French regions
France is Europe's most exciting country to explore with its incredible diversity: culture and heritage, tradition and food, town or country. Use your time studying in France to explore a colourful country!
ÎLE-DE-FRANCE: A CAPITAL REGION
As a world capital of art, fashion, food, literature, and ideas, Paris, aka the City of Light, has countless historic monuments, cultural event and chances for evening out. From nights out in Paris to walks in the woods surrounding the town, there's so much to see in Île-de-France: Notre-Dame Cathedral, Ile St. Louis, The Latin Quarter, Saint-Chapelle, the Louvre, the Orsay Museum, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Opéra Garnier... you name it.
Remember to visit cities such as Versailles, Fontainebleau, Giverny, Chartres, while you are studying in France!
NORMANDY - THE GOOD LIFE
People go to Normandy for its gentle climate, wooded countryside, half-timbered towns, cows and steeples, as well as sweeping coastlines. You should also admire the cliffs of Fécamp, be speechless at the sight of Mont-Saint-Michel, walk the beaches of D-Day, and follow the path of William the Conqueror. Go and explore Normandy.
Rouen - Honfleur - Bayeux - D-Day Beaches - Mont St-Michel
BRITTANY - LAND OF MYSTERY
Brittany. A region of tradition and character, where the story of the sea meets the story of the Celts. There you can walk across the mist-covered moors before tasting seafood in a Morbihan fishing port. From Brest harbour to the lively streets of Rennes, Brittany is awaiting discovery.
Dinan - Saint-Malo - Fougères
PAYS DE LA LOIRE
The Pays de la Loire region is characterised by its long beaches, islands swept by the ocean spray and dunes as far as the eye can see. It is an ideal destination for those in search of fresh air. Cultural life in Nantes is famously dynamic. From the cathedral in Le Mans to the saltwater marshes of Guérande, the Pays de le Loire is worth the visit.
THE CENTRE-VAL-DE-LOIRE REGION
The Central-Val-de-Loire region was the cradle of the French Renaissance; the majestic châteaux that line the river testify to that. The banks of the Loire are favourite destinations for fans of bicycle tourism - which is one of the best ways to explore the Centre Val de Loire region.
NOUVELLE-AQUITAINE
Bordeaux - Biarritz - Sarlat-la-Canéda - Cro-Magnon Caves - St-Émilion - Rocamadour - Lot River Valley
With 250 kilometres of beaches, historic towns, châteaux and vineyards, Nouvelle-Aquitaine has something for everyone. If you don't want to go surfing at Biarritz, take a boat tour in the Poitevin marshlands, or perhaps go on a wine-tasting detour into the vineyards surrounding Bordeaux. There are so many things to do as there are opportunities to explore Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
AUVERGNE-RHÔNE-ALPES
The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is a land of volcanos and snow-covered peaks. From the springs of Evian to the slopes of Mont-Blanc, choose from amongst the ski stations and the thermal spas. The region's capital, Lyon, has been among France's leading cities since Roman times. Once you are settled in this city, the big city feels relaxed and welcoming.
THE GRAND-EST
Steeped in history, in the First World War, the Grand Est was the scene of major battles, such as the Battle of Verdun. Once there you can visit Strasbourg, the European capital, and also the vineyards of Champagne and Alsace, or the Vosges mountains. Why wait? Set out now to explore the Grand-Est.
Hauts-de-France, land of the North
Hauts-de-France region is dotted with cathedrals, bell towers and citadels, and its plains bear witness to its mining history. Lille's carnivals and street market are the chance to try the best chips in France, before sauntering to the Côte d’Opale. There's so much to discover in Hauts-de-France.
CORSICA
With its villages perched up high and its hiking trails, the beaches and heavenly seabeds, Corsica has more than one attraction for visitors. From Calvi to the Gulf of Bonifacio, through the Citadel of Corte, this beautiful island holds more than one surprise in store for you. Don't hesitate to explore Corsica.
Burgundy Franche-Comté: the art of living
The Burgundy Franche-Comté region is renowned for its vineyards. It's also home of delicious escargots. Use the region's many canals to stop off and enjoy all the different culinary delights from Dijon to Châlons-sur-Saône before reaching the Jura, with its magnificent view of the Alps. Discover Burgundy Franche Comté.
Occitanie: life in the sun
Nestled against the Pyrenees and bordered by the Mediterranean, Occitanie has a wide variety of countryside and activities. Its inhabitants take the time to enjoy life and share the excellent regional specialties, such as the famous foie gras. From rose-coloured Toulouse to Catalonian Perpignan, Occitanie is ripe for exploration.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur: concentrated Mediterranean
From the beaches of the French Riviera to the mountains of Mercantour, the "PACA" region is covered with fields of Provencal lavender, marinas and "calanques" - the rocky creeks found in the area. Roam the laneways of Marseilles and listen to the sing-song accent of the locals before heading for the Esterel and Italy. Explore the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region.