SURVIVAL
GUIDE
BY YOUR BDE
SCIENCES PO PARIS
2023-2024
Table of Contents
Welcome to Sciences Po!
About Sciences Po
Living in France
Living in Paris
Welcome to Sciences Po !
Dear International Students,
On behaldf of the BDE (Bureau des Élèves), we extend a warm and enthusiastic welcome to
each and everyone of you ! As the vibrant heart of student life on campus, our mission is to
make your journey at Sciences Po an unforgettable and enriching experience.
The BDE is dedicated to ensuring that you feel at home from the moment you step foot on our
campus. We understand that embarking on a new academic adventure in a foreign country can
be both exciting and overwhelming, and that's where we come in ! Our international division is
here especially for you, equipped to assist with any questions, concerns, or assistance you
may have during your time with us.
We are committed to helping you integrate seamlessly into the Sciences Po community.
Whether it's guiding you through the intricacies of our campus facilities, introducing you to
the captivating student life at Sciences Po, or providing a helping hand in navigating the
challenges of living abroad, we've got your back.
Throughout the year/semester the BDE will organize a myriad of events, gatherings and
activities tailored to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. These events not only give
you the opportunity to discover the best of our school and city but also provide a chance to
meet fellow students from all corners of the globe. Do not hesitate to sign up for the events
that we organize, as you are all welcome to participate.
Remember, the BDE is more than an association; we are a community of passionate individuals
dedicated to making your time Sciences Po a cherished chapter in your life. Your hapiness and
well-being are at the core of our values, and we are here to ensure that your time in the
beautiful city of Paris becomes an unforgettable adventure.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Whether you seek assistance, friendship, or simply
wish to explore the endless possibilities that await you, our doors are always open. We will
welcome you at the first events during integration week, starting August 27th and we can't
wait to meet you all !
Your BDE
Meet the Pôle
International Team
Hi there! We are the BDE members in charge of the integration
of international students. If you have any questions regarding
0
Sciences Po, life in Paris or need any help, don't hesitate
reaching out to us at any time!
Atena is Romanian and spent the first two years of her
Bachelor's at the Central and Eastern European Campus, in
Dijon. She recently got back from Tbilisi, Georgia, where she
spent her third year abroad to start her Master’s in
International Governance and Diplomacy.
Whatsapp: +40 7 51 13 03 06 - Instagram: atena_ignat Messenger: Atena Ignat
Vio is French and spent her Bachelor years at the EuropeAsia specialised campus, in Le Havre. She just got back
from her year of mobility in Seoul to start her Public Affairs
and New Technologies Master's in Paris.
Whatsapp: +33(0)634161817 - Instagram: vio_pott Messenger: Violette Pottié
Görkem, or also called GK, is German/Turkish & graduated from
the Franco-German campus in Nancy. He spent his third year
abroad in Montréal, Canada and is about to start his Master's in
European Affaires (Policy Stream Europe in the World)
Whatsapp: +33 7 69 35 51 33 - Instagram: goerkem.shn Messenger: Görkem Sahin
Clara is French/Austrian and graduated from the FrancoGerman bachelor on the Nancy campus. She spent her third
year in Ottawa in Canada and is starting her Master's at PSIA in
International Development.
Whatsapp: +33 6 45 68 52 73 - Instagram: clara_rouillon Messenger: Clara Rouillon
About Sciences Po
About Sciences Po
Sciences Po, officially known as the Paris Institute of Political Studies, was established in 1872 with the
vision to create a unique space for the study of political and social sciences. Over the decades, the
institution evolved into a leading research university, renowned for its multidisciplinary approach,
rigorous academic programs, and commitment to nurturing critical thinking and global citizenship.
At Sciences Po, students strive to challenge the status quo, push boundaries and cultivate the next
generation of forward-thinking leaders. Our students, hailing from diverse backgrounds and cultures,
enrich the academic environement and foster an atmoshpere of open dialogue and mutual respect.
Strong international Dimension
At Sciences Po, diversity is the cornerstone of a comprehensive education. The international
dimension is an integral part of our identity, with a vibrant community of international students
representing over 150 nationalities. This unique blend of cultures and perspectives creates an
inclusive a dynamic space where ideas transcend borders, and global challenges find innovative
solutions.
About this guide
We understand that moving to a new country and university can be a exhilarating yet overwhelming
experience. That's why we've created this comprehensive guide to equip you with essential
information and invaluable tips to help you make the most of your time here.
If you need any more information or have specific inquiries about Sciences Po, we encourage you to
visit the official Sciences Po website at https://www.sciencespo.fr/fr/.
Sciences Po Lingo
Le 27: Sciences Po's historic main building, located at 27 rue SaintGuillaume. Inside, you'll find:
Le local: an inter-associative space in the basement of the 27, in the
cafeteria ("la cafet"). Inside, you'll find a few couches and students from
three associations hanging out: the BDE, the Association Sportive (AS)
and the Bureau des Arts (BDA). If you have a question, a lost or found
item, or anything to do with the clubs, this is the place to find us.
La péniche: what a lovely name for the entrance hall. Its name comes
from the large wooden piece of furniture in the middle of the hall,
which, if you squint a little, may slightly remind you of a barge. In any
case, it's a great meeting place.
The "jardin du 27": a pleasant place to roll in the grass, take a nap, have
a ciggie, or all three at the same time.
Boutmy: Boutmy is the name of the largest lecture hall at Sciences Po,
and incidentally of the founder and first director of Sciences Po. This is
where the big meetings, masterclasses, etc. take place. It's located at
the end of the barge (are you starting to follow?).
Le 56: 56 rue des Saints-Pères. To enter, go through the entrance at 27
rue Saint-Guillaume and cross the garden. These are the former
premises of the ENA: so, in the old days, "crossing the garden" meant
taking (and, incidentally, passing) the administrative entrance exams.
Le 1 Saint-Thomas: our new and very fancy campus inaugurated in
2022, located at 1 place Saint-Thomas.
Le 13U: 13 rue de l'Université. Also accessible from 1 Saint-Thomas.
Sciences Po Lingo
Assos: Short for associations, integral part of student life and of your university
experience. There are a lot of them! Political, cultural, religious, artistic...
Here's the list: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/1/d/e/2PACX1vQEKBTdsTqNVa5tUjSVmdaBx0HOkwVQdV7FrZw8D33297Fye0g1OaXOFc84WqrSV0OEDDKRhPDgeCe/pubhtml?gid=929987713&single=true
A few to remember:
The BDE, of course. That's us. You'll meet us soon enough <3
The AS: sports club, they coordinate sports activities (for the autumn 2023
semester, registrations are due on August 31 directly on your student space!),
and also organize lots of events, from ski weeks to parties.
The BDA: arts club, they look after the artistic side of Sciences Po: the musical,
arts week, good deals for cultural and artistic events and more!
Melting Potes: the association for exchange students! They co-organize the
Buddy Program with the BDE, as well as a whole host of activities for exchange
students.
Sciences Po Lingo
Sciencepiste Jargon:
Sciencepiste: Sciences Po students (self designation)
Galops: midterms. Good luck, they're terrible. Sometimes in
person exams, sometimes assignments, either way, it's a bad
time and they arrive quicker than you can imagine.
IPs: pedagogical registration, your
time of absolute rush where first
source of stress, then frustration,
hang of it (spoiler alert, you don't).
semester, you better be ready!
first Sciences Po trauma, a
come, first served. A great
but eventually you get the
If you're staying for another
CM: Cours magistraux (lectures) are classic lectures.
Les "conf": conférence de méthode, are smaller classes where
the instructor talks less and students often prepare group work,
presentations or similar.
University Calendar
2023/2024
Public Holidays in France
Public Holidays in France :
Public Holidays, also known as "jours fériés" are specific dates that are recognized and
celebrated nationwide. On these days, most businesses, government offices and Schools are
closed, allowing people to observe and commemorate important events or religious occasions.
Public holidays in France are legally mandated and everyone, including students and employee
is entitled to have a day off.
1. l Saints' Day (La Toussaint) - November 1st:
Significance: Honors all the saints, celebrated with visits to cemeteries and the
decoration of graves.
2. Armistice Day (Armistice 1918) - November 11th:
Significance: Commemorates the end of World War I and honors the soldiers who lost
their lives during the conflict.
3. Christmas Day (Noël) - December 25th:
Significance: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, often observed with church services,
festive meals, and gift-giving.
4. New Year's Day (Jour de l'An) - January 1st:
Significance: Celebrates the start of the New Year with fireworks, parties, and
gatherings.
5. Easter Sunday (Pâques) - Date Varies (usually in March or April):
Significance: Commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, often celebrated with
church services and Easter egg hunts.
6. Labor Day (Fête du Travail) - May 1st:
Significance: Honors workers' rights and achievements, with demonstrations and laborrelated events taking place across the country.
7. Victory in Europe Day (Victoire 1945) - May 8th:
Significance: Marks the end of World War II in Europe, celebrating the victory of the
Allied forces over Nazi Germany.
8. Ascension Thursday (Ascension) - Date Varies (usually in May):
Significance: Commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ to heaven, observed with
religious services.
9. Pentecost (Pentecôte) - Date Varies (usually in May or June):
Significance: Celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, marked with
church services.
10. Bastille Day (Fête Nationale) - July 14th:
Significance: Commemorates the French Revolution and the storming of the Bastille in
1789, a symbol of the end of monarchy and the birth of the French Republic. Celebrated
with parades, fireworks, and public events.
11. Assumption of Mary (Assomption) - August 15th:
Significance: Honors the ascent of the Virgin Mary to heaven, observed with religious
services.
LIVING
IN
FRANCE
Visa Requirements
Remember, visa regulations and requirements may vary based on your
nationality and individual circumstances. It is advisable to check with
the French consulate or embassy in your home country or the official
French government websites for the most up-to-date and accurate
information regarding visa and work requirements before planning
your journey to Sciences Po.
Visa Requirements:
For European Students:
If you are an exchange student from a European
Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA)
country, you generally do not need a visa to study
in France, regardless of the duration of your stay.
However, you must obtain a few essential
documents before your departure, like a valid
passport or National ID Card and a European
Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or similar coverage
to access healthcare services.
For Non-European Students:
If you are a non-European student planning to
study in France, you will generally need to apply
for a student visa (VLS-TS) for stays exceeding
three months. The visa process differs based on
the duration of your stay:
1. Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS) for Students
Studying for More Than 3 Months:
Apply at the nearest French consulate or
embassy in your home country.
You will need a letter of acceptance from
Sciences Po to apply for the visa.
Once in France, you will need to validate
your visa and obtain a residence permit
(titre de séjour) from the French
authorities.
Working in France:
For European Students:
As an EU/EEA student, you have the right to
work in France without needing a work permit
or any restrictions on the number of hours
you can work.
For Non-European Students:
If you hold a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS)
for more than 6 months, you are allowed to
work part-time in France during your studies,
subject to certain conditions:
Work Hours: As a student, you can work
up to 20 hours per week.
Work Authorization: You do not need an
additional work permit to work part-time
during your studies, but you must have a
valid residence permit (titre de séjour)
indicating "student" status.
Phone Plans
When studying abroad in France, having a
reliable and affordable phone plan is essential
for staying connected with loved ones and
fellow students.
France offers several major mobile network
providers, including Orange, SFR, Bouygues
Telecom, and Free Mobile. Each provider offers
a range of plans with different features and
pricing, so it's essential to explore the available
options.
Getting a SIM Card: To activate a phone plan in
France, you'll need a local SIM card. You can
easily purchase one from mobile network
provider stores, supermarkets, or convenience
stores.
Special Offers for Students: Some mobile
network providers may have special deals or
discounts for students.
Popular Plans: While specific plans change
regularly, popular options in France often
include "appels illimités" (unlimited calls),
"SMS/MMS illimités" (unlimited texts), and a
certain amount of data allowance per month.
We advise you to take a non-binding package
deal so that you can stop it as soon as you leave
the country. Providers like Free Mobile offer
100GB, unlimited calls/sms for only 20€/month!
Bank Account
Opening a French bank account can be useful for your Parisian life. The
bank account will allow you to withdraw money for free at your bank's
ATMs and using online payment platforms like Lydia. A French bank
account is also often required for part-time work opportunities and to
receive government allocated aid like the APL from the CAF.
Your BDE has a partnership with the Caisse d'Épargne, granting you access to
special offers with the bank and 80€ Cash if you open up a bank account.
Bank Account
The closest Caisse d'Épargne from Sciences Po is at 14 Rue du Four, 75007 Paris!
Make sure to book your appointment here: https://www.prdvel.caisse-epargne.fr/
Required Documents
Identity Document
French Visa or Residence Permit (If you're a non-European student)
Proof of Address: Present evidence of your local address, such as a rental
contract, utility bill, or a letter from your landlord.
Letter of Acceptance or Enrollment: Bring a letter from Sciences Po
confirming your acceptance as an exchange student.
Health Care
1. French Healthcare System: France has a public healthcare system, the "Sécurité
Sociale" (Social Security), which provides basic health coverage to its residents,
including international students who meet certain criteria.
2. Health Insurance Requirements: As an international student studying in France,
you will need to have health insurance coverage during your stay. There are two main
types of health insurance to consider:
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): If you are from an EU/EEA country or
Switzerland, bring your EHIC to access healthcare services in France. The EHIC
covers essential medical treatment during your temporary stay.
Private Health Insurance: Non-European students may need to purchase private
health insurance before their departure to cover healthcare expenses in France.
3. Campus Health Services: Sciences Po often
provides access to campus health services,
including medical consultations and support.
Check with Sciences Po's Pôle Santé for more
information.
4.
General
Practitioners
(Médecins
Généralistes): To access non-emergency
medical care, you can visit a general practitioner
(GP) or family doctor. GPs play a central role in
the French healthcare system and are the first
point of contact for most medical issues.
6. Pharmacies: Pharmacies are easily accessible
throughout France and are well-stocked with
over-the-counter medications and prescription
drugs. Pharmacists can offer advice and provide
some basic medical services.
7. Medical Emergency Services: In case of a
medical emergency, dial the European
emergency number "112" or "15" for SAMU
(Service d'Aide Médicale Urgente). SAMU
provides urgent medical assistance and will direct
you to the appropriate medical facility.
8. Repayment and Reimbursement: If you have
an EHIC or private health insurance, you may
need to pay for medical services upfront and then
seek reimbursement afterward. Keep all medical
receipts for reimbursement claim
Websites like doctolib.fr allow you to book your doctor's appointment online!
You can search for a variety of different doctor's in Paris and book your
appointment right via their website.
If you are staying for two semesters, you also might consider applying for a
French Insurance Card, which is free fo international students (but takes some
time and demands a lot of paper work!)
Campus
life
Sciences Po's Campuses
Sciences Po Paris now has 2 campuses in Paris, one on Saint-Guillaume Street
and a recently inaugurated one, known as Saint-Thomas.
Saint-Guillaume Campus
This is the oldest and most well-known campus of Sciences Po, where the
school was founded in 1872. It is located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, in
the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood. Most of the Bachelor classes and
some of the Master’s courses take place here.
Saint-Tomas Campus
This campus is the newest and most ambitious project of Sciences Po. It is only
a couple minutes away from the Saint-Guillaume Campus, which makes it easy
to access all the facilities that Sciences Po has to offer. The campus aspires to
bring together students and researchers, reason for which some of the Master
Faculties can be found here, together with the Scientific department and the
research centers.
Practical info:
Address:
Saint-Guillaume Campus:
27, rue Saint Guillaume - 75007 Paris
Saint Thomas Campus: 1 Place St
Thomas d'Aquin, 75007 Paris, France
LIBRARY AND DIGITAL
SERVICES
General information
Libraries can be found on both campuses in Paris, as well as
online, where the digital library gives you free access to books,
newspapers, and publications that would otherwise not be
easily accessible, as well as book a seat in the library, order
books and many more.
In order to access all the benefits provided by the Sciences Po
Library, you will need to use your Sciences Po e-mail account
and have a Student Card.
The opening hours for the libraries are: from Monday to Friday:
9:30 am to 9:30 pm, while Saturday and Sunday are closed.
The libraries will re-open after the summer break on
Wednesday, August 16th.
Library Services
At Sciences Po, you can borrow an unlimited amount of
books, newspapers, or manuals, for up to 15 days, a
period that can be renewed for another 10 days. Your
student card will also be your library card that you will
be required to show at the library.
It is important to know that during holidays, a “holiday
loan” system is organised, meaning that the already
mentioned loan period does not apply.
In order to find out more about the library, we
recommend
you
visit
the
website
(https://www.sciencespo.fr/bibliotheque/en.html)
where you can find all the information you may need.
STUDENT CARD
The student card is issued once you
complete all the steps of the online
administrative registration, as well as
providing all the documents and having
paid the tuition fees (if applicable).
Your student card is valid for the duration
of your studies at Sciences Po and a
sticker is issued every year.
If you have a postal address in France, the
card will be mailed to you at the address
provided during the online registration. If
not, you will receive an e-mail informing
you that the card is ready to be picked up
at the Student Services Center (13 rue de
l’Université, 75007 Paris).
The student card is essential because it allows you to:
access the library facilities and borrow books
access secured buildings
benefit from certain student reductions (transport,
cultural activities)
pay for photocopying at SciencesPo (you have a
certain credit each semester that you can use and
recharge)
Your student card can be replaced, under certain
conditions such as losing, damaging, or having it stolen.
CROUS CAFETERIA
An important part of student life is finding tasty and
affordable food, throughout the day. For this reason,
CROUS, the organisation that oversees scholarships and
housing in France, also has a network of cafeterias
everywhere in France.
You can find plenty of them in Paris, some of them being
right next to Sciences Po.
You can see a map of the cafeterias in the 6th
Arrondissement down belo.
CROUS offers a full meal for €3.30 for non-scholarship
holders and €1 for Crous scholarship holders and
students in precarious situations.
Crous cafeterias offer various meals, with vegetarian and
vegan options. You can put together your own menu,
choosing from a wide range of starters, main courses,
cheeses and desserts for 6 points. There is a system of
points that has to be taken into account. A menu has to be
made of 6 points, each part of your menu having an
assigned number of points. Starters can vary from 1 to 3
points, main courses can be anywhere from 4 to 7 points,
while dairy products and desserts are equal to anywhere
between 1 to 3 points. If you surpass the 6 points allocated,
each additional point is worth 70 euro cents.
In order to access all the benefits from CROUS, you can
choose to pay with their own contactless payment app,
Izly. You can also use it to pay for vending machines and
laundry in some of the Crous facilities. With Izly, you can
pay for your meal through their mobile app or directly with
your student card.
WHERE ?
HOW ?
STUDENT
ASSOCIATIONS AND
SPORTS
Student Associations
Sciences Po is known for its dynamic campus life which is
enriched by a diverse array of student associations, through
which you can explore your passions, build connections and
develop skills, as well as discover new cultures. Sciences Po
has more than 300 student associations and initiatives of all
kinds. You can find out more about them on the Sciences Po
website o
In order to discover them all and join the ones that interest you
the most, a Club Fair on Wednesday, August 30th will take
place, from 2 to 7 pm at Sciences Po. More information to be
announced!
.
Sports
At the beginning of each semester, you have the opportunity to sign up for
one or more sports activities, organised by Sciences Po and the Sports
Clubs (l'AS)
Sciences Po currently offers some 200 activities in over 40 sporting
disciplines. At Sciences Po, students also have the possibility to
participate in a number of sporting competitions organised by the French
Federation of University Sports (FFSU) or with other universities, such as
the Inter-IEP games or the Collégiades (inter-campus events).
There are different categories of sports such as “leisure sports”, “sportsanté and well-being” and “competition sports”.
The leisure and wellbeing sports have a duration of 10 to 20h per
semester, depending on the discipline and can earn either one or two
ECTS per semester.
On the other side, the competition sports between 20 hrs and 40 hrs of
training per semester depending on the discipline can earn you 2 ECTS
per semester.
The registration and payment (excluding competition sports) will take
place on 31 of August 2023 at 10:05 am Paris time, on your student
account.
Support system for victims
of sexual and gender-based
violence and discrimination
Since 2021, Sciences Po put in place a support system for victims and witnesses of
sexual and gender-based violence (known in French as VSS), to be listened to, guided
and supported. It is free of charge and open to all members of the Sciences Po
community.
The system relies on: the presence of nurses on each campus, a listening and support
service managed by France Victimes and a VSS referral system within the institution.
If needed, you can contact someone confidentially: either a nurse on campus or the
external support service. If you agree to waive confidentiality, and only in this case, the
external listening and support service and the "VSS relay" nurses can report the matter
to Sciences Po. If you have given your testimony to a Sciences Po teacher or staff
member, that person is obliged to report the matter. Once the matter has been
reported to the “VSS relay”, it is systematically sent to the administration and a
preliminary internal investigation is systematically launched. It is conducted by the
Internal Investigation Unit (CEIP), this investigation aims to establish the facts
objectively and accurately.
All events involving more than 20 students are required to be
coordinated with the administration and all the people in
charge of events or associations are required to follow the
core training on VSS, risk reduction in the festive environment
and the fight against discrimination.
In case you encounter any issues, do not hesitate to contact
these mails!
help.vss@sciencespo.fr
infirmiere.paris@sciencespo.fr
Living in
Paris
Accomodation
Finding housing in Paris as an international student can be challenging, but with
some planning and effort, you can secure suitable accommodation. Here are some
steps to help you in your search:
1. Research Housing Options: Familiarize
yourself with the different types of housing
available in Paris. Common options include
university
dormitories,
private
student
residences, shared apartments (colocations), and
private rentals.
2. University Accommodation: Sciences Po has
a number of partnerships that can facilitate
obtaining accommodation in student residences,
trough both public and private housing
organisations:
Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris
(CIUP)
Crous residences: These residences are
specifically designed for students and offer
various facilities and amenities.
Solidarity housing at the Cité Bonnier
YouFirst Campus Paris Lecourbe Residence
Young Workers Housing Association (ALJT)
Check Sciences Po website for more information
on these:
https://www.sciencespo.fr/students/en/living
/housing/partnerships-paris
3. Colocations: Colocations are shared
apartments where you rent a room and share
common spaces with other tenants. Many
students opt for this option as it can be more
affordable and sociable.
4. Online Platforms: Use online platforms like
Studapart, Colette Appartager, La Carte des
Collocs, Adele, Housing Anywhere, and Facebook
groups dedicated to housing in Paris to find
private rental options and roommates.
5. Understand the Lease: If you're renting a
private apartment, make sure you understand the
lease terms and conditions. If you're unfamiliar
with French lease contracts, seek assistance from
a French friends or a member of our International
Pôle (:
6. Prepare Required Documents: When
applying for a rental, landlords may ask for
documents such as proof of enrollment, proof of
financial stability, identification, and sometimes a
French guarantor. Be prepared with these
documents to speed up the application process.
7 Temporary Accommodation: If you can't find
permanent housing before your arrival, consider
booking temporary accommodation like a hostel
or Airbnb for the first few days or weeks until you
secure a more permanent solution.
Public transportation
The cost of public transport in Paris depends on the type of ticket or pass you use and the
zones you travel within. The most common price when you stay within Paris’ boundaries is
the Single Ticket (Ticket t+) which allows a single journey on the metro, RER (within Paris
city limits), bus, or tram. It costs €2.10 when purchased individually or €1.91 per ticket
when bought in a pack of 10.
In the long run, this can add up to a lot of money. You should hence consider the Imagine R
option below:
https://www.ratp.fr/en/titres-et-tarifs/imagine-r-student-travel-pass
Imagine R Travel Pass;
If you are a post-secondary student under the age of 26, you can apply to
this travel pass for 365 euros. The package is taken out for a period of 12
months. It can start at the choice of the student, for an identical price, on 1
September, 1 October, 1 November, 1 December in 2023 or 1 January in
2024.
With the Imagine R travel pass, you save over 50% off the price of a regular
Navigo monthly travel pass. You also benefit from special offers:
reductions with RATP partners all year long.
H
How to subscribe to Imagine R?
Online through www.iledefrancemobilites.fr/imagine-r website.
After creating your personal space and filling
in the online form and submitting all the
requested documents:
A recent photo,
Payment method,
For scholarship students, the scholarship
award notification for the year 2023/2024
Proof of enrollment at Sciences Po
Public transportation
If you fancy a little exercise, you can also go for the Velib option and bike around Paris!
Vélib:
Vélib' is a popular bike-sharing system in Paris, France. It allows residents and
visitors to rent bicycles for short periods, making it a convenient and eco-friendly
way to explore the city.
How to use Vélib' in Paris:
1. Registration: To use Vélib', you need to register for an account, either on the
official website or on the mobile app.
2. Subscription Options: Vélib' offers various subscription options, including shortterm and long-term plans. These can be daily, weekly, or yearly subscriptions.
Choose the one that best suits your needs (37,2€ for a year)
3. Biking Once you have registered and subscribed, use the app or check the Vélib'
station map to locate the nearest bike stations. Once you're done with your ride,
find the nearest Vélib' station with available docks to return the bike.
4. Usage Time: Depending on your subscription plan, you have a specified time
allowance for each ride. If your ride exceeds the allowed time, additional fees might
apply.
Museums in Paris
1. The Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre): One of the largest and most famous museums globally, the
Louvre is a must-visit for any art and history enthusiast. It houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts,
including the iconic Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
2. Musée d'Orsay: Located in a former railway station, the Musée d'Orsay is dedicated to art from the 19th
and early 20th centuries. It features an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist
masterpieces, including works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir.
3. Centre Pompidou (Musée National d'Art Moderne): This iconic modern and contemporary art
museum is known for its innovative architecture and vast collection of 20th and 21st-century artworks.
4. Musée de l'Orangerie: Situated in the Tuileries Garden, this museum houses Claude Monet's famous
Water Lilies series, along with other Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works.
5. Musée Rodin: Dedicated to the works of sculptor Auguste Rodin, this museum features a beautiful
garden adorned with some of his most famous sculptures, including The Thinker and The Kiss.
6. Musée de l'Armée (Army Museum): Located at Les Invalides, this museum showcases military history,
including exhibits on Napoleon Bonaparte and a vast collection of weapons, armor, and artifacts.
7. Musée Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac: Focused on non-Western art and civilizations, this museum
exhibits an impressive collection of artifacts from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.
8. Musée de la Musique (Philharmonie de Paris): This museum celebrates the world of music with an
extensive collection of musical instruments and exhibits on music history.
9. Musée Picasso: Dedicated to the works of Pablo Picasso, this museum houses one of the world's most
extensive collections of the artist's paintings, sculptures, and drawings.
10. Musée Carnavalet: Housed in two historic mansions, this museum chronicles the history of Paris
through its exhibits of art, furniture, and historical artifacts.
Many of these museums offer discounted or free entry to students under a certain age, particularly those
from the European Union.
Day Trips
From Paris, you can enjoy a variety of exciting day trips to explore the
beautiful surroundings and nearby attractions. Here are some popular day
trip destinations that are easily accessible from the city
Versailles
Visit the opulent Palace of Versailles, a UNESCO
World Heritage site, and its stunning gardens.
Marvel at the grandeur of the royal residence and
learn about French history.
Giverny
Experience the enchanting gardens that inspired
the famous artist Claude Monet. Giverny is a
picturesque village known for its colorful
landscapes and Monet's former home.
Mont-Saint Michel
Explore the iconic island commune of Mont SaintMichel, featuring a medieval abbey and picturesque
streets, surrounded by stunning tides.
Rouen
Immerse yourself in history by
visiting Rouen, a charming
medieval city with a stunning
cathedral, quaint streets, and
museums.
Château de Chantilly
Discover the elegant Château de Chantilly,
known for its remarkable art collection,
beautiful gardens, and equestrian shows.
Étretat
Witness the breathtaking white cliffs
and natural arches at Étretat, a
coastal town perfect for scenic walks
and relaxation.
Reims
Explore the Champagne region by visiting
Reims, known for its impressive cathedral and
famous champagne houses like Veuve
Clicquot and Taittinger.
Disneyland
Have a magical day at Disneyland Paris,
a world-famous theme park with thrilling
rides, shows, and beloved Disney
characters.
Your BDE is also preparing a weekend trip
this semester, stay tuned for more
information!
Stay in
touch with
us
@bdesciencespo
BDE Sciences Po
bde.paris
@science
spo.fr