Paris
The City of Light
Paris, the capital of France, offers students at the Paris campus of ECV, the creative school, an ideal setting for training in Design, 2D3D Animation, Game and Digital. With its rich cultural heritage, its many internship and job opportunities, and its artistic dynamism, Paris is a real springboard for future design and visual communication professionals trained by ECV.
Transport
How to get around Paris?
Paris has a complete metro system with 16 lines covering the city and its suburbs. The metro is one of the fastest ways to get around the city, and stations are well signposted and easy to navigate.
Bus/ Underground/ RER:
- Single ticket €2.10
- Book of 10 tickets €16.90
Unlimited annual transport pass:
- Student fare: €365 per year
Links/Princing:
https://www.ratp.fr/titres-et-tarifs
https://www.ratp.fr/en/titres-et-tarifs
The Paris bus network covers areas not served by the metro. Buses run throughout the city and into the suburbs, offering extra flexibility.
Bus/ Underground/ RER:
- Single ticket €2.10
- Book of 10 tickets €16.90
Unlimited annual transport pass:
- Student fare: €365 per year
Links/Princing:
https://www.ratp.fr/titres-et-tarifs
https://www.ratp.fr/en/titres-et-tarifs
Paris has several tramway lines linking different districts and suburbs, making it a practical means of transport for short and medium distances, particularly in areas less well served by the metro.
Bus/ Underground/ RER:
- Single ticket €2.10
- Book of 10 tickets €16.90
Unlimited annual transport pass:
- Student fare: €365 per year
Links/Princing:
https://www.ratp.fr/titres-et-tarifs
https://www.ratp.fr/en/titres-et-tarifs
The RER is a network of express trains linking the city centre with the suburbs and surrounding regions. RER lines are identified by letters (e.g. RER A, RER B) and provide faster connections over longer distances.
Bus/ Underground/ RER:
- Single ticket €2.10
- Book of 10 tickets €16.90
Unlimited annual transport pass:
- Student fare: €365 per year
Links/Princing:
https://www.ratp.fr/titres-et-tarifs
https://www.ratp.fr/en/titres-et-tarifs
Paris offers a bike-sharing scheme called Velib’, which allows residents and visitors to hire bikes for short journeys around the city.
Link: https://www.velib-metropole.fr/
The Seine flows through Paris, and the Batobus is a river shuttle service that stops at various points along the river, offering a picturesque mode of transport.
Link : https://www.batobus.com/fr
Lifestyle
Cost of living in Paris
These estimates are given as a guide and may vary according to your lifestyle and needs.
Student budget in Paris per month:
- Minimum: €950
- Average: €1150-€1350
- Maximum: 1650€+
Key aspects:
- Housing: 600€-900€
- Food: €250-€350
- Transport: €22.80+.
Finding accommodation
Here are some useful links to help you find accommodation and prepare for your move.
Nexity Studéa
Nexity Studéa: student residences and accommodation. In partnership with Nexity Studea, we offer you a range of student residences in 50 towns and cities in France: 120 furnished, equipped and connected residences. Communal living areas to make it easier for tenants to integrate into the residence. Group activities to encourage conviviality between residents.
Studapart
Studapart offers accommodation for rent in student residences and with landlords in over 40 towns and cities in France. You can book your flat directly on the dedicated platform. International students will be able to find accommodation before they arrive in France and will receive their accommodation certificate to help them obtain their visa.
Ensemble2Générations
This is a network for intergenerational cohabitation.E2G is a general interest association, open to all, whose primary objective is intergenerational housing. By bringing generations together and helping older people to remain at home, E2G is providing an appropriate response to the aging of the population. While supporting family carers, E2G enables students to find alternative solutions. You can download the brochure by clicking here, with the different formulas on offer. Don’t hesitate to contact the person mentioned in the brochure directly to sign up.
Housing Assistance
The Caisse d’allocations familiales (CAF) is a French organisation governed by private law which allows you to claim the Aide Personnalisé au Logement Étudiant (APL)! Like all French students, you can apply online via the CAF website: APL Étudiant 2022: conditions, procedures, simulation | Mes-Allocs.fr
Visting Paris
Paris is often referred to as the ‘capital of culture‘ due to its unrivalled contributions to the worlds of art, literature, fashion, gastronomy and intellectual pursuits. The city’s cultural importance dates back several centuries, and a number of factors contribute to this well-deserved reputation.
Start your day with a visit to a local bakery for fresh, crisp baguettes and delicious pastries. Croissants, pains au chocolat and éclairs are among the iconic French pastries to sample.
Explore local markets, such as Marché Bastille or Marché des Enfants Rouges, for fresh produce, cheeses, meats and more. Many markets also have food stalls where you can sample a variety of dishes.
Paris is full of bistros, brasseries and wine bars offering a huge variety of menus. Look for places with a local atmosphere, where you can enjoy both French and international dishes.
Paris has many wine bars where you can enjoy a variety of wines accompanied by cheese or charcuterie.
Venture beyond the tourist areas to discover authentic neighbourhood restaurants. These establishments often offer a more authentic experience and may be frequented by locals.
Paris is home to many Michelin-starred restaurants, offering innovative, high-quality cuisine. If you’re looking for an exceptional dining experience, consider trying one of these establishments. Be sure to book well in advance.
Take the time to sit down in a classic Parisian café and enjoy a meal or a coffee. It’s a great way to soak up the local atmosphere. The Saint-Germain-des-Prés district is particularly well known for its historic literary cafés.
Before your trip, research the most popular restaurants and read the reviews. Websites like TripAdvisor, Yelp and local food blogs can give you pointers to the best places to eat.
Ask locals for recommendations:
Don’t hesitate to ask locals about their favourite restaurants. They often have valuable information about hidden places that tourists don’t necessarily know about.
Don’t forget that Parisian gastronomy isn’t just about fine dining, it’s also about savouring the simple pleasures of fresh, quality ingredients. Enjoy exploring the culinary delights Paris has to offer!
Instagram account to follow: @leguideultime
Paris has long been a hub for artists, attracting painters, sculptors, writers and musicians from all over the world. The city is home to iconic art institutions such as the Louvre, which houses a vast collection of masterpieces, and the Musée d’Orsay, which specialises in Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.
Paris has been a source of literary inspiration for centuries. Renowned writers such as Victor Hugo, Ernest Hemingway and James Joyce found inspiration in its streets and cafés. The city’s historic literary cafés, such as Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore, have been meeting places for intellectuals and writers.
The Paris cityscape is adorned with architectural marvels such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur. These structures not only contribute to the city’s beauty, but also serve as cultural and historical symbols.
Paris is synonymous with haute couture and is a world capital of fashion. The city hosts prestigious events such as Paris Fashion Week, where top designers showcase their latest creations. The districts of Paris, particularly the Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, are famous for their fashion boutiques.
Paris is home to many cultural institutions, including theatres, opera houses and concert halls. The Opéra Garnier and Palais Garnier are renowned for their performances, while venues such as the Philharmonie de Paris host world-class musical events.
Paris has a long history as an intellectual centre, with renowned universities such as the Sorbonne attracting researchers and thinkers. The city’s intellectual heritage is evident in its bookshops, libraries and vibrant intellectual discourse.
Paris hosts a plethora of cultural events throughout the year, from art exhibitions and film festivals to literary festivals and cultural celebrations. These events contribute to the city’s dynamic cultural landscape.
La Seine Musicale
Located on the Ile Seguin in Boulogne-Billancourt, this is an iconic venue for music in Paris. This ultramodern concert hall offers a varied programme, from classical music to rock, in a spectacular setting on the banks of the Seine. Some concerts are €10 for under 28s.
Musée d’Orsay
Housed in a former railway station, this museum is dedicated to Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, with works by Monet, Van Gogh, Degas and many others.
The Centre Pompidou
Known for its bold architecture, it houses collections of modern and contemporary art, as well as a library, cinema and research centre.
The Musée de l’Orangerie
Located in the Tuileries gardens, it exhibits Monet’s famous Water Lilies, as well as an impressive collection of modern art.
The Rodin Museum
Dedicated to the work of sculptor Auguste Rodin, here you’ll find iconic sculptures including The Thinker and The Kiss.
Nightlife
Paris boasts a vibrant and diverse nightlife, offering a plethora of opportunities for entertainment, socialising and cultural experiences. Here’s a brief overview of the nightlife options in the French capital:
Cafés and bars, Nightclubs, Cabarets… Also discover the city’s music scene at venues like Le Trianon or La Cigale, where you can catch concerts by local and international artists in genres ranging from jazz and rock to electronic and indie.
Each area of Paris has its own unique charm, and you can discover the local nightlife by exploring areas such as Pigalle, Belleville or the Latin Quarter, each offering a distinct atmosphere and entertainment options.
Some neighborhoods
- The Pigalle District – Famous for its lively nightclubs and bars, Pigalle is the perfect place for a night of partying in Paris.
- The Latin Quarter – A vibrant student area, the Latin Quarter offers a multitude of bars and clubs for night owls.
- The Rex Club – An iconic venue on the Paris techno scene, known for its legendary electro nights.
- Le Perchoir – Rooftop bars offering uninterrupted views over the city and a relaxed atmosphere.
