The Best Art Schools in France
France’s art schools in cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Montpellier offer you a chance to study painting, sculpture, drawing, and decorative arts. You’ll learn traditional techniques such as oil painting and stone carving and experiment with modern and abstract styles. France’s art history from the Renaissance to Impressionism shapes the courses. You’ll work in studios surrounded by the country’s cultural landmarks and develop your skills in a setting that inspires creativity.
These schools teach you more than just technique. You’ll study crafts like ceramics and textiles through hands-on mentorship and explore new artistic ideas. You’ll connect with France’s art history in Paris’s old studios or regional workshops. The experience sharpens your skills and helps you find your own artistic voice to carry forward France’s tradition of art.
Top 10 Schools in France
Beaux-Arts de Paris
Address: 14 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris, France
Focus: Renowned for its rigorous programs in painting, sculpture, and drawing, blending traditional techniques (e.g., oil painting, fresco) with modern and abstract explorations. Students work in artist-led studios, mastering craft and design through mosaics, ceramics, and mold-making, fostering high-level artistic creation.
École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs (ENSAD)
Address: 31 Rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
Focus: Specializes in decorative arts and craft and design, offering courses in textile, material design, and applied painting/drawing. Emphasizes both traditional craftsmanship and modern, abstract applications for functional and artistic works.
Paris College of Art
Address: 15 Rue Fénelon, 75010 Paris, France
Focus: Provides English-taught programs in painting, drawing, and fine arts, covering traditional, modern, and abstract styles. Studio-based training encourages craft and design, preparing students for global art careers without digital or performing arts.
Académie de la Grande Chaumière
Address: 14 Rue de la Grande Chaumière, 75006 Paris, France
Focus: Offers open ateliers for drawing, painting, and sculpture, focusing on traditional techniques like figure drawing and modern/abstract expressions. Emphasizes hands-on craft, ideal for artists seeking flexible, studio-driven learning.
École Municipale des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
Address: 8 Bis Quai Saint-Vincent, 69001 Lyon, France
Focus: Provides intensive courses in painting, drawing, and sculpture, emphasizing traditional techniques (e.g., watercolor, clay modeling) and modern/abstract experimentation. Decorative arts workshops include textile and ceramic design.
École de Condé Lyon
Address: 23 Rue Camille Roy, 69007 Lyon, France
Focus: Offers programs in drawing, painting, and illustration, blending traditional and modern techniques. Decorative arts and craft and design focus on functional objects, with abstract art explored through studio work.
École Supérieure d’Art et de Design Marseille-Méditerranée (ESADMM)
Address: 184 Avenue de Luminy, 13009 Marseille, France
Focus: Offers fine arts programs in painting, drawing, and sculpture, balancing traditional methods with modern and abstract approaches. Craft and design courses include material-based projects, fostering regional artistic innovation.
École Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Montpellier (MO.CO. Esba)
Address: 121 Avenue de Nîmes, 34000 Montpellier, France
Focus: Specializes in painting, sculpture, and drawing, with a contemporary and abstract emphasis. Traditional techniques are taught alongside craft and design, preparing students for innovative artistic careers.
École Municipale des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux
Address: 7 Place Renaudel, 33000 Bordeaux, France
Focus: Offers programs in painting, drawing, and sculpture, blending traditional techniques (e.g., acrylic, stone carving) with modern and abstract styles. Decorative arts include ceramic and textile crafts, emphasizing artistic versatility.
École Supérieure d’Art et Design Le Havre-Rouen (ESADHaR)
Address: 65 Avenue du Général Leclerc, 76600 Le Havre, France
Focus: Provides fine arts programs in painting, sculpture, and drawing, with traditional and modern approaches. Abstract and craft-focused projects, such as material design, support diverse artistic practices.
Note: Operating hours may vary. We recommend to check the official websites or contact the museums directly before planning your visit.