Living in Paris
Discovering Paris
Paris is one of Europe’s great cultural capitals: an inventive, vibrant, and cosmopolitan city that inspires both artists and art enthusiasts. Located within the Parc de La Villette, our institution fully benefits from the cultural richness of Paris and the energy of its artistic venues.
Studying in Paris means becoming part of a global city where tradition, contemporary creation, and exceptional cultural diversity come together.
Paris guides
- Paris je t’aime – Tourist information office
- Visit Paris Region
Some information about Paris and about the 19th district (where the Conservatory is located)
- Ville de Paris
- 19th discrit city hall Mairie du 19ème arrondissement
Health insurance
Health insurance is mandatory during your studies in Paris. Students are strongly encouraged to take out international or European health insurance in their country of origin before their arrival.
European students: the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows access to medical care in France under the same conditions as French insured persons.
Non-European students: it is advisable to take out international insurance covering routine medical care and emergencies. Certain nationalities must also provide specific documents; check with the authorities in your country.
More information
Liability insurance
This insurance, which covers material damage and bodily injury caused to third parties, is compulsory for all students in France. It is generally included in housing insurance, which is itself compulsory for tenants.
If your insurance policy taken out in your country of origin covers civil liability abroad, you can provide a corresponding certificate. If not, you will need to take out insurance in France. Civil liability insurance is inexpensive and offered by many insurance companies and banks (MAIF, Matmut, MMA, Axa, Allianz, StudyAssur, etc.).
This insurance is compulsory: you will be asked to provide a certificate in order to finalise your administrative registration and obtain your student card.
Visa
Before your departure, please check whether you need a visa to study in France.
Official information: France visas
If you are unsure about the procedures, please contact the French embassy or consulate in your country.
List of French embassies
General rules
Students from the European Union
You may enter France without a visa and stay freely. For a mobility longer than 3 months (for example, in the case of a semester or year exchange), no residence permit is required, but it is strongly recommended that you hold a valid passport.
Non‑European students
A long‑stay visa (VLS‑TS student) is generally required. Once you have been accepted by the institution, you should begin the visa process immediately, as it may take more than a month. An admission letter will be provided to help you prepare your application.
Detailed information
Passport
Make sure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay, plus at least six months after your planned return date.
Useful tips
Currency
The official currency in France is the euro (€). Updated exchange rates can be consulted on the website of the Banque de France or the European Central Bank.
Emergency numbers
Police: 17
Firefighters: 18
SAMU (medical emergency): 15
European emergency number: 112