4 Great Places to Study In Paris

Author: Lisa Jeeves

Planning on a short study break in Paris? Hostels are an excellent choice for quality budget accommodation, and a vibrant community of fellow travellers makes for an appealing environment for young students. However, sometimes you might crave a quieter space to review your study or get some research done. If you’re on the lookout for a place with as few distractions as possible, keep these locations in mind.

Municipal Libraries

You'll find a number of libraries in the various municipalities around Paris. Hostels may even be just a short walk from a library – known locally as bibliothèques – and there are some that cater mostly to students. These libraries are also a great resource, with students often able to borrow books that may not easily found on the Internet – especially those in French. If you're staying for an extended period, you may be able to apply for a public library card to be granted borrowing privileges for a wide array of libraries – from the Bibliothèque Historique de la Ville de Paris to the Arsenal Library. The interlibrary lending program even means you may even be able to find that obscure book you've never been able to get your hands on. Free Wi-Fi is always a welcome resource for students as well.

Parc de Bercy

Located beside the Seine, this is a wonderful place to escape when you want to study in a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle of Paris. Hostels are never far from a city green space, but Parc de Bercy offers a particularly tranquil ambience. The park itself is a work of natural beauty shaped by the hands of man, and it's not hard to find a quiet spot to get some reviewing done in peace.

La Caféothèque de Paris

Café chains like Starbucks are a popular choice for those looking to sip a coffee in a relaxed atmosphere. Some cafés, however, offer a warmer, cosier and (most importantly) quieter atmosphere for students to study in peace. La Caféothèque de Paris is one such locale. Not only does it offer an ambience of comfort and cosiness rolled into one neat package, but it also brews up some excellent specialty coffee as well. It's situated at 52 Rue de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, which is an easy walk from many of the Paris hostels.

A l'Heure du Thé

If you're more of a tea person, A l'Heure du Thé – which roughly translates to "a time for tea" – is for you. A l'Heure du Thé can serve up whatever tea you want, whether you’re hankering for a traditional pot of Earl Grey or more exotic fare like Chinese lapsang souchoung black tea. The cosy and composed atmosphere makes it a perfect choice for students looking for a quiet study nook. It's located at 23 Rue Lacépède.

Studying can become a pleasure at these delightful out-of-the-way locations.

Looking for a dream travel experience? Jason H. Cunningham works for Hostelling International, a company with more than 4,000 hostels worldwide. For the best Paris hostels or anywhere else, join our global community and say hi to the world. From quality, affordable accommodation and backpacker tips, to meaningful volunteer opportunities and enriching our eco footprint, we are the world’s local hostelling hub.