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Gap Year Programs in France

La belle France ranks as one of the top most visited and loved countries in the world, and you have the chance to live there immersively. Who wouldn’t want to spend a year in France? Let yourself be enchanted by classic, sophisticated, and diversified landmarks, from the City of Light to the glamorous French Riviera. Muse iconic art and architecture, such as the Eiffel Tower or the infamous Mont Saint-Michel, enjoy the world’s best cuisine, and sip the best wine, all while you develop new skills and passions. Regardless of how you choose to spend your gap year in France, in the end, the world will never look the same.
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Seamester

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A Guide to Gap Year in France

Popular Locations

If we could have the time to tell you about ALL the amazing locations for gap year programs in France, we’d be here for hours. So let’s just keep it simple—here are some of the most popular locations that past gappers have fallen in love with.

Paris. A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of life. -Thomas Jefferson

Adventurers of all shapes and sizes have loved Paris for centuries. When you’re not in class studying or working for gap year jobs in France, you’re most definitely spending your time climbing the Arc de Triomphe, falling head over heels with the Louvre museum, visiting one of the very first Gothic cathedrals, The Notre Dame, and its gargoyles, taking a scenic boat tour down the Seine, getting spooked at the Catacombs, or just relaxing with the most velvety hot chocolate and coffee at Angelina. There’s a lot to do, so it’s a good thing you will be spending a year in France!

Lyon. One of the largest renaissance quarters of Europe, Lyon offers endless opportunities for your gap year in France. You can find jobs as an English teacher, internships to help you gain professional skills, gap year volunteer projects, and courses très immersif to improve your gap year French! Much like the rest of France, there’s tons of history, culture, and food to discover here. Your gap year is all about learning stuff, right?—well, that includes learning you like to eat frog legs and snails! You’ll be a fin gourmet (foodie) in this gastronomic capital before you know it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! France offers a wide range of opportunities for gap year experiences, including language immersion, internships, volunteer projects, and more. It's a great way to explore the country, learn about its culture, and enhance your skills.

The ideal destination for a gap year in France depends on what aligns with your interests and goals. Popular locations include Paris, the capital city that provides a diverse cultural experience, and Lyon, famed for its historical significance and culinary delights.

France offers a variety of alternatives for gap years, depending on your interests. You can work as an au pair, teach English, participate in internships to gain professional experience or engage in volunteer projects. Language immersion programs are also popular for improving your French skills.

A gap year program in France usually ranges between $600 and $1250 but can vary significantly depending on the program type, location, and duration. If you opt for a formal program, you'll need to budget for program fees, transportation, accommodation, and personal expenses. It's essential to plan your budget early and consider fundraising options to make your gap year affordable.

France is generally regarded as a safe place to visit, but as with any other country, visitors should exercise caution, be aware of their surroundings, and adhere to safety norms. Petty crimes can occur therefore, it's best not to leave valuables unattended and to take common precautions when in the country.

Latest Program Reviews

Baret says "It'll be your best year yet" and they deliver

September 23, 2025by: Iris Vavilov - RomaniaProgram: Baret Scholars Gap Year Program
10

Hello! I was a student in class of '25, the first cohort of the program and I was impressed by the quality of it. We stayed at the best hotels in all the "main" towns of the world, we got to connect with some of the best people in their fields and most importantly I got to relax, but also open an NGO that is directly changing people's lives, while being "on the road". They give you a lot of support with everything. I had an amazing counselor for "my life" and "my career", I had an amazing counselor for my STEM passion and I got my science poster reviewed and I also developed deep relationships with some of the staff in the program. This is, by far, the best start that you could get in your career and in your life. Your CV becomes incredibly good, you develop a better cultural sensitivity and can work with basically anyone, you understand how the world works, you relax, but you also get to apply at the top universities or open your own initiative/business. The morning programs are "a gate to excellence" and the afternoon options are a privilege given to you to deepen your knowledge in a field. I got to learn economy from Wall Street investors and exercise my Chinese skills directly with native speakers. I genuinely loved this program and I hope more people get to enjoy it <3

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