Living in Paris
Living in Paris is not only about studying or working; it also means learning how to get around, communicate, open yourself to a new culture, and find your daily bearings.
Whether you are a student or a researcher, this page gives you all the keys to: learn and practice French, discover the local culture, enjoy great tips, get around easily, eat well without spending too much, and above all… feel at home in Paris.
The Welcome Desk is open at the start of the academic year, and the acc&ss Paris Centre service remains available all year round.
LEARN FRENCH IN PARIS
Whether you are an international student or researcher, there are many ways to learn French in Paris, depending on your level, pace, and budget.
FLE Courses at the Cité Internationale
“Qualité FLE” Accredited Schools
Self-learning Resources
EXPLORE PARIS
Paris is about more than just studying: culture, sports, meeting people… find ideas to enrich your stay.
La Cité internationale universitaire de Paris
A multicultural campus in the heart of Paris, the Cité Internationale hosts over 12,000 students and researchers from 150 countries every year in a 34-hectare park.
Take part in Cité Internationale events
Exhibitions, concerts, lectures… More than 1,000 events are organized each year in the Cité’s houses. Most are free and open to all.
Experience the Cité to the fullest
With its 47 houses, community garden, “Vélo Volant” bike workshop, music studios, theater, sports facilities, and guided tours, the Cité offers countless ways to discover, create, and share every day.
👉 Discover everything the Cité has to offer at ciup.fr
Tips for discovering Paris
Here you’ll find simple and affordable ideas to explore and enjoy Paris every day.
Explore the city
Join free tours with New Paris Tour or Paris Greeters, and meet French families through the Club International des Jeunes à Paris or équipes d'accueil et d'amitié pour les étudiants étrangers (student friendship networks).
Enjoy good deals
With Kiosques jeunes, get free tickets or discounts for shows and museums. Centres Paris Anim’ also offer cultural activities open to all.
Online resources : Paris.fr • Time Out • Visit Paris Region
💡 Tip: The Welcome Desk Paris shares its best deals all year round so you can enjoy Paris on a budget!
PARIS: A PRACTICAL GUIDE
Are you arriving in Paris for your studies or research? Here’s the essential information to get started smoothly and save time with your daily procedures.
📄 Essential Administrative Procedures
– Valider votre visa ou demander votre carte de séjour
– Register with the French health insurance system to get your medical expenses reimbursed
– Apply for housing benefits (CAF)
💡 Tips : The Welcome Desk Paris guides you step by step to prepare your files and understand the procedures.
Outside of the Welcome Desk period, don’t worry, acc&ss Paris Centre is available all year round !
🚇 Getting Around Paris
The Paris transport network
Paris has an extensive public transport system: metro, bus, tram, RER, and suburban trains serve the entire city. To travel, you’ll need a transport card.
– Under 26? Choose the Imagine R Étudiant pass: unlimited travel for a year at a reduced price.
– Otherwise, get a Navigo card (weekly, monthly, or yearly).
💡 Tip: For most daily trips, a pass covering zones 1–3 is enough.
Travel occasionally? Choose a Liberté+ card which only charges you on days you travel.
You can create your card on the Île-de-France Mobilités website or visit the Welcome Desk Paris for assistance.
Exploring Paris by bike
Vélib’ Métropole: rent a mechanical or electric bike by the minute, with student plans or one-time tickets.
Véligo Location: rent an electric bike for several months, ideal for long stays.
💡 Tip: At rush hour, biking is often faster than the metro!
Must-have apps
Citymapper or Bonjour RATP for real-time journeys, Vélib’ to unlock bikes, and Île-de-France Mobilités to manage your transport passes.
💳 Opening a Bank Account in France
Having a French bank account makes daily life easier: paying rent and subscriptions, receiving your scholarship or salary, and getting reimbursed for healthcare costs. When you open an account, you’ll get a RIB (bank details), required for transfers and direct debits.
Examples of banks: BNP Paribas, LCL, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole, La Banque Postale…
Documents you’ll need:
– Valid passport + visa or residence permit (if required)
– Proof of address (rental contract, utility bill, or housing certificate)
– Enrollment certificate, scholarship letter, or researcher hosting letter
– Proof of financial resources (scholarship, funding, salary, etc.)
💡 Tip: Ask for online banking to track your account and pay anywhere directly from your phone.
👉 Need help preparing your file? Visit the Welcome Desk Paris: our team will guide you step by step.
ℹ️ Good to Know (plus convivial, style guide étudiant)
Eating on a Budget
Paris offers many solutions for affordable meals.
Discount supermarkets: Lidl, Aldi, Leader Price, Franprix…
University restaurants (Crous): full meals at €1 for scholarship holders, €3.30 for other students.
Too Good To Go: get discounted food baskets from unsold items.
Food aid : The City of Paris and several associations offer free food support for students.
School Holidays and Public Holidays
School Holidays – Zone C (Paris)
All Saints: Oct 18 – Nov 3, 2025
Christmas: Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 5, 2026
Winter: Feb 14 – Mar 2, 2026
Spring: Apr 11 – Apr 27, 2026
Summer: from Jul 4, 2026
Public Holidays in 2026
All Saints: Nov 1
Armistice 1918: Nov 11
Christmas: Dec 25
New Year’s Day: Jan 1
Easter Monday: Apr 6
Labour Day: May 1
Victory in Europe Day: May 8
Ascension Day: May 14
Whit Monday: May 25
Bastille Day: Jul 14
Assumption: Aug 15
Emergency Numbers
SAMU (medical emergencies) : 15
Police / Gendarmerie : 17
Fire Brigade : 18
European emergency number : 112
Emergency for the deaf/hard of hearing (SMS or fax) : 114
POn-duty pharmacies : 3237
Nightline Paris (student support, 9:30pm – 2:30 am) : 01 88 32 12 32
Find the full list of emergency and support numbers on official websites.
