For centuries, Paris has served as an undisputed haven for artists and creatives, a legacy that profoundly endures in the city’s very fabric today.
To live in Paris is often to be enveloped by art itself; from the meticulously sculpted parks to the grandeur of its architecture, from its world-renowned museums to the simple, ethereal light that seems to bathe every street, art is omnipresent in Paris.
This pervasive artistic atmosphere makes it an unparalleled destination for aspiring artists and designers seeking to hone their craft.
It is no surprise then that this global epicenter of culture is home to a myriad of excellent art schools, each offering unique perspectives and specialized training within the vast landscape of artistic disciplines.
Here, we delve into the top art schools in Paris, highlighting their unique offerings and what makes each a distinguished choice for artistic education.
1. Les Beaux Arts de Paris
Les Beaux-Arts de Paris stands as one of the most prestigious art schools globally, fittingly located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Founded in the 17th century by none other than King Louis XIV, this academy has centuries of rich history, solidifying its reputation as a highly respected institution worldwide.
Today, it continues to be one of the most prestigious art schools, evident in its highly competitive admission rates.
The school offers a range of programs including undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education, all meticulously focused on the fine arts, such as drawing, painting, and sculpting.
Its teaching philosophy expertly blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on instruction, rigorously preparing students for successful careers in art and design.
- Address: 14 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris
- Metro Station: Saint-Germain-des-Prés
2. Paris College of Art (PCA)
Paris College of Art (PCA) is a prominent international art college nestled in Paris’s lively 10th arrondissement.
It earns its place among the best art schools in Paris due to its diverse array of art degree and certificate programs, alongside valuable summer exchanges and study abroad options.
A significant advantage of PCA is its accreditation in the USA, ensuring that degrees obtained here are recognized in both France and the United States.
Undergraduate programs encompass disciplines such as fashion design, fine arts, interior design, photography, and communication design.
Graduate offerings are even more varied, including specialized programs in drawing, photography and image-making, interior design, and design for social contact.
PCA also provides year-long certificate programs for those aiming to deepen their expertise in specific domains like photography, interior design, or fashion design.
- Address: 15 rue Fénelon 75010 Paris, France
- Metro Station: Gare du Nord
3. Ecole de Condé Paris
Located in the 15th arrondissement, just behind Place Cambronne, Ecole de Condé Paris is recognized as one of the premier art schools in the city.
The school offers robust degree programs in design, illustration and animation, photography and moving images, and cultural heritage restoration. Students can pursue both bachelor’s and master’s programs, depending on their chosen major.
While Ecole de Condé operates a network of over a dozen campuses across Europe and France, its Paris campus stands out as particularly impressive and modern.
Undergoing a complete renovation in 2014, the Paris campus spans 5,400 square meters and is fully equipped with the latest technology, providing an intuitive and cutting-edge learning environment.
- Address: 7 Rue Cambronne, Paris, France
- Metro Station: Cambronne
4. The American University of Paris (AUP)
The American University of Paris (AUP) offers a distinctive educational experience, located just a stone’s throw from the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris’s 7th arrondissement.
True to its name, AUP operates with an American academic approach, meaning undergraduate degrees typically take four years, with the initial two years dedicated to general studies and elective subjects before students declare their major.
AUP provides undergraduate programs with majors in Art History, Fine Arts, Film Studies, and Creative Writing, alongside the flexibility to add minors in various other subjects, a hallmark of the American system compared to more rigid European styles.
The university prides itself on its incredibly diverse student body, comprising over 130 nationalities.
Student life at AUP is notably, featuring an impressive array of clubs, extracurriculars, and even school sports, a rarity among Parisian universities.
- Address: 5 Bd de la Tour-Maubourg, 75007 Paris
- Metro Station: Ecole Militaire or La Tour Maubourg
5. Parsons Paris (The New School)
Parsons Paris The New School benefits from the widespread recognition of its original campus in NYC, yet it stands as an exceptional art school in its own right in Paris.
Established in 1921 in the 1st arrondissement, Parsons Paris is notably one of the city’s longest-standing art schools.
The institution offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and summer programs spanning various artistic disciplines, though it is particularly renowned for its fashion design programs.
Degrees available include Fashion Design, Fashion Studies, Strategic Design, and Art, Media, and Technology.
Parsons Paris is also celebrated for its student life, characterized by a tight-knit community stemming from its smaller student body and central campus location, complemented by numerous extracurricular clubs and activities.
6. Marbella Design Academy
It is important to note that while listed in the source among “The 15 Best Art Schools in Paris,” the Marbella Design Academy is actually located in downtown Marbella, Spain, not Paris.
Despite its location outside of Paris, it is highlighted for its unique qualities. Founded in 1995 by Danish designer Helle Byrn, this academy fosters a friendly, “home-away-from-home” environment where students and staff collaborate closely towards academic goals.
It is an international institution, proudly admitting students from over 70 countries, and its intensive course coverage ranks highly on a global scale.
7. Pierre and Marie Curie University
Pierre and Marie Curie University was founded by the esteemed scientists Pierre and Marie Curie. Based in Paris, Jussieu, within the Latin Quarter, the university primarily requires students to meet specific admission criteria for enrollment.
- Address: 5th arrondissement of Paris, France
8. Paris Dederot University
Paris Dederot University was established by members of the prestigious Sorbonne Paris Cité higher education and research alliance.
- Address: 5 Rue Thomas Mann, 75013 Paris, France
9. National Advanced School of Engineering (Arts et Métiers ParisTech)
The National Advanced School of Engineering, also known as Arts et Métiers ParisTech, is uniquely distinguished for its strengths in both arts and engineering.
While renowned for its contributions to the arts, it also holds a significant position as an engineering school, ranking 23rd in France.
The institution is particularly recognized for its numerous academic publications. Beyond its main campus in Paris, it maintains several branch campuses across France in locations such as Aix-en-Provence, Angers, Bastia, Châlons-en-Champagne, Cluny, Le Bourget-du-Lac, Lille, Metz, and Talence.
- Address: 147, Boulevard de l’Hôpital, Paris
10. Paris Dauphine University
Paris Dauphine University stands as one of the best public universities in Paris, offering a wide array of programs.
It gained significant renown for its Art and Design programs, which have notably attracted a substantial number of international students, contributing to its reputation as one of France’s top universities in these fields.
Founded on October 24, 1968, it has since expanded to solidify its excellence in Arts and Design.
- Address: Pl. du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, 75016 Paris, France
11. Académie de la Grande Chaumiere
Founded in 1904, the Académie de la Grande Chaumiere holds the distinction of being one of Paris’s oldest art schools.
This university was a true forerunner in its field, particularly in an era when art was heavily constrained by the strict aesthetic principles imposed by France’s École des Beaux-Arts.
The Académie de la Grande Chaumiere distinguished itself by actively encouraging artistic freedom, liberated from such prescriptive guidelines.
Operating from a rustic structure in Paris’s Montparnasse area, it remains revered as one of the city’s top art schools.
- Address: 14 Rue de la Grande Chaumière, 75006 Paris, France
12. Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs (ENSAD)
The Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs (ENSAD) is a public grande école of art and design in Paris and a proud part of the PSL Research University.
The school is renowned for providing internationally acclaimed instruction across a diverse range of artistic fields, including animation, photography, and scenography.
ENSAD boasts a prestigious list of famous alumni, such as Jean-Paul Goude, a former art director of Esquire, and Golden Lion winner Annette Messager.
Its location on Rue d’Ulm in Paris has even inspired French idioms like “to have frequented the street of Ulm” or “to have done Ulm,” which allude to students of this distinguished institution.
- Address: 31 Rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
13. Paris-Sorbonne University
Sorbonne University offers a comprehensive and diverse array of courses, spanning from bachelor’s to doctoral degrees across the arts, humanities, science, and engineering, as well as medical and paramedical fields.
The university provides both single and multiple academic programs, empowering students to craft tailored career paths that align with their unique profiles, abilities, and professional aspirations.
- Address: 1 Rue Victor Cousin, 75005 Paris, France
14. Atelier de Sèvres
For over 40 years, the reputation of Atelier de Sèvres has been solidly built upon the exceptional results of its students in the highly competitive entrance exams for major art schools.
Atelier de Sèvres distinguishes itself as the only preparatory school that publishes verifiable, thorough, and data-backed outcomes for its students’ admissions to various institutions.
The school consistently achieves the highest admission rates to both major French and international art schools.
This strong reputation is further underpinned by its open-minded approach, rigorous training, and the notably conducive and welcoming learning environment found within its buildings.
- Address: 47 Rue de Sèvres, 75006 Paris, France
15. École Boulle – HESAM Université
If your aspirations lie in the fields of arts and design, École Boulle presents itself as a highly suitable option for your professional journey.
Founded in 1886 in Paris, its original mission was to educate furniture specialists. Over time, the school has progressively broadened its curriculum to include comprehensive design and interior architecture courses.
École Boulle’s training uniquely integrates classical skills with cutting-edge technology in both applied art and design.
It is committed to providing its students with a rich cultural life and invaluable opportunities for immersive engagement with the professional world throughout their studies.
- Address: 9-21 Rue Pierre Bourdan, 75012 Paris, France
Conclusion: Your Artistic Journey Begins in Paris
Paris, with its enduring artistic legacy, cultural scene, and an array of distinguished institutions, undeniably stands as a premier destination for art education.
From the historical grandeur of Les Beaux-Arts to the international vibrancy of Paris College of Art, each school offers a unique pathway to artistic excellence.
The city itself acts as a constant muse, providing an unparalleled environment for inspiration and growth.
Choosing to pursue your art education in Paris is more than just enrolling in a school; it’s an invitation to become part of a centuries-old tradition of creativity, innovation, and profound artistic expression.
As you embark on this exciting journey, remember that the streets of Paris await to inspire, challenge, and shape you into the artist you aspire to be.
We hope this comprehensive guide has illuminated the incredible opportunities that await you. Your artistic journey in the City of Light is poised to begin.
Alicia Richards