Gap Year Programs in France

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.

Popular Providers

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.

The Best Gap Year Programs in 2023-2024

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.

10 Cool Gap Year Programs in France for Adventurers

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

Amazing program!

November 14, 2025by: Sofia Ugalde - MexicoProgram: Baret Scholars Gap Year Program

10

I never planned on taking a gap year, but it was undoubtedly the best decision I could have made. I made lifelong friends, lived incredible experiences, and traveled the world for a year. I learned so much, grew in ways I never expected, and made hundreds of meaningful connections. A huge part of that growth came from being a Baret Scholar. Baret Scholars is unlike any other program I know about—you travel to so many places and see so many amazing things. Museums, architectural landmarks, cultural sites, design studios, and entire cities you’ve only ever read about suddenly become classrooms. You meet local experts, attend workshops, and have conversations with people who are shaping their fields. Every trip pushes you to think differently, question what you know, and understand the world from multiple perspectives. It’s a program that challenges you, inspires you, and gives you experiences that stay with you long after the travel ends.

250 days, 12 countries, 35 cities, and ∞ memories | My best year... yet

November 14, 2025by: Alejandro Perez Duarte - MexicoProgram: Baret Scholars Gap Year Program

9

I had already started college when I discovered this program and decided to throw a Hail Mary by applying. To my surprise, 2 weeks later, I was in New Hampshire meeting the cohort and team I would have by my side for the next 9 months. To me, Baret was extremely unexpected, but it was the best decision I ever made. To start, I got to travel the world and visit places I had always dreamt of visiting. Not only that, but I got to do it while surrounded by people, from all over the world, that I now consider my second family. I explored beautiful cultures, captured amazing memories, and grew more than I could ever have imagined. Traveling wasn't the only thing that stood out about Baret, but I also learned so much, both bout the world and about myself. I got to discover myself, and there were so many people throughout this program who were supporting me in that journey, while I was doing the same for them. Not only was it having my classroom be the whole world, but it was the sheer care and love that was placed into this program that made it so memorable. Based on the experiences I lived, the things I learned, the wonders I saw, and the people I met (including my girlfriend!) I can easily say that my year with Baret Scholars was the best year of my life.

Amazing program!

November 14, 2025by: Sofia Ugalde - MexicoProgram: Baret Scholars Gap Year Program

10

I never planned on taking a gap year, but it was undoubtedly the best decision I could have made. I made lifelong friends, lived incredible experiences, and traveled the world for a year. I learned so much, grew in ways I never expected, and made hundreds of meaningful connections. A huge part of that growth came from being a Baret Scholar. Baret Scholars is unlike any other program I know about—you travel to so many places and see so many amazing things. Museums, architectural landmarks, cultural sites, design studios, and entire cities you’ve only ever read about suddenly become classrooms. You meet local experts, attend workshops, and have conversations with people who are shaping their fields. Every trip pushes you to think differently, question what you know, and understand the world from multiple perspectives. It’s a program that challenges you, inspires you, and gives you experiences that stay with you long after the travel ends.

250 days, 12 countries, 35 cities, and ∞ memories | My best year... yet

November 14, 2025by: Alejandro Perez Duarte - MexicoProgram: Baret Scholars Gap Year Program

9

I had already started college when I discovered this program and decided to throw a Hail Mary by applying. To my surprise, 2 weeks later, I was in New Hampshire meeting the cohort and team I would have by my side for the next 9 months. To me, Baret was extremely unexpected, but it was the best decision I ever made. To start, I got to travel the world and visit places I had always dreamt of visiting. Not only that, but I got to do it while surrounded by people, from all over the world, that I now consider my second family. I explored beautiful cultures, captured amazing memories, and grew more than I could ever have imagined. Traveling wasn't the only thing that stood out about Baret, but I also learned so much, both bout the world and about myself. I got to discover myself, and there were so many people throughout this program who were supporting me in that journey, while I was doing the same for them. Not only was it having my classroom be the whole world, but it was the sheer care and love that was placed into this program that made it so memorable. Based on the experiences I lived, the things I learned, the wonders I saw, and the people I met (including my girlfriend!) I can easily say that my year with Baret Scholars was the best year of my life.