to independent films. There are also many independent cinemas worth visiting for their program, but sometimes also for their building, history and atmosphere (la Pagode, le Louxor, le Cinéma des Cinéastes, le Studio 28…) There are weekly guides that can help you find films playing in any cinema: theOfficiel des Spectacles, for example. The guides also contain information on current plays and exhibitions.

For cinephiles, the Cinémathèque française is the place to be (screenings, festivals, museum, exhibitions, library, etc.).

During the summer, the City of Paris organizes free outdoor screenings.

If you want to buy tickets for shows and plays, visit Billetreduc.

If you’d like to discover French films with English subtitles, check out LostinFrenchlation.

Paris also offers many interesting options for live music lovers, from large concert halls and open-air festivals to small independent venues and cafés. Among the most famous venues are the AccorHotels Arena, the Zenith and the Olympia. Smaller venues include La Cigale, Le Point Ephémère, Le Trabendo, La Maroquinerie and many others. All these venues offer an eclectic program, but tend to focus on indie and electronic music. Jazz lovers will find several jazz clubs in the city, particularly in the Latin Quarter and the 1st Arrondissement. These venues all have websites detailing their programs. You can also find a detailed program of most concerts in a free booklet called LYLO (Les Yeux Les Oreilles ) available in many bars and cafés.

As far as record shops are concerned, you can also take advantage of numerous options ranging from chain stores like the FNAC and Gibert Joseph – which are also large bookshops with well-stocked independent record shops (Born Bad, Pop Culture, Music Fear Satan, Souffle Continu, Ground Zero, Silence de la Rue…). More details available here.

Paris has around 500 parks and gardens. Be sure to visit those in your area. Find out more here!

Sports clubs in Paris and on campus

Forest Hill Aquaboulevard

4 rue Louis Armand

Telephone: 01 53 78 10 90

Check with your school for discounts

Front de Seine

44 Emeriau Street

Telephone: 01 45 78 88 00

Squash Front de Seine

22 Theatre Street

Telephone: 01 45 78 88 00

Neoness fitness room (gym) 18 rue Juge

Telephone: 01 80 48 02 88

Pools

Keller swimming pool

14 Engineer Robert Keller Street

Telephone: 01 45 71 81 0

La Piscine Saint-Louis

2 rue Juliette Dodu, 75010 Paris

Swimming pool Pool School Atlas

18 rue de l’Atlas, 75019 Paris

Catherine Lagatu swimming pool

155 avenue Parmentier, 75010 Paris

Municipal Olympic pool

17 place Charles de Gaulle, 92400 Courbevoie

Swim Stars La Défense

56 passage de la Coupole, 92400 Courbevoie

Flea markets and second hand goods shops

If you want to find furniture, used clothes or anything else you need without spending a lot of money, flea markets are perfect!

Paris has listed all the capital’s flea markets here.

If you’d like to find out more about Paris’ cultural calendar, visit the official Paris Tourist Office website.

The Paris metro system is quite extensive and is the best way to get around. The metro consists of 14 lines and covers the central region of Paris and extends into some suburbs. As soon as you arrive, you must get a monthly pass called “Navigo”, or as a student you can get the “Imagin’R” card. It is more efficient to get a monthly pass than to buy a ticket every time you ride the subway.

Don’t forget to download the RAPT Bonjour application or consult the metro map.

If you prefer to walk, this map will help you find the distance between each “metro stop”.

The RER is a fast train, larger than the metro, which crosses Paris and its suburbs. You must purchase a ticket, the cost of which varies depending on the area you are traveling to. The RER lines are named in alphabetical order from A to E. You must buy a special RER ticket if you choose to travel with this transport system or buy access to zones 1 and 5 on your Navigo.

Buses are also convenient for short distances; however, for long distances, it is better to take the metro or RER. You can find a bus map on the website above.

1. T+ tickets

• One ticket (for all zones): €2.10 (* from May 2022)
• Book of 10 tickets (for all zones): €16.90
• One bus ticket: €2 (one-way tickets are sold only on board buses, valid for one bus journey, no changes).

You can view the entire selection of tickets on the following page: https: //www.ratp.fr/titres-et-tarifs

You can now buy your ticket directly on your phone with the application.

Origin-destination ticket

The origin-destination ticket allows you to travel between two stations in the Île-de-France region on the RER lines.

It is used in one way or another, for example: Paris – la Défense and la Défense – Paris. The one-way ticket from or to Paris, from or to La Défense, is €2.80. Tickets to or from Paris can use a metro and RER connection in Paris.

2. The Navigo Pass

• The weekly subscription from Monday to Sunday is €22.80 for all zones. It is valid on the metro, bus and RER in Paris.
• You can buy a monthly Navigo Passfor an unlimited number of journeys as soon as you arrive. With this card, you can use the metro, bus and RER in all zones. Currently, the cost for all zones with a monthly pass is €84.10 .
• Please note: Most subway stations do not have elevators or escalators. If you have heavy luggage to carry, you may have to carry it up the stairs.

The other option is to obtain a Navigo Pass. It is available immediately at the counter in metro stations and in authorized stores without having to fill out an application. It costs 5€. It is open to all (no obligation to live or work in the Ile-de-France). It is accompanied by a name card with photo (25x30mm format).

3. The Imagin’R card for students

This is a transport card valid for one year for students under 26, and for an unlimited number of journeys in the zones selected in advance. It costs €365/year (€30/month), i.e. 50% less than the Navigo pass (€84.10/month).

Whatever zone you choose, you’ll be able to travel throughout the Paris region at weekends, on public holidays, during vacation periods and from July 1 to August 31. The first day of validity of this card can be September 1, October 1, November 1, December 1 and January 1.

You can easily get more information on the Imagin’R website. Or you can ask at a counter in the metro for the form to fill in. Imagin’R also offers discounts on many leisure activities (cinema, etc.).

If you stay less than a year in Paris, and therefore do not use your Imagin’R card during the whole year, you can stop your subscription by sending a letter of cancellation accompanied by the document justifying that you are no longer a student, to the following address

AGENCE IMAGINE R – TSA 16039 – 95905 CERGY PONTOISE Cedex 9 by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt at least 15 days before the end of your last month in Paris.

Vélib’ is a large-scale bicycle-sharing company. To use the system, users must obtain a subscription or Pass, which allows subscribers an unlimited number of rentals. https://www.velib-metropole.fr/fr

• The Pass can be purchased for €5 for a one-day rental(PASS 24H CLASSQIUE) or €20 for a 3-day rental(PASS 3 JOURS).

• For occasional users, a V-Libre subscription can be taken out: €1 per 30 min for ordinary bikes and €3 per 30 min for electric bikes.

• For regular users, a 12-month V-Plus subscription (more than 4 journeys per month) can be purchased from €3.10/month, or a 12-month V-Max subscription for €9.30/month (€7.10 if you’re under 27), including ordinary and electric bikes.

• Please note: with a season ticket, bike rental is free for the first half-hour of each individual trip; the number of free trips per day is unlimited. A journey lasting more than 30 minutes will incur a charge of €1 to €4 for the next 30 minutes. Increased pricing is designed to keep bikes on the road.

For more information, to subscribe or buy a Pass, visit the Vélib website or download the application).

How does getting a bike work?

When you register, you can choose either to download the subscription onto your Navigo card or to obtain a Vélib’ Métropole card (which will be sent to your home.) Then, you enter your e-mail address and create a password to access your account. You must provide your contact information and agree to the Terms and Conditions of Access and Use (TACU). Payment is made by credit card via a secure area. To confirm the subscription, you must choose a 4-digit secret code, and an 8-digit access code. Both codes will be emailed to you and available in your online account. You will need your codes for your first rental. The Vélib’ Métropole card and the Navigo pass allow direct access to bicycles at Vélib’ stations.

To access a bike at the Vélib stations, swipe your Navigo card or your Vélib’ Métropole card on the screen, then enter your 8-digit access code and press the “V” button. Then enter your 4-digit code and swipe your Navigo card or your Vélib’ Métropole card again. Once the message “Start OK” appears on the screen, you can take your bike. To return your bike at the end of your trip, choose any Velib station, then insert the bike’s wheel into the delimiter so that it is locked. If the screen is not active, press the “V” button. When the “STOP” message appears and you hear two beeps, you’re good to go. If there is only one beep, you must put your bike back to lock it.

Discover cycle paths throughout Paris with the Vélib app or via this map.

French cabs are licensed by the local prefecture, which imposes strict rules regarding technical inspection, passenger capacity (maximum three) and working hours. Private minicabs do not really exist, and all cabs operate in the same way and at the same cost in each region. They tend to charge more depending on the time of day (i.e. early morning and late evening). Paris cabs can be called in the street, in the numerous cab stands found in each arrondissement or booked by phone. The cab companies in Paris are the following:

• G7 (G sept): You can download the app or call the company at 3607 (the call is not free.)
• PAM 75 for people with disabilities
• Alpha Taxis

If you are planning to travel in France or Europe after or during your studies, there are many starting points.

From three airports:

Orly airport

From or to Orly airport, you can use the following transportation:

• The RER B with a connection to Anthony with the OrlyVal shuttle – 35 minutes – €12,10
• The Orlybus – 30 minutes – €9,50
• Tramway T7 – 30 minutes – €1,90
• Bus 91-10 – 80 minutes – €6
• Tramway T9 + bus 183 – 60 minutes – €1,90
• RER C + 183 – 50 minutes – €6.40
  For further information, please visit the Paris airport website.
• Cabs: the flat-rate fare to Paris “rive droite” is €37, and to Paris “rive gauche” is €32. For further information, please visit the Paris airport website. Please note: real cabs are located in the stations at the arrival gates and are legally authorized to pick up customers. These official cabs can be identified by the illuminated sign on the roof of the vehicle. They must accept credit/debit cards as payment. We recommend that you book a trip in advance. If you are approached by people claiming to be cabs as you leave baggage claim, please refuse any offer of transport.

Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport:

From or to Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport, you can use the following transportation options

• RER B – between 35 and 25 minutes – €11,40
• Buses 350 & 351 – between 70 and 80 minutes – €6
• The RoissyBus – about 60 minutes – €12.50

For further information, please visit the Paris airport website.

• The SNCF Charles de Gaulle 2 train station offers several destinations throughout France.

For more information, please visit the Paris airport website.

• Cabs: the flat-rate fare to Paris “rive droite” is €53, and to Paris “rive gauche” is €58. For more information, please visit the Paris airport website. Please note: real cabs are located in the stations at the arrival gates and are legally authorized to pick up customers. These official cabs can be identified by the illuminated sign on the roof of the vehicle. They must accept credit/debit cards as payment. We recommend that you book a trip in advance. If you are approached by people claiming to be cabs as you leave baggage claim, please refuse any offer of transport.

Upon arrival, a wide range of services are available at both airports:

• ATMs if you need to withdraw cash. There are forty-five of them. For more information, please visit the Paris airport website.
• Exchange offices if you need to buy euros. There are three offices at Orly airport and fourteen at Charles de Gaulle airport. For further information, please visit the Paris airport website.

• Lost & Found offices If you’ve lost a personal item while passing through one of the airports, you can fill in an online form. If the item is found, it is sent to the Lost and Found Department of the Paris Police Headquarters. If an item is lost on board, in transit, in an airline lounge or on a boarding/disembarking bus, you must contact the airline’s baggage department. Any damaged or missing items must be declared before leaving the airport. For more information, please visit theParis airport website.
• Information kiosks help you stay informed and find your way around the airport. For further information, please visit the Paris airport website.

Beauvais Airport:

To and from Beauvais airport, you can use the following transport services:

• Paris-Beauvais shuttles: one-way ticket €15.90 – return ticket €29.00. For further information, please visit the airport website
• Regional train (TER) from Gare du Nord in Paris. For further information, please visit the airport website.
• Cabs: from Beauvais station to the airport, daytime cab fares are around €15 (7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays). The night rate is around €20 (from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Sundays and public holidays). The journey takes about 10 minutes. To get from Paris to the airport, you’ll need to pay around €170 for a day trip and €210 for a night trip. The journey takes between an hour and 90 minutes, depending on the time of day and your point of departure in Paris. We recommend that you book a cab in advance. For further information, please visit the airport website.

Upon arrival, many services can be offered to you:

• ATMs are available, as well as multi-currency ATMs.
• The Baggage and Lost Property Department can help you if your luggage is not delivered or if you forget something on the plane or at the airport. Any damaged or missing items must be reported before leaving the airport.

For more information on the above services, please visit the Beauvais airport website.

Transport by train from France :

• SNCF (transnational trains): Ouigo, Inoui, IDTGV, iDbus. Feel free to download the application SNCF Connect application.

In Paris, the SNCF stations are :

• Austerlitz station
• East Station
• Bercy Bourgogne – Pays d’Auvergne station

• Montparnasse train station
• North Station
• Gare de Lyon
• Saint Lazare train station

Rail travel in Europe

• Rail Europe
• Eurostar (Paris – London)

You can easily get to campus by metro, RER, or Vélib.

• The Eiffel campus is located in the 15th arrondissement.

Metro line 6 : Bir-Hakeim and Dupleix stations

Metro line 8 : La Motte-Piquet Grenelle station

Metro line 10 : Charles Michels station

RER C : Champs de Mars Tour Eiffel station

Bus 42 : stop rue Rouelle.

The nearest Velib stations: rue Emeriau, Boulevard de Genelle

• The La Villette campus is located in the 10th arrondissement.

Metro line 2 : Colonel Fabien station

Bus 75 : stop Sambre et Meuse

The nearest Velib station: Claude Vellefaux – Sambre et Meuse

• The Paris Auteuil campus is located in the 16th arrondissement.

Metro line 10 & 9 : Michel-Ange Molitor and Exelmans stations

Bus 62 : Exelmans stop

Bus 88 : Exelmans stop

The nearest Velib stations: Exelmans Michel-Ange and Molitor Michel-Ange

• The Cœur Défense campus is located in the La Défense business district.

Metro line 1 : Esplanade de la Défense station

Tramway T2 : La Défense – Grande Arche station

RER A, L, U : La Défense – Grande Arche station

The nearest Velib station : Arche-leonard de Vinci

Bakeries – between 5 and 12 euros

Boulangerie Le Gallic

133 avenue Emile Zola

Telephone: 01 45 75 20 64

Bakery and café: Le Fournil de Pierre

10 rue du commerce

Telephone: 01 45 75 16 48

A la petite chocolatière

66 avenue de la Motte Picquet

Telephone: 01 47 83 32 87

Boulangerie Poilâne

49 boulevard de Grenelle

Telephone: 01 45 79 11 49

Bakery SECCO

75 boulevard de Grenelle

Telephone: 01 45 67 17 40

Pistachio and chocolate

33/35 rue de lourmel

Telephone: 01 45 75 56 03

For those looking for gluten-free bakeries, you can find out more here.

International cuisine – between 5 and 15 euros

Brasserie Le Pont De Seine

1 boulevard de Grenelle

Telephone: 01 45 79 38 05

Café du Commerce

51 rue du Commerce

Telephone: 01 45 75 03 27

Le Bouquet de Grenelle

68 avenue de la motte Piquet

Telephone: 01 47 34 30 01

Café du Commerce

51 rue du Commerce

Telephone: 01 45 75 03 27

Main counter

29 boulevard de Grenelle

Telephone: 01 45 78 72 66

Bistrot dupleix

62 boulevard de Grenelle

Telephone: 01 45 77 24 96

Metropolitan

83 boulevard de grenelle

Telephone: 01 40 56 00 02

Le Pierrot

67 avenue de la Motte-Picquet

Telephone: 01 47 34 17 76

142 Contemporary creperie

59 Saint-Charles Street

Telephone: 01 40 59 84 01

Café Crêperie Suzette

117 boulevard de Grenelle

Telephone: 01 47 83 39 71

Au Moka

92 boulevard de grenelle

Telephone: 01 45 78 19 68

Tipaza (Eastern Cuisine)

150 avenue Emile Zola

Telephone: 01 45 79 22 25

Au dernier métro (Basque)

70 boulevard de grenelle

Telephone: 01 45 75 01 23

Pastapapa

7 rue Lourmel

Telephone: 01 45 77 66 47

Restaurant for high budgets – more than 20 euros

Tagawa (Japanese restaurant)

37 bis rue Rouelle

Telephone: 01 45 75 93 21

Le Concert de Cuisine (Japanese restaurant)

14 rue nélaton

Telephone: 01 40 58 10 15

Le Court Bouillon

51 rue du théâtre

Telephone: 01 45 77 08 18

L’Abreuvoir

24 Dr. Finlay Street

Telephone: 01 45 77 14 59

The campus cafeteria

We have a cafeteria on campus for you to enjoy your lunch. You can use the cafeteria from Monday to Friday.

You can also bring your own lunch. We have microwaves at your disposal.

Bakery – between 5 – 12 euros

Baker – Patissier

50 avenue de Flandre, 75019 Paris

6 € for lunch

International cuisine – between 10 and 15 euros

Kimsou (burgers)

30 avenue de Flandre, 75019 Paris

Piatto (pizza, pasta)

32 avenue de Flandre, 75019 Paris

McDonald’s

2 avenue Secrétan – 75019 Paris

Professor wings

49 rue de l’Aqueduc, 75010 Paris

French cuisine – around 7 euros

Typick Café

37 quai de la Seine – 75019 Paris

6.90 € the student menu

Bakery – between 5 – 12 euros

Bakery

186 avenue de Versailles

75016 Paris

Bakery

100 Boileau Street

75016 Paris

Bakery

34 boulevard Exelmans

75016 Paris

Bakery

152 avenue de Versailles

75016 Paris

Catering

95 boulevard Exelmans

International cuisine – between 10 and 15 euros

O’Tacos

211 avenue de Versailles

75016 Paris

McDonald’s

234 avenue de Versailles

75016 Paris

Sakura

50 boulevard Exelmans

75016 Paris

Tokyo flavours

158 avenue de Versailles

75016 Paris

Big Buddha

107 Boulevard Exelmans

75016 Paris

French cuisine- between 10 and 20 euros

Le Trinquet

8 quai Saint Exupéry

75016 Paris

L’Indiana Café

2 place de la porte de Saint Cloud

75016 Paris

Moliteuil Brewery

55 rue Molitor

75016 Paris

CROUS restaurants

There are 15 university restaurants around Paris. Find the list here !