For the distinctive French art of living
- For the quality of its system of higher education
- For the international flavor of the country's higher education system
- For the country's renowned "art de vivre"
- For the vibrancy of contemporary French culture
- For the distinctive French art of living
- For the country's advanced economy
- For the power of French know-how
For the past five years, International Living magazine has ranked France among the world's top countries for quality of life. It was number one in 2010!
Living in France means enjoying one of the world's best health-care systems, according to the World Health Organization. Upon their enrollment in a French institution, international students are also enrolled in the national health system—at an affordable cost.
Life expectancy in France is among the highest in the world: 77 years for men, and 84 years for women. The country's labor laws provide ample leisure time (35 hour work week and 5 weeks vacation each year for all workers).
France has a pleasant climate and a clean environment. It is one of the safest countries in the world.
The world's most-visited country
France is home to 35 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Paris is the world's top destination for business tourism and international trade fairs. The Eiffel Tower is one of the world's most-visited paid-admission sites. Disneyland Paris is Europe's most-popular theme park.
In the heart of Europe
Sharing borders with nine countries, France is truly the crossroads of the continent. Paris's Charles-de-Gaulle airport is the second-busiest in Europe and the sixth-busiest in the world. France has the world's densest road network. High-speed trains connect major cities in France and elsewhere in Europe (including London, Amsterdam, and Geneva). From the heart of Europe one can travel to the 22 countries of the Schengen Area with a single visa. The euro is used in France and 15 other countries.
An unparalleled art of living
Since 2010 UNESCO has classed France's cuisine and extraordinary culinary richness among the world's leading examples of intangible heritage. The country produces 350 types of cheese. Fine wines flow from the vineyards of Bordeaux, Burgundy, and many other distinctive areas. The highly flavored cooking of the Antilles thrives alongside the masterpieces of celebrity chefs. In cities and on seashores, in mountains and meadows, one finds an endless array of recreational activities—all in close proximity to expressions of culture and the arts.
