Paris vs. Nice: Where Should You Study Abroad?

Choosing between Paris vs. Nice for your study abroad adventure is a dream dilemma – do you want to live in France's iconic capital city or it’s sunny Mediterranean city? Whether you’re debating “should I study in Paris or Nice?” or just trying to figure out the vibe of each city, here’s your much-needed breakdown!

Location Vibe

Paris is fast-paced, artsy, global, and packed with the kind of history and culture you’ve been studying since middle school. Think café terraces, world-class museums, late-night metros, and endless neighborhoods to explore. If you want the energy of a major European capital every single day, Paris delivers.

Nice is slower, sunnier, and honestly, kind of dreamy. The French Riviera lifestyle is real – morning classes, afternoon beach hangs, and sunsets on the Promenade des Anglais. It’s the perfect place if you want a more relaxed environment but still want museums, festivals, great food, and easy access to other Mediterranean destinations.

Cost of Living & Budgeting

Overall, Nice vs. Paris comes down to one main thing: Price. Paris is one of Europe’s most expensive cities, especially for housing and dining out. Nice tends to be more affordable, especially for student-friendly food and transportation.

If budgeting is a top priority, Nice offers a little more breathing room. But if your dream is to live the Parisian lifestyle – even if it means mastering the art of cheap baguette dinners – Paris might still be your move.

Read More: What to Know Before Studying Abroad in the French Riviera

Academic Environment

Paris is packed with universities, study centers, and libraries, which means you’re surrounded by students and academic resources. You’ll find courses in business, the arts, sustainability, and more, surrounded by scholars from around the world.

Nice offers a more intimate academic feel. Classes often feel smaller and more community-oriented. It’s great if you want closer relationships with your professors and classmates while studying at a slower pace.

Social Scene & Student Life

Concerts, exhibitions, cafés, nightlife, festivals – Paris has it all. Student life is fast, diverse, and full of activities. There’s always somewhere to go and something to do (and someone to do it with).

Nice leans more social in a “let’s go for a swim and then grab gelato” way. The international student crowd is big but more low-key, with lots of outdoor activities: Hiking, beaches, weekend trips to Monaco or Italy, and casual nights out.

Read More: What to Know Before Studying Abroad in the French Riviera

Language Immersion

Want deep French immersion? Both Paris vs. France offer it, but in different ways.

Paris has more English speakers, so you might find yourself defaulting to English if you’re not intentional. Nice gives you more opportunities to use French daily, especially with locals who don’t immediately switch languages.

If improving your French is a top priority, Nice may give you more consistent practice.

Read More: Top 4 Places to Study French Abroad

Which City is Right For You?

To break it down simply, choose Paris if you want:

• A big-city, cultural capital experience
• Nonstop events and things to do
• The feeling of living in one of the world’s most iconic cities

Choose Nice if you want:

• Sunshine and beach days year-round
• A slower, more relaxed lifestyle
• A more affordable study abroad semester

Not sure? Remember – Paris and Nice are only about a 6-hour train ride apart. (Yes, that answers the classic question “how far is Nice from Paris, France?”) You can always visit the other city on a weekend trip and enjoy a 6-hour scenic train ride!

Top 3 Study Abroad Programs in Paris with CIEE

If Paris is on your radar, here are three CIEE programs to consider as you map out your study abroad experience:

Featured Program #1: Semester in Paris

A whole semester with Paris as your campus? Yes, please! Take classes that actually excite you, explore world-famous museums between lectures, and build your resume with optional internships or projects. It’s academics meets baguettes and gallery strolls.  

• Program Length: 18 weeks
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
• Cost: $21,950
• Featured Course: Fashion and Business in France
• Excursion Highlight: Take a stroll in the Montparnasse neighborhood to learn about the area’s influence on art and literature

Read More: Best 8 Paris Study Abroad Programs

Featured Program #2: Open Campus Block

With Paris as one of your Open Campus Block options, you can spend 6 (or up to18) weeks studying in the City of Light before heading to two other global CIEE Centers. Build your dream trio of cities and make Paris your perfect starting point (or grand finale).

• Program Length: 6 or up to 18 weeks
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
• Cost: $7,450
• Featured Course: Contemporary French Cinema
• Excursion Highlight: Participate in a cheese, croissant, and macaron tasting to find your favorite French food

Featured Program #3: Business + Culture

Take your business skills global in Paris. You’ll dive into European markets, explore local companies, and experience the culture that shapes them – all while living your best Paris life.

• Program Length: 18 weeks
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
• Cost: $21,950
• Featured Course: International Marketing
• Excursion Highlight: See the Mona Lisa with your own eyes at the Louvre Museum

Read More: EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: PARIS

Top 3 Study Abroad Programs in Nice with CIEE

If a sunny coastal city is calling your name, check out these three CIEE programs in Nice:

Featured Program #1: Semester in Nice

Combine academics with beach-day vibes in Nice. Study abroad here for a semester, take courses that count, and spend your weekends hiking cliffs or relaxing by the sea – all while living in the heart of the French Riviera.

• Program Length: 17 weeks
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
• Cost: $18,950
• Featured Course: Culture and Cuisine in France
• Excursion Highlight: Take a day trip to Cannes to visit the home of the famous film festival

Read More: 5 Reasons to Study Abroad in Nice, France

Featured Program #2: Summer in Nice

If your dream summer includes learning abroad and living by the sea, Nice is calling. Study in the heart of the French Riviera, take immersive courses, and explore a coastline packed with art, food, and sunshine.

• Program Length: 4 or up to 12 weeks
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
• Cost: $4,950 per session
• Featured Course: 20th Century French History
• Excursion Highlight: Enjoy coastal walks around Cap Ferrat peninsula or Cap d’Antibes to enjoy the stunning views of the Mediterranean

Featured Program #3: Semester Global Internship

Kick-start your career on the French Riviera with a global internship in Nice. You’ll earn academic credit and get real-world experience, all while living steps from beaches, markets, and the Mediterranean views you usually see on postcards.

• Program Length: 12 weeks
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
• Cost: $8,950
• Excursion Highlight: Visit the Marc Chagall and Matisse Museums that showcase artists who have lived and worked on the Côte d’Azur  

Read More: EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: NICE

Study Abroad in France with CIEE

So, study abroad in Paris or Nice? It’s really about what sparks your curiosity and fits your style. Big city or seaside serenity? Arts, history, and culture around every corner or beaches and mountain views as your classroom backdrop? Either city will give you an exciting study abroad experience, so pick the adventure that feels most like you!

EXPLORE FRANCE STUDY ABROAD