Gap Year Programs in France
55 Gap Year Programs in France

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with Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

CIEE High School Grads Abroad
In Paris, find the perfect balance of structure and independence,...
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Impact Gap Year
Explore the dream destinations of South Africa, France, and Thail...

Institute for Global Studies
France remains one of our top draws. IGS was hired by an internat...
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EF Education First
Learn French in Paris with EF Language Year Abroad and turn the C...
See All 5 ProgramsGoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with awa...
Seamester Study Abroad at Sea
Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more th...
See All 3 ProgramsSemester at Sea
Unlike traditional study abroad or tourism experiences, Semester ...
See All 2 ProgramsGapforce
Experience the ultimate European adventure every summer, travelin...
Volunteer World
Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find ...
Cours de civilisation française de la Sorbonne
Business French is of growing importance in a world where intercu...
See All 3 ProgramsGreenheart Travel
Spend a trimester, semester, or year studying abroad in France as...
Academic Programs International
Immerse yourself in French culture and the way of life in Paris, ...
See All 2 ProgramsGlobal Work & Travel
France is known for its sophistication and appreciation for the f...
Absolute Internship
Our award-winning program gives students the opportunity to spend...
Soccer Camps International
Soccer Camps International offers Summer Soccer Camps and Soccer ...
Cultural Homestay International
As a World Explorer in France, you will get the chance to learn t...
Carla's Au Pairs
Ready to travel the world, gain independence, and experience life...
Art History Abroad
This 12-week Gap Year Semester Course is our most expansive and i...
Baret Scholars
Before and beyond college, Baret Scholars explores 7 regions of t...
Seascope France
The yachting industry is an excellent choice for anyone looking f...
See All 3 ProgramsEurope Gap Year
Dreaming of a gap year in Europe? The European Catalyst is the ad...
World Class Programs
Join World Class Programs on safe, educational, and worldly exper...
Berridge Programs
Friends, food, and France—three ingredients for the perfect summe...
Centre Zenith
This program is designed for students taking a gap year and looki...
Sail Racing Academy
Sail Racing Academy offers tailor-made gap year programs that cat...
Youth For Understanding (YFU)
Bonjour! Dive into French language, history, music, scenic views,...
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.
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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.
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.
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September 5, 2025

















