Whether you have a dream to pursue a professional career as an artist or wish to learn more about art history and see the work of the masters in person, study art in France is an ideal location for you to study. There are several French art schools that you may be able to enroll in. It may be possible to attend art universities in France for your degree, or you may be able to enroll just for a semester or year as part of a study abroad program.

Art Schools in France

France has been home to many world-famous artists, including Claude Monet, Paul Gauguin, Edgar Degas, Paul Cezanne, Edouard Manet and August Renoir. Many other artists made their way to France to study at some point in their lives, including Vincent Van Gogh[i]. When you study art in France, you may be able to participate in this long tradition of art in this country. You may also have the chance to visit galleries and museums that display beautiful masterpieces, and you may even be able to follow in the masters' footsteps and see where they found their inspiration.

You may have the chance to enroll directly at one of the art colleges in France, or you may simply take one or more courses in art, architecture or art history with a focus in French styles. You could also take a course in a particular art style or movement, such as 19th Century Art: Impressionism and Post Impressionism[ii]. It might be possible to take courses in a particular art style, such as Painting in Plein Air or Photography in Paris: Shooting Liking the Masters[iii].

Art Universities in France

You might choose to directly enroll in one of the French art schools, even if you only wish to study for a semester or year. You may find a study abroad program at one of the art universities to study art in France. It may be possible to study your chosen artistic medium, including fashion, photography, sculpture, painting and more. Even at the art colleges in France, you may be able to take courses in criticism, theory or history rather than technical courses[iv]. You may be able to take courses that enrich your fine arts degree. Students majoring in other subjects may be able to take elective courses to satisfy their artistic interests[v]. You may also be able to intern with world-renowned artists and designers, such as Oscar de la Renta, Alexander Wang, Seymour Projects and Muzeo Interior Design to help jumpstart your career[vi].

Study Art in France

When you choose to study art in France, it may be possible to visit the many museums and galleries in Paris and the rest of France, including the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay and Musee Rodin. You may also marvel in the beautiful architecture in Paris, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, Montmartre and Versailles Palace[vii]. The courses at the art schools in France may also have special excursions or guided tours of these locations, and you may also get to experience places that most people do not get to visit[viii]. Some programs may also provide a chance to take guided tours of areas outside of your principal location, such as Belgium, Germany or other provinces of France[ix]. Even if your school does not have an official tour, it may be possible to take a trip to one of the nearby European countries while you are studying in France.

Studying art in one of the French art schools may provide a once in a lifetime opportunity to enhance your artistic skills and knowledge while getting to see some of the most famous masterpieces in the world. There are many considerations you may need to make, including how long you wish to study and in what location. Our resources may be able to help you answer some of your questions.