Photography & Culture in France

The Destination

Welcome to France—where you’ll spend your summer between the colorful charm of Toulouse and the grand icons of Paris.

From the busy, cosmopolitan streets of Paris to the charming brick-lined town of Toulouse, you’ll experience two sides of France that will challenge your artistic eye.

Start your adventure in Toulouse, a cozy, sunlit city known as La Ville Rose for its rosy-toned brick buildings. You’ll canoe down the Garonne River, photograph tiled rooftops and medieval towers, and visit a photography museum built inside a water tower. In between shoots, try cassoulet, sweet fruit tarts, or cheese from the local market. It’s slower, warmer, and full of texture—perfect for capturing life in close-up.

Then, it’s off to Paris, where you’ll photograph iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, explore bold street art in hidden alleyways, and experiment with angles beneath the glass pyramid at the Louvre. Cruise past the city’s bridges on a boat tour, descend into the Catacombs, or grab a crepe on the steps of Sacré-Cœur. With every outing, there’s something striking to shoot—neon metro signs, golden statues, polished architecture, and classic Parisian cafés. You’ll try buttery croissants, warm baguettes, and the best pain au chocolat you’ve ever had.

Cultural Awareness

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. No matter where you choose to study abroad with CIEE, our staff will be on hand throughout your program to provide advice, resources, and support.