Everyone has a picture of France in their minds, from romantic chateaus and vineyards as far as the eye can see to the Seine winding around Parisian streets and the bluest Mediterranean waters of the Côte d’azur to the snow-capped mountains, France is un grand rêve (a dream destination).

Paris. The “City of Light” is immediately where your mind wanders when you think of France, with the sun setting just behind la Tour Eiffel. Paris is the capital and most populous city in France, with a population of around two million people living in and around the city. Most of France’s major universities call Paris home, the most notable being the University of Paris, or Sorbonne, and Sciences Po Paris.

Lyon. Located in the eastern part of the country in the Rhone-Alpes region, Lyon is the third largest city in France, next to Paris and Marseille. It has earned a reputation as the capital of gastronomy in France, and the world for that matter. While Paris is the City of Light, Lyon is the “Capital of Lights”, named so for the Fete des Lumières (festival of lights), that occurs every December and lasts for four days. École normale supérieure de Lyon is one of the most prestigious universities in France, and is specifically focused on training researchers and teachers in both the sciences and humanities.

Aix-en-Provence is the epitome of southern France. The weather in Aix-en-Provence is famously mild, and the city averages 300 days of sunshine a year. The warm mediterranean climate makes it the ideal place to take a stroll down the Cours Mirabeau or read out on a café terrace. Aix-en-Provence is first and foremost a university town, with a large student population attending Aix-Marseille University and the several other institutions around town. There are always free events hosted by clubs and students at the university creating plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in student life while earning your degree in Aix-en-Provence.

Other popular locations to earn your degree abroad in France include Grenoble, Montpellier, Toulouse, and Lille. All of these cities offer notable universities and degree programs, and each provides a unique environment to immerse yourself in while you earn your degree in France.