Not all classrooms have four walls. Experience can be one of our greatest teachers, providing some of life’s most enduring and impactful lessons. If you’re reading this, chances are you don’t need to be convinced why studying abroad is one of the most valuable and enriching experiences, providing you with the necessary skills to live and work in a diverse world. No, you’ve likely already made the decision to uproot your academic life for a year by studying abroad in Paris, France — now what?
We asked some of the students enrolled in the Paris program at CIEE –the country’s oldest and largest nonprofit, NGO study abroad and intercultural exchange organization – to shed some insight on student life in Paris near their campus in the 2nd arrondissement. Through CIEE’s Global Institute in Paris, students from all over the world immerse themselves in French culture through the opportunity to stay at a local homestay, take French language courses at the Université Paris Diderot, volunteer at local community organizations, intern, or participate in weekend excursions and extra-curricular activities — all while maintaining their academic studies in the classroom through one of CIEE’s six academic tracks.
What better way to learn the secret spots of Paris (like where to find free WiFi), than through the fresh lens of a current study abroad student. Read on as the students of CIEE’s Global Institute in Paris share how to make the most out of your student ID at the Louvre, the proper way to enjoy a cappuccino and a pâtisserie, and fully immerse yourself in the Parisian way. Visit CIEE’s website to discover even more program destinations and to learn how you can design your own unforgettable study abroad experience.
Eat / Drink
1/4
Perfect place to grab a snack on the go…
Paris is known for its corner cafes, boulangeries (bakeries) and pâtisserie (pastry shops). You can’t go wrong with a slice of cake to go, along with a cup of artisan coffee from Matamata Coffee or a freshly baked croissant from popular artisan boulanger, Maison Kayser. For something sweet, opt for Stohrer – it’s the oldest pâtisserie in Paris! If you’re extra hungry, order Frenchie to-go.
2/4
Best workspace with the strongest WiFi…
The lobby ofThe Hoxton Hotel, located on Rue du Sentier, near the CIEE campus, has comfortable chairs and strong wifi – it’s a student’s best kept secret. La Chambre Aux Oiseaux has a charming, laid back atmosphere and great food. A bit more out of the way, Le Café Lomi in the 18th arrondissement is another hidden gem.
3/4
Coolest coffee spots…
Too many to name – Le Peloton Café has great coffee and waffles. Boot Café and Ob-La-Di Café are both cozy, no fuss coffee shops, while Café Oberkampf or Fragments are better suited to sit and meet a friend.
4/4
Where to go when the parents are paying…
Le Brebant is one of the oldest brasseries in the city, with a quirky tropical meets vintage interior that both you and your parents will appreciate. Le Bouillon Chartier is another legendary traditional french brasserie with an elegant ambiance (yet affordable meals) and open dining room space, known for its famous sideboards where regulars kept their own napkins.
Shop
1/3
Best place to shop for souvenirs…
Take a walk by the Seine and browse the bouquinistes (bookstores). They are iconically Parisian, selling everything from vintage postcards, books, posters and 1920’s-inspired souvenirs.
2/3
Unique store exclusive to Paris…
Merci is a concept store that’s best described as an experience. Browse the well-curated retail selection of clothing, books, magazines, homeware and cookware while you enjoy a drink or snack from the basement.
3/3
Shop like a local…
At Réciproque, a consignment store with an impressive collection so you can master the iconic Parisian style with a small budget.
Culture
1/5
Where to soak in views of the Eiffel Tower…
Pont de Bir-Hakeim, the bridge that connects the 15th and 16th arrondissements is a popular, albeit worthwhile, viewing spot. Other public places include the Jardins du Trocadéro, rue Saint Dominique and Parvis de Trocadéro.
2/5
An authentically Parisian experience (or two)…
Shopping at one of the city’s iconic markets – Marche des Enfants Rouges is one of the city’s oldest outdoor markets, while Marché Mouffetard and Marché d’Aligre are great for fresh produce, flowers, wine, jams and cheese.
3/5
Bustling spots for people watching…
Rue des Martyrs is an old street with speciality retailers and great local people watching. If the weather is nice, opt to sit outside near a fountain at the Jardin du Luxembourg.
4/5
Tourist trap that’s totally worth it…
The Eiffel Tower – of course – or a river cruise down the Seine.
5/5
Museums & attractions other than the Louvre…
With a student ID and student Visa many museums are free. Palais de Tokyo is a progressive and popular museum for modern art enthusiasts, as is the Centre Pompidou, which holds the largest collection of modern art in Paris. True art affectionados will visit The Musée de l’Orangerie to view famous works by Monet, Cézanne, Matisse and Picasso.
Being
1/3
Best way to spend a day outdoors…
Wake up early to climb the 300 or stairs of the dome of the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre. It stands on the highest point of Paris with unforgettable views of the city and the Eiffel Tower. Afterwards, head to the Jardin Des Tuileries and relax by one of the garden’s two ponds.
2/3
Where to de-stress and take your mind off of class…
On the weekend, Parc des Buttes Chaumont is the perfect place for hiking and picnicking with a good book on its green meadow, overlooking Temple Sybille. For a post-finals relaxation binge, the hammam at La Grande Mosquée de Paris is considered the best bathhouse in Paris (even better – it’s affordable).
3/3
Don’t leave Paris without…
Having a memorable picnic on the banks of the river Seine with some fresh fruit, cheese, a baguette, and your new study abroad friends.
