Paris is well known as one of the most romantic and intriguing cities in the world. While the city maintains its status as the premier modern city in France and a leader in politics, art and fashion, every city street holds some portion of the history of the city. For the history lover, the tour should begin in the heart of old Paris, the Ile de la Cité, which lies in the middle of the Seine River. Here you can explore the Cathédrale de Notre-Dame de Paris, the Palais de Justice and a hidden jewel, Ste-Chapelle. This small chapel with its incredible stained glass is one of the foremost examples of 13th Century French architecture. For the art lover, the city holds hundreds of museums all boasting incredible collections, including the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, the Musée Rodin and the Centre de Georges Pompidou. Tucked away in the city's 20 arrondissements, or districts, are many more sights and sounds to discover.

WHY PARIS?

• World-class cosmopolitan city
• One of the most romantic cities in the world
• Fashion/art/culture capital
• Home to legendary artists, poets, politicians and scientists
• Eiffel Tower
• Champs-Elysées
• Some of the best museums in the world
• Amazing French cuisine
• Excellent universities
• Hub for European travel

API students have several options for study in Paris. Founded in 1948, the ILCF (Institut de Langue et Cultures Fraçaises) is a department of the Catholic University of Paris (Institut Catholique de Paris). The ILCF welcomes more than 2,000 foreign students each year from more than 60 different nationalities.

API also offers students the opportunity to study at one of three institutions of the University of Paris. The former University of Paris had five faculties, which in 1971 were split into 13 separate public and interdisciplinary institutions. The Université Paris – Sorbonne carries on the legacy of the original Faculty of Arts and Sciences. It also houses the Cours de Civilisation Françaises, the program for foreign students learning French. Advanced and superior level French students may participate in The University of Massachusetts in Paris direct enrollment programs and can study with French students at either the Université Paris Diderot or the Université Paris Dauphine. The Université Paris Diderot is a multidisciplinary university with departments in Science, Arts and Lettres, and Social Sciences. The Université Paris Dauphine focuses on business, economics and mathematics, and offers some classes taught in English.