Paris, capital of culture
For centuries Paris has been the undisputed epicenter of culture, the Arts, and elegant lifestyle. Drawing more annual visitors than any other European capital, this ‘City of Light’ is renowned for its rich and vibrant traditions, deeply rooted in the Arts, fashion, cuisine, and architecture.
“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris when you were young, then wherever you go for the rest of your life it stays with you, for Paris is a movable feast.” - Ernest Hemingway
Throughout history, Paris has drawn poets, artists, musicians, writers, scientists, and innovators. It is a true melting pot of cultures and influences. Studying in Paris gives students access to a vibrant theatre and film community, international industry contacts, and post-graduate employment opportunities. The broad spectrum of cultures, ethnicities, nationalities, beliefs and forms of artistic expression fundamentally inform and enrich the course of studies, and Cours Florent has been at the heart of it all for over 60 years.
In 2024 Paris garnered the Adobe Express ranking as “World’s Best Cultural City”. Boasting over 130 museums, thousands of statues, monuments, and other publicly accessible works of art, the city is a veritable ‘living museum’ with something for everyone. Street art is no exception, with every district serving as a stage for lively, ephemeral creations that contribute to the city's dynamic and ever-evolving identity. Renowned urban artists such as Banksy, Invader, Miss Tic, Shepard Fairey and C215 have left their mark, giving the city a modern, committed and creative face.
The Musée du Louvre is, of course, a symbol of the cultural, historical and artistic wealth of Paris. With 30.000 works of art on display, three main wings and nine collection departments - spanning periods from antiquity to the modern era - along with architect I.M. Pei’s famous inverted pyramid and the splendor of the Tuileries gardens, the museum is truly unique. Millions of visitors from around the world experience enchanted interludes with classical masterpieces such as The Venus de Milo, the Mona Lisa, The Raft of the Medusa and The Virgin of Chancellor Rolin. Other major Parisian museums, including the Musée d'Orsay (the Impressionists), the Centre Pompidou (Modern Art) and the Musée de l'Orangerie (Special exhibits, including Monet’s ‘Water Lilies’), are equally impressive, offering temples of creativity, artistic innovation, and reflections on the history of art.
Paris: Birthplace of Cinema
Since the Lumière brothers’ first public screenings in 1895, and the ground-breaking work of Georges Méliès, Paris has been considered the birthplace of Cinema. Innovators such as Jean Renoir and Marcel Carné introduced Poetic Realism, followed by the ‘Nouvelle Vague’ (New Wave) of François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Goddard, which in turn influenced cinematographers around the globe. Today, directors such as Jacques Audiard, Julia Ducournau, Leos Carax, Arnaud Desplechin or Cédric Klapisch, continue to push boundaries, bringing fresh perspectives and international acclaim to French cinema. In the heart of Paris, iconic venues such as Le Grand Rex, Le Champo, Le Cinéma du Panthéon and, more recently, MK2 Bibliothèque are landmark locations, where worldwide industry professionals and film enthusiasts gather. They are the settings for film festivals, retrospectives, debates, meetings and masterclasses featuring some of the most renowned filmmakers, actors and professionals.
Similarly, the art of photography, championed by renowned Parisian figures such as Louis Daguerre, Nadar, Dora Maar, Robert Doisneau and Henri Cartier-Bresson, holds a privileged place in the global artistic landscape. Even today, the Parisian scene continues to unveil new talents, with contemporary artists boldly and creatively carrying forward this legacy.
Paris: City of theatre
With almost 130 theatres, Paris is a world capital of theatre. Not surprising for the city that gave us Moliere, Racine, and Corneille, and continues to produce major playwrights such as Fabrice Melquiot, Yasmina Reza and Florian Zeller. Today’s audiences can choose from an extraordinary range of performances - between 300 and 450 productions each week. The variety of styles on offer is vast - classical theatre, contemporary theatre, comedy, standup, happenings, etc. Many companies offer regular productions in English.
Paris has also established itself as the capital of musical theatre, with world-renowned productions presented at the Théâtre Mogador, the Théâtre du Châtelet, Théâtre Marigny and others. Fans of opera and ballet can delight in venues such as the Opéra Garnier and the Opéra Bastille. There are also plenty of contemporary dance performances to discover.
Going out in Paris: Nightlife in the City of Light !
Paris is a paradise for night owls and culture enthusiasts, with countless opportunities for young, curious and dynamic people to explore and enjoy. Shows, plays, concerts, and exhibitions abound, as well as iconic cabaret shows such as the Moulin Rouge and Crazy Horse, and trendy cultural spaces along the Canal Saint-Martin.
From Techno temples and jazz hotspots to hidden speakeasies and rooftop bars, Paris has something for every student looking to unwind after a long day of classes.
To make daily life easier for everyone, the city of Paris has developed one of the most efficient public transport networks in Europe, providing diverse mobility options while prioritizing accessibility and safety.
The art of strolling
Who hasn't pictured themselves in the shoes of Hemingway or Picasso, (or Proust, Simone De Beauvoir, Jim Morrison, Sarah Bernhardt, James Baldwin, Sartre) wandering through the streets of Paris, guided by nothing more than creativity, the changing atmosphere, and any random whim? In search of contemplation and escape, the romantic figure of the flâneur (professional wanderer) associated with the city of Paris is by no means a myth, and the city remains a fertile ground shared by both neophytes and established artists alike. At the turn of any given street, or park or square, one can settle at the foot of a building where revolutionaries once plotted, or great artists painted. It is possible to sit at the same café terrace where James Joyce scribbled out ‘Ulysses’, and try your hand at your own poetry or prose. In the footsteps of Toulouse Lautrec you can wander up to the heights of Montmartre and watch the sunset over the city from the steps of Sacré-Coeur. You stumble across history at every turn (Literally stumble – there’s an actual ‘X’ on the ground where Henry IV was assassinated). If you walk 2 blocks without seeing some plaque decrying that Victor Hugo or Erik Satie “vécu ici” it’s a rarity. In perfect contrast to the frantic pace of modern society, strollers can linger over the smallest secrets and hidden treasures offered by Paris, marvelling at each stolen moment.
Cours Florent : At the heart of it all!
All the attributes, strengths and distinctive elements that make Paris a world-renowned destination also contribute to the richness of Cours Florent. At the heart of this flourishing and exciting environment, our international students experience this unique immersion, this ‘movable feast’ that will continue to nurture them throughout their career.
Students at Cours Florent benefit from numerous discounts and invitations so that they can take part in the teeming life of Parisian shows and happenings. The school has partnerships with numerous theatres, such as the Théâtre Mogador, with whom we organise a joint training course. Our students have the privilege of performing on the stage of this legendary theatre. Cours Florent also works with a number of film theatres and organises special events for students to give them an introduction to life in the cinema and immerse them in the world of the big and small screens.
Our casting office relays casting calls to students for major international productions filming in and around Paris. This is a wonderful opportunity to gain first experiences of working on feature films or series, and build professional networks.
Cours Florent regularly partners with museums to enable its students to perform in artistic spaces other than theatres. During the 2024/2025 season, for example, Cours Florent students are presenting several performances at the Musée d'Orsay, inspired by the exhibitions of the museum.
Paris, and Cours Florent are ready to welcome you on the next stage of your incredible journey!
