France
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Study abroad in France and explore world-famous heritage sites, try internationally renowned cuisine and spend days checking out artistic masterpieces.
From the cosmopolitan streets of Paris to the lush parks and gardens of Nantes, the sophisticated markets of Nice to the charming town of Arles, our study abroad programs in France offer it all.
Experience la vie française firsthand by studying abroad in France with us. Courses and excursions make your host city into your classroom. Take in an opera or ballet at Le Palais Garnier, spend the afternoon in Nantes’ Jardin des Plantes, explore chateaux in the south of France, and more.
Located in Provence on the Mediterranean coast, Arles is full of beautiful architecture and rich history, as the city has been inhabited by the ancient Romans and artists like Picasso and Van Gogh.
The sixth largest city in France, Nantes has a strong student culture, and provides a complete immersion into French culture in Western France, along the Loire River.
Le musée des Beaux-Arts de Nantes
Nantes' fine arts museum houses a wide variety of collections, dating from the 12th century through the modern era. With works from renowned artists like Courbet, Delacroix, Monet, Picasso and Rousseau, the museum serves as a great field study destination for IES Abroad art history courses.
Passage Pommeraye
An architectural delight and a shopper's must, this narrow passageway of galleries fills three levels and is covered by a canopied glass ceiling. Located between two streets in central Nantes, the Passage Pommeraye was listed as a historical monument in 1973.
Cathedral St. Pierre
Built in stages between 1434 and 1891, the Cathedral is famous for the elevation of its nave and the tomb of Francois II. This great masterpiece of the Renaissance carries a wealth of history as well as aesthetic pleasure.
Le Cours Cambronne
Constructed by local architect Mathurin Crucy in 1791, Cours Cambronne is a public square and garden famous for its statue of Pierre Jacques Étienne Cambronne, general during the French Revolution.
Nice is an international metropolis for research, business, technology, and innovation on the Southeastern Mediterranean coast compete with the rich culture, delicious cuisine, and the beautiful coast of the French Riviera.
As the capital and largest city in France, Paris is one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities and home to world-class universities, museums, cuisine, and historic landmarks.
Eiffel Tower
No trip to Paris is complete without a stop at the Eiffel Tower! Built in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel for the Paris Exposition, it was the tallest structure in the world at the time. Enjoy the view from the top by day and the romance of illuminated Paris by night.
The Louvre
The glass pyramid entrance leads visitors to the art-lover's dreams.
Notre Dame
Now under re-construction after a devastaing fire, this world-famous Gothic Cathedral remains a symbol of Paris. Take in its glory and 850+ years of history when you study abroad in Paris.
The Latest from France
My City of Light
I've always just accepted that Paris is known as the City of Lights. But last Saturday night, as a friend and I were walking along the Seine, I looked around finally and asked why Paris, lovely as it is, is called the City of Lights. It seems just as well (or unwell) lit as any other city.
My hypotheses were probably a bit elementary at first:
- It could be the Eiffel Tower at night, but that seems a bit typecasted even for Paris.
My Favorite Maison-Turned-Museums in Paris
The galleries and museums in Paris are inexhaustible. To make the list a bit less overwhelming, here are my top three intimate and less tourist populated museums (that were all former homes to their main artist) to visit during your time in this great city!
Nine Foods you’ll find in Nantes (beginners edition)
Nantes is a wonderful place to live and study, and an equally wonderful place to eat. I’ve had many great meals at crêperies, French restaurants, boulangeries, Italian restaurants, farmer’s markets, Indian restaurants, Japanese restaurants and at my host family’s home. While I’ve tried a whole lot of great things, I would still consider myself a beginner when it comes both to gastronomical expertise as well as Nantes-specific cuisine.
On Calling Your Parents
In hindsight, I'm a bit of a nightmare child. But I feel like this applies to everyone in college, not just abroad. Call your parents! Not just for emergencies either!
25 Goals for 25 Days Remaining
As I near the end of my study abroad experience, I can use three words to describe my feeings. Firstly, I feel grateful. My experience is not over yet, but being close to leaving allows me to reflect on the great opportunities I have had. The second word is overwhelmed. I realize that the finals schedule is approaching, that there are still places I want to explore, and that my life will transition again soon.
