Tours international student guide - Site International

Transcription

Tours international student guide - Site International
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Study i
members of campus 37
the education valley
Université François-Rabelais
60 rue du Plat d’Étain
www.international.univ-tours.fr
France Business School
Campus of Tours
1 rue Léo Delibes
www.france-bs.com
Groupe IMT
38-40 avenue Marcel Dassault
www.groupe-imt.com
Institut de Touraine
1 rue de la Grandière
www.institutdetouraine.com
École d’esthétique-cosmétique de Tours
49-51 rue Laponneraye
www.ecole-esthetique-touraine.com
École Brassart
185 boulevard Jean-Royer
www.ecolebrassart.com
2 Study in Loire Valley
E
M
O
C
L
E
W
We hope that
you will soon be one of the 30 000
students from the four corners of the
world who choose Tours to prepare their
future. The Campus 37 – The Education
Valley association is thrilled to welcome
you. By studying in the heart of our city
you will find the very best combination
of quality education and quality of life.
This guide has been created to help you
settle in and plan your stay – so you can
benefit 100% from your life in Touraine.
The Education Valley hopes your studies
here prove to be an enriching and simply
unforgettable experience!
Patrick HIBON DE FROHEN
President, Campus 37
The Education Valley
PARTNERS
Communauté d’Agglomération
of Tour(s)Plus and the city of Tours
www.agglo-tours.fr
Conseil général
d’Indre-et-Loire
www.cg37.fr
Touraine Chambre of
Commerce and Industry
www.touraine.cci.fr
BNP Paribas (bank)
www.bnpparibas.com
Société Générale (bank)
www.societegenerale.com
Interloire
www.vinsdeloire.fr
Tours, international student guide
Guide de l’étudiant international à Tours
This first edition of the Tours International Student Guide was made by the Campus 37 - The Education
Valley association and with the support of all its members and NR communication.
Head of publication : Patrick HIBON DE FROHEN
Coordination : Eric OLIVIER / Delphine BOULET
Translation : Linguatours
Graphic design : NR communication / Nicholas-Don GIANCARLI
Printing : Les impressions Dumas
Photographs : Université François-Rabelais, Groupe IMT, FBS, École esthétique-cosmétique de Tours,
École Brassart, Institut de Touraine, CROUS Orléans-Tours, ADT Touraine, Léonard De Serres, Thinkstock.
The Campus 37 - The Education Valley Association would like to thank its partners, Tour(s)Plus and the
city of Tours, the Conseil général d’Indre-et-Loire and Touraine Chamber of Commerce and Industry for their
support given to the association and which enabled the production of this guide.
We also thank our sponsors, the banks Société Générale and BNP Paribas and Interloire.
A big thanks to all members of Campus 37 and their teams, especially Eric OLIVIER, Director of École
Brassart and Vice-President Promotion Campus 37, who coordinated with Delphine BOULET, Policy Officer
Campus 37, the collective work and creation of this guide.
Study in Loire Valley 3
CONTENTS
Introduction
TOURAINE, the perfect blend of dynamic energy and gentle living
TOURS, a capital CITY!
CAMPUS 37 - THE EDUCATION VALLEY ASSOCIATION
Higher education in synergy!
Before arriving in Tours
IN TOURS, training and education in all its forms
1. Higher education
2. Training on offer
MASTERING FRENCH, a vital skill
1. Evaluating our level to know where you are
2. The best way to learn French
BUDGET, how much do I need?
1. Prices in France
2. Your monthly budget
3. Financial help
4. A job in france while you study?
ACCOMMODATION, the key to your comfort and success!
1. University residences
2. Private accomodation
3. tempory accomodation
ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS, don’t leave home without them!
Settling in in Tours
FOR A SMOOTH ARRIVAL, follow the guide!
1. By air
2. By train
3. By coach
4. By car
YOU’RE HERE, what to do fIrst?
1. Register at your establishment
2. Validate your VISA with the OFII
4 Study in Loire Valley
P. 7
P. 8
P. 8
P. 9
P. 11
P. 12
P. 12
P. 13
P. 16
P. 16
P. 16
P. 18
P. 18
P. 18
P. 19
P. 19
P. 20
P. 21
P. 21
P. 21
P. 22
P. 23
P. 24
P. 24
P. 25
P. 25
P. 25
P. 25
P. 25
P. 25
ACCOMMODATION, what you need to know before moving in!
1. Private accomodation/shared accomodation
2. Accomodation in public universitaity residence
3. help with the rent
4. Managing your accomodation
5. moving out
YOUR HEALTH, staying in tip top shape!
P. 29
P. 29
P. 30
P. 30
P. 31
P. 31
P. 32
1. Health insurance
2. Top-up health insurance
3. Other insurance
4. Useful contacts
5. Are you sick?
6. The university look after you
YOUR MONEY, managing it well so you can study well!
1. Ouppenig an account
2. managing your account
3. Changing your money
Getting the most out of tours and the region
STUDYING, everything you need
DAILY LIFE, services TO MAKE IT EASIer
P. 39
P. 39
P. 41
P. 42
1. Means of transport
2. Means of communication
3. Eating well
FREE TIME, ideas for getting out and about, meeting people and moving!
AGENDA
ACRONYMS
P. 33
P. 35
P. 35
P. 35
P. 37
P. 38
P. 38
P. 38
P. 38
1. Library
2. Speaking french
3. Impressions et photocopies
1. Cultural life and goinig out
2. Meeting people
3. Sport
4. Tourisme
P. 26
P. 26
P. 27
P. 28
P. 28
P. 29
P. 44
P. 44
P. 44
P. 46
P. 46
P. 48
P. 49
Study in Loire Valley 5
NOTES
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Introduction
TOURAINE,
the perfect blend
of dynamic energy
and gentle living
Tours and Tourain
e
in numbers
At the heart of the Loire Valley, the Indre-etLoire Department, department 37, is better
known as Touraine - one of the Centre region’s
six departments. Touraine, which enjoys a
coastal climate, has an exceptional historic,
architectural and natural patrimony. It is the
perfect illustration of the gentle life and the
French art of living.
In 2000, UNESCO classified the Loire Valley as a
World Heritage Site, alongside the greatest sites in
the world. The Loire is the last wild river in Europe
and France’s longest river. Along its 250 kilometres
of riverbanks is a harmonious blend of natural
wonders and manmade creations.
The waters flow past châteaux and internationallyrenowned historic buildings: Chambord, Chenonceau
and Amboise… But also past parks and gardens
that have given Touraine its name “The Garden of
France”.
Cradle of the French language, and widely accepted
as the area where the purest French is spoken, for
centuries Touraine has welcomed writers and artists.
Balzac, Descartes, Leonardo da Vinci, Rabelais…
now they all welcome you!
TOURS, A
capital city!
Cultural
capital
Tours is one of the largest cities in the Loire Valley.
Now the Indre-et-Loire department’s administrative
centre, in the 15th and 16th centuries it was the
capital of France. Extending along both sides of
the Loire, Tours has always been an important
communication hub between northern and
southern France – and Europe. Just one hour by
fast train from Paris, with regular flight connections
to London, Oporto, and even Dublin… it is a
resolutely European city! Known as an “Art and
History City”, Tours sets itself apart by the quality
and wealth of its architectural
patrimony. Previously chosen
590 500 inha
as a residence by Kings
135 000 Tourbitants as of 1st January 2013, of wh
of France, the prosperous
angeaux (live
ich
in Tours)
39 500 public
city saw the construction of
244 000 peopand private entities and businesses, em
superb buildings that can now
le (agriculture,
ploying
manufacturing,
construction, re
be discovered as you stroll
building and
tail
1,4 millionsand the service industry)
around, notably in the very lively
tourists visited
the Touraine in
30 000 studen
area known as the Quartier
2011.
Plumereau. The significance
3 000 Internatiots including more than
nal students.
and quality of this patrimony
make Tours a high point on any
cultural tourism journey.
8 Study in Loire Valley
competitive Capital
Touraine is also home to key business and
technology zones, bringing together a number
of businesses and public and private research
laboratories:
Pharmavalley:
No. 1 European hub for pharmaceutical development and production.
Cosmetic Valley:
CAMPUS 37 - THE EDUCATION
VALLEY ASSOCIATION
higher education in
synergy!
S²E²:
the benchmark network for electrical energy
and smart grid technologies for efficient energy
management. S²E² brings together 84.
Founded in 2009, the Campus 37 - The Education
Valley association brings together the main
higher education institutions in Tours: Université
François-Rabelais de Tours, France Business
School, Institut de Touraine, Groupe IMT, École
d’Esthétique-Cosmétique de Tours and École
Brassart.
Laboratoire MAbImprove:
2 aims:
the world’s leading network for fragrance and
cosmetics.
certified as an Excellence Laboratory (Laboratoire
d’EXcellence - LabEX), this facility harnesses the
talent of more than 200 researchers working to
improve the development and use of
therapeutic antibodies.
Centre d’Études
Supérieures de
la Renaissance
(CESR):
Centre for Higher
Studies into the
Renaissance,
specialised in
research and
education in all areas
of Renaissance
studies.
L’Institut
Européen
d’Histoire et des
Cultures de l’Alimentation (IEHCA):
European Food History and Culture Institute.
A centre for food science research and
development. In 2010, thanks to the IEHCA, the
“French Gastronomy” was officially included in
UNESCO’s world intangible heritage list.
To promote Tours and Touraine internationally
as a destination and centre of educational
excellence.
To coordinate and improve the
welcome and activities offered to
International students staying in
Tours.
Multiple partners:
The City of Tours and the
Tour(s)Plus Greater Tours
Urban Community, the
Indre-et-Loire General
Council, the Touraine
Chamber of Commerce
and Industry, BNP
Paribas and Société
Générale banks, the
Interloire wine industry
association…
t what we do
Discover more abou
on our website
n-valley.com
www.the-educatio
book.
and find us on Face
Study in Loire Valley 9
e
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B rriving in Tours
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Before arriving
in tours
IN TOURS,
training and education
in all its forms
There is a wealth and variety
of training and education available to you in Tours. To make
the most of it, it is important to
consider your options and analyse them in detail.
1. HIGHER EDUCATION
LMD SYSTEM:
As part of the work to harmonise European higher
education studies (1999 Bologna Declaration),
the French University system is based on three
diplomas: Licence (Bachelor’s degree), Master
(Master’s degree) and Doctorat (Doctorate or
PhD degree). This organisation, known as L.M.D.,
improves mobility for European students, as well as
EUROPEAN SYSTEM (Degree Masters PhD)
EUROPEAN VOCATIONAL LEVEL
LEVEL
LMD SYSTEM
University
François-Rabelais
D3
D2
D1
M2
M1
l3
l2
l1
7
(1*)
6
(2*)
DOCTORAT
16 semesters
480 ECTS
DOCTORATE
MASTER
10 semesters
300 ECTS
Research Master
Vocational Master
Engineering Degree
LICENCE
6 semesters - 180 ECTS
Degree
Vocational degree
4 semesters
University Technology
Degree (DUT)
5
(3*)
mobility between different disciplines and between
general and vocational training programmes.
University education is now organised in
semesters. The University academic year in
France is divided into two semesters as follows:
First semester: from the beginning of September
to the end of December.
Second semester: from mid-January to the end
of June.
Under the E.C.T.S. (European Credit Transfer
System) each semester corresponds to 30 credits.
As part of their educational contract, students can
acquire credits in higher education establishments
in other countries. The credits are also transferable
from one course to another (subject to acceptance
by the teaching staff). Accordingly, University
education based on a credit system is more flexible
and more customised and enables students to
explore other disciplines, provided they follow a
coherent course of studies.
VOCATIONAL TRAINING:
Vocational training is provided by public or private
establishments offering vocational courses that
lead to approved qualifications recognised by the
government and by professional bodies, provided
FRENCH HIGHER EDUCATION
Grandes écoles1
Business School
Engineering School
France business
School
Other establishements
Specialist School
École Brassart
École Esthétique
Cosmétique
Vocational training
establishement
IMT Groupe
Spécialist Schools Degree
(paramedical, tourism)
Vocational Masters
and accredited
Qualifications
Spécialist Master - MS
Master in Business
Administration (MBA)
Engineering Degree
Masters in Sciences (MSC)
Business School DegreeGrandes Écoles1 degree
Vocational Degree and
accredited Qualifications
Admission to 1st year of
Grandes Écoles1 - Intensive studies for competitive entrance exams to
Grandes Écoles1 - CPGE
Higher Vocational
Training Certificate
(BTS)
Accredited
Qualifications
* French vocational level equivalent – 1 Competitive entrance higher education establishments – 2 European Credit Transfer & System
12 Study in Loire Valley
they are registered with the Répertoire National des
Certifications Professionnelles, the RNCP (French
National Vocational Certification Registry).
2. TRAINING ON OFFER
There is a wealth and variety of higher education
on offer in Tours. Therefore, you will have no
problem finding the course which suits you best.
However, the formalities you need to fulfill vary
depending on your student situation (exchange
student or individual student). So, in order to avoid
any error in «switching» and losing time, take the
precautionary measure of finding out more from
the educational establishment at which you wish to
study or the French embassy in your own country,
one year before your arrival in France.
UNIVERSITÉ
FRANÇOIS-RABELAIS:
BROAD, OPEN-MINDED
APPROACH
The Université François-Rabelais has a population
of more than 24,000 students, supervised by 1,350
professors and research professors.
It awards 5,500 degrees each year, of which
3,800 are vocational qualifications
s
is-rabelai
IVERSITÉ franco
UN
RS
EU
NN
SITE DES TA
The Université François-Rabelais has the
following faculties:
Arts and Humanities
Literature and Languages
Centre d’Études Supérieures de la Renaissance
Law
Economics and Social Sciences
Science and Technology
Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences
The University also has an engineering school
(Polytech) and two University Institutes of Technology
(Institut Universitaire de Technologie – IUT). In terms of
research, the University has 34 departments, of which
17 are associated with major research bodies such as
the National Institute for Health & Medical Research
(INSERM), the National Centre for Scientific Research
(CNRS), the Atomic Energy Commissariat (CEA) and
the National Institute for Agronomic Research (INRA).
Doctorate degree level research activities
are grouped within 4 postgraduate doctoral
schools:
Energies, Materials, Earth and Universe
Sciences.
Mathematics, Computing, Theoretical Physics
and Systems Engineering.
Health, Biological Sciences, Organic Chemistry.
Human and Social Sciences.
Main Université François-Rabelais research laboratories:
Labex MAbImprove, CESR, IEHCA and
Certesens.
The Université also has an accredited Centre for Teaching French
for Foreign Students - CUEFEE.
Ideal for learning or improving your French,
it offers full-time courses on French language and culture.
In addition, the University offers
3 syllabuses in English:
Computer Aided Decision Support
Planning and Sustainability/Urban
and Regional Planning
Electronic and Mechanical Engineering
The University is a Master Erasmus
Mundus IT4BI (Information Technologies
for Business Intelligence) partner, and
offers a course in International Relations.
Study in Loire Valley 13
Before arriving
in tours
FRANCE BUSINESS
SCHOOL: GET THE KEY
OF THE WORLD
France Business School (FBS) is THE world
class business school in France. Its aim? To
produce future executives adept at managing
large businesses - anywhere in the world. The
school’s ambition is to train a new generation of
business leaders, who are audacious, creative and
responsible, capable of taking risks and thinking
outside the box…
To succeed in this, France Business School uses
the aptitude of students coming from different
backgrounds. So, having teams made up of
different yet complementary talents, businesses
are certain to have a real trump card. This
Grande École training is particularly designed for
committed students who want to make their mark
in the world. It uses a totally new style of teaching,
multi-disciplined and adapted to generation Z.
INSTITUT DE TOURAINE:
THE FRENCH LANGUAGE AT
ITS VERY BEST
he Institut de Touraine is a private higher education
establishment with teaching standards supervised
by the Université de Tours. Founded in 1912, every
year it welcomes 2,500 foreign students and more
than 100 foreign French language for language
and teacher training courses.
Since, 2007, The Institut de Touraine has
been certified «Qualité FLE» (French Foreign
Language Quality) and it offers several systems
for accompanying students to ensure that they get
the very best out of their studies: teaching tutorials,
interdisciplinary activities, teaching workshops,
guided media library activities, etc.
The main courses at the Institut de
Touraine are:
French as a foreign language.
French civilisation, literature and culture.
Vocational French: International Relations,
Business, Medical, Legal.
14 Study in Loire Valley
AINE
INSTITUT DE TOUR
Teacher training courses for French teachers.
Tailor-made programmes for closed groups.
IMT- INSTITUT DES MÉTIERS
ET DES TECHNOLOGIES:
AT THE HEART OF THE PHARMACEUTICALS AND
COSMETICS INDUSTRY
Every year, the Groupe IMT, a vocational training Institute specialised in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic
industries, trains around 450 future industry professionals. Due to its excellence, more than 92% of the
Groupe IMT students obtain employment in France
and Europe within 6 months of finishing their education!
As it also trains more than 3,500 employees in over
100 sites in France and abroad, the Groupe IMT has
a perfect understanding of the various disciplines and
expertise required in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
In Tours, the Groupe IMT has a Unité Technique et de
Développement (Technical and Development Facility) that is unique in France and Europe. Equipped
with experimental and manufacturing machinery, this
facility enables the Groupe IMT to provide its vocational education and to assess performance in real-life
working situations and conditions.
The Groupe IMT offers you training courses leading
to approved qualifications, recognised by the French
government (listed at the RNCP), and by French and
European manufacturers (All-party National Healthcare Industries Employment Committee – Commission Paritaire Nationale de l’Emploi des Industries de
Santé - CPNEIS):
Higher Technician’s Certificate in Industrial
Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics - Technicien
Supérieur en Pharmacie et Cosmétique Industrielles – TSPCI (level EU 5, equivalent L2)
Specialised Technician’s Certificate in Biomanufacturing - Technicien Spécialisé en Bioproduction
Industrielle – TSBI (Level EU 6, equivalent L3)
Specialised Technician’s Certificate in Pharmaceuticals and Biopharmaceuticals Machinery Maintenance (Technicien Spécialisé en Maintenance des
Équipements pharmaceutiques et Biopharmaceutiques – TSMEB (Level EU 6, equivalent L3)
It is also worthwhile noting that the Groupe IMT can
organise tailor-made training courses for foreign
exchange universities seeking to provide vocational
education for their students in the pharmaceutical and/
or cosmetics industries in the following areas:
Quality management.
Production process control.
Manufacturing performance.
Personnel management and efficiency.
Health, Safety and Environmental management.
ÉCOLE BRASSART
(BRASSART SCHOOL):
GRAPHIC DESIGN AS AN ART FORM
Founded in Tours in 1949, the École BRASSART
specialises in the teaching of graphic arts. This
premium-quality private establishment enables
students to train for a career in design, graphic design,
multimedia and visual communication.
Training is provided by industry professionals and
begins with a foundation year during which the
basics of drawing and pictorial techniques are
developed. Then, over 3 years, students allow their
own personalities to show through illustration
and communication projects. Of course, work
experience in firms validates everything learnt.
Students leave with a Multimedia Graphic
Designer degree (Bac + 3 Level II).
Logos
Packaging
Plastic arts
Advertising drawing
Rough layouts
Advertising creation
Computer graphics (Adobe® software suite)
Webdesign (Adobe® software suite
Computer-generated images (Blender)
ÉCOLE D’ESTHÉTIQUE
COSMÉTIQUE DE TOURS
(TOURS BEAUTY & COSMETOLOGY SCHOOL):
TOTAL TRAINING IN BEAUTY
Founded in 1987, l’École d’Esthétique-Cosmétique
de Tours prepares students for all the diplomas
created by the Minister for National Education: CAP,
Baccalauréat Professionnel (Vocational High School
Certificate), Brevet de Technicien Supérieur (Higher
Vocational Training Certificate), Licence Professionnelle
«cosmétologie industrielle” (Vocational degree in
industrial cosmetic science).
Every year, the school welcomes more than 200
students. Perfectly equipped, it has 1,100m² of facilities
dedicated to training, including 3 practical workrooms
and a cosmetology laboratory.
Accredited for the study of CIDESCO International
diplomas (CIDESCO-BEAUTY and CIDESCO-SPA) by
the International Committee for Beauty and Cosmetology
in Zurich, the school prides itself in evolving perfectly to
meet professional requirements, whether national or
international. The school also organises a number of
international exchanges.
Courses on offer:
Cosmetic techniques
Body treatments - SPA
Facial treatments
Make-up
Manicure
Depilation
Disciplines covered :
Sketching
Documentary review
Illustration
Digital illustration
Still life
15
Before arriving
in tours
REGISTRATOINON
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MASTERING FRENCH,
a vital skill
For every foreign student, speaking
French well must be a priority in
order to succeed in their studies.
1. EVALUATING YOUR LEVEL TO
KNOW WHERE YOU ARE
France is one of the countries that welcomes
the most foreign students. To undertake, and
succeed in, higher education in France, a good
mastery of the French language is needed since
most classes are given in French.
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16 Study in Loire Valley
Since 2001, France has used the Common
European Framework of Reference for
Languages (CEFRL) established by the
Council of Europe. The Campus France
agency in your country will be able to provide
information on the level of French required by
the establishment or course you have chosen.
2. THE BEST WAYS TO
LEARN FRENCH
In your country:
You’d like to pursue higher education in
France? It is therefore advisable to start
learning French before starting. Not only
will this gain you time, but it will also be
an excellent way to ensure you enjoy
your stay and integrate smoothly into
your surroundings. A number of Instituts
Français (French Institutes), Universities
and the Alliance Française (French
Alliance) offer lessons :
Find out more from the French
embassy in your country at
www.mfe.org
In France and in Touraine:
Once in France, it is of course possible to learn
French in a number of training centres. You can
find a list of these at:
www.campusfrance.org/en/node/1242
In Touraine, you can also take lessons in the
Campus 37 partner centres, like CUEFEE or the
Institut de Touraine (Touraine Institute).
Qualifications you need:
In your country or in France, you can take different
types of qualifications to demonstrate your level of
French. There are language tests valid for around
2 years like:
Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF)
French Language Test
Test d’Évaluation du Français (TEF) French
Assessment Test
or diplomas such as :
Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française (DELF)
French Language Diploma
Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française (DALF)
Advanced French Language Diploma
Diplôme Universitaire d’Études Françaises (DUEF)
French University Degree
The approval of your Prior Admission Request (DAP) by
a French higher education establishment will depend in
particular on the result of your French Knowledge Test
(TCF) or your French language diplomas.
You can obtain these qualifications in accredited centres :
in your country to prove your level of French and
validate your DAP
in Tours, by registering in an accredited centre: the
Institut de Touraine, CUEFEE, or Eurocentre in Amboise.
Students from countries where French is the official
language do not need to pass the TCF.
All information about language levels and qualifications
are on the Campus France website, in the «préparer son
séjour» / «Apprendre le français» (Preparing your stay/
Learning French) section.
For more information:
www.ciep.fr
www.institutdetouraine.com
Centre Universitaire d’Enseignement du
Français aux Étudiants Étrangers (CUEFEE)
(Teaching French to Foreign Students):
international.univ-tours.fr/profils/
apprendre-le-francais-267688.kjsp
Campus France (French tests and diplomas
and terms and conditions for obtaining these)
www.campusfrance.org/fr/ressource/
les-tests-et-diplomes-de-francaislangue-etrangere
Everything you need to know about
student Visas
Every international student coming to study in France
must have a visa – unless exempt. This visa must be
organised, before leaving for France, from the Embassy
or the French Consulate in the applicant’s country of
residence. Your visa will only be granted if your Prior
Admission Request (DAP) has been approved by a
French higher education establishment.
For stays longer than 90 days (3 months), the visa to
apply for is a long stay visa for studies-residence permit
(VLS-TS). This new visa is henceforth available to all
foreign students (except for Algerian nationals, who are
covered by a separate visa) wishing to study in a French
higher education establishment. The long stay visa for
studies-residence permit (VLS-TS) is usually valid for
one year.
With your visa, the Consulate will issue you with an
application form for certification for the OFII (Office
Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration – French
Office for Immigration and Integration), as well as
an explanatory leaflet. Keep these documents safe
because you will need to send them to the OFII upon
arrival in France.
Nationals from EU member States, the European
Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) or
from Switzerland are not required to obtain an entry and
residence visa, whatever the duration of their stay.
For more information:
www.campusfrance.org
www.diplomatie.gouv.fr
Study in Loire Valley 17
Before arriving
in tours
BUDGET
how much do I need ?
To spend your money
without breaking the bank,
here are a few very useful
pointers and tips…
1. PRIces iN FRANCE:
to give you an idea…
A few examples of prices for essentials,
useful things – and lovely things…
cost of living
food
A loaf of bread 0,50 to 0,90
A litre of milk 0,70 to 0,80
Butter (250g) 1 to 1,50
Eggs (X6) 1,20
Beef (per kilo) 19,90
Potatoes (per kilo) 1,20
cost of living
out and about
Cinema ticket 4,80 to 8,50
museum entrance 6,00 to 10,00
theatre ticket 8,00 to 10,00
swimming pool entry 4,00
paperback book 2,00 to 10,00
Daily newspaper 1,10
Rice (500g) 1,99
Weekly newspaper 2,50 to 5,00
Sugar (1 Kg) 1,30
International newspaper 1,50 to 2,50
Fizzy drink (can) 1,00
A sandwich in city from 3,00
A coffee 1,20 to 1,80
A restaurant meal from 14,00
(starter, main, dessert)
18 Study in Loire Valley
2. YOUR MONTHLY BUDGET :
an overview …
What you need to budget every month to
enjoy student life…
4. A JOB IN FRANCE WHILE
YOU STUDY?
sample
monthly budget
Accommodation 300
Transport 30
Food 250
It is possible to work in France during your
University year or during the holidays…
Under these conditions:
International students can undertake paid work,
without authorisation, during their studies in
France.
Going out 100
Laundry & cleaning 50
total
730
3. FINANCIal help:
support for peace of mind
3 types of grants are available to International
students in France. They are allocated by:
the French government
the government in the student’s country of origin
foundations or associations
Don’t wait - be prepared!
Grants should be applied for a year before your
arrival in France, and the grants are not cumulative.
If you have received a grant from your country of
origin you must inform the Cultural Service in your
Embassy or Consulate upon arrival in France. If
you have received a non-governmental grant you
must inform the representatives of the awarding
organisation upon your arrival in France.
For more information:
www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/annuaire
www.unesco.org/education/studyingabroad
Consider getting in touch with the establishment
you will be studying at – some of them can offer
their own financial packages.
European students (EU and
EEA) and Swiss students can stay in France
without a residence permit and are free to work,
except for the particular cases listed on the website:
vosdroits.service-public.fr/F13519.xhtml
Study in Loire Valley 19
Before arriving
in tours
Non-European students can work on an ancillary
basis during their studies if they have:
A long stay student visa which corresponds to a
residence permit,
or a temporary residence permit
stating they are a “student”.
With one of these visas,
students can take any paid
job in Metropolitan France.
The law for
students
Every International student
has the right to work while
studying in France, as
long as they are enrolled
in an establishment that
offers students the right to
the Social Security student’s
regime. You must also have a
residence permit if you come from
outside the European Union. French
law allows International students
to work 964 hours per year, the
equivalent of 60% of a normal
French working year. Be aware: if
you go over this number of hours
you risk having your residence
permit temporarily rescinded by the
Préfecture.
The law for employers
No student can begin work until their employer has
made a named declaration to :
the Préfecture near their residence for students
who have a long stay visa corresponding to a
residence permit,
the Préfecture which issued the student’s
residence permit.
Employers must complete this formality at least
two working days before the student starts work.
It can be done by a signed-for registered letter or
by email.
The declaration must be accompanied by a copy
of the residence permit or the student’s long stay
visa. It must state:
number of working hours per annum,
20 Study in Loire Valley
the expected start date,
the type of job,
contract length.
For more information:
www.campusfrance.org
vosdroits.service-public.fr
www.jobaviz.fr
ACCOMMODATION,
the key to your
comfort and
success!
If you are going through the
DAP process and applying for
a visa, your application must
be accompanied by a certificate
of accommodation. So finding
somewhere to live should not
be taken lightly! First, contact the
establishment you wish to study in.
They may be able to offer accommodation
or provide you with a list of landlords to contact.
This accommodation is generally furnished and
equipped (kitchenette and washing machine). You
can also use one of the many laundrettes in Tours
to wash and dry clothes for around 3€.
For successful studies, you must
find good accommodation! Don’t
wait until the last minute to
sort it out. Think through what
you need and put together your
student welfare dossier as
soon as possible.
certificate of reservation from the residence.
Contact your residence before 5th September,
without fail, to make an appointment for your arrival
day.
For more information: CLOUS de Tours
60 rue du Plat d’Étain - Bât H
37041 Tours cedex - Tél: 02 47 60 42 43
[email protected]
2. PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION:
comfort in total freedom
CROUS also provides ads, on which you will find
private rental accommodation ads:
www.lokaviz.fr
1. UNIVERSITY RESIDENCES:
at the heart of student life!
Tours has 10 University residences, situated in
different areas around the city centre. They are run by
CROUS (Centre Régional des Œuvres Universitaires
et Scolaires - Regional Centre for University and
School Works).
Students under 28 years of age, receiving a grant, and
whose families do not live in Tours or the surrounding
area are given priority for accommodation in University
residences.
The accommodation is furnished, whether it’s an
individual room, a studio or an apartment.
To apply for accommodation in a University residence,
you must first submit a Dossier Social Étudiant (DSE)
(Student Welfare Dossier) to the CROUS website
in the Orléans-Tours district between January 15th
and April 30th – whatever you are planning to study.
CROUS will then send you a copy of your dossier.
Return this, with the required documentation, without
delay.
At the end of June, you will hear whether you have
been allocated accommodation.
If so, you must quickly:
Reserve your accommodation by paying your
deposit. Following this payment, you can ask for a
You can also search on other ads websites, in the
local press, and via real estate agencies in Tours.
There is a vast choice, but once again – don’t leave it
until the last minute to find your dream address!
3. PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION:
a welcome bed while you find
something better
You’re ready to leave, but you still haven’t found
accommodation, whether University or private?
Why not go for temporary accommodation –
hostel or hotel? This will enable you to start your
life in France while looking for more permanent
accommodation once you are here.
esse et Habitat
Association Jeun
lissy – Tours
16 rue Bernard Pa
51
51
Tél: 02 47 60
se-habitat.org
www.asso-jeunes
u Saint-Michel
Foyer du Hamea
ville - Tours
25 rue de Cloche
66
66
Tél: 02 47 31
Study in Loire Valley 21
Before arriving
in tours
ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS,
don’t leave home without them!
Diplomas, certificates, attestations… these are the documents you
MUST bring with you.
documents you must bring with you
students from outside europe
For everyone
Original diplomas (Students travelling individually)
Around 150€ cash for initial spending
Certificate of enrolment at your chosen
establishment
10 passport-sized photos
Passport
Long stay visa stating you are a “student”
Parental resources certification
Currency export authorisation
Birth certificate translated into French
Medical records or vaccination certificate
Medical insurance documentation
(if you have coverage in your country)
erasmus students from the eu
Student ID card from your own University
Documentation from your education establishment authorising you to study in Tours
Identity card or passport
Proof of health coverage (form E128 or European
Health Insurance Card)
Medical records or vaccination certificate
if you are bringing your car
Driving licence
International insurance documentation
Ownership papers or vehicle registration
documentation
22 Study in Loire Valley
It’s a good idea to photocopy your documents, leave one copy at home and keep
a copy with you.
Set up an accessible copy in your email
inbox. These precautions will be useful
in case of loss
or theft.
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Settling in in tours
FOR A SMOOTH ARRIVAL,
FOLLOW THE guide
Tours is easy to get to. All
routes lead to Touraine, and you
can choose any means of travel.
Here’s what to do…
1. BY AIR: choice of airport
If you arrive at Roissy Charles-de-Gaulle, you
can reach Tours on a direct train. The TGV
(High Speed Train) station «Aéroport Charles de
Gaulle 2-TGV» is at Terminal 2, between 2D/2F
and 2C/2E. You must collect your luggage before
heading to the TGV station.
When booking your train ticket, allow at least 1
hour between your flight landing time and the train
departure time.
You can also travel to Tours via Paris, by train
from Montparnasse (TGV) station or Austerlitz
TER (Regional Express Train) station. The latter is
slower but also cheaper.
To get to Montparnasse station or Austerlitz station
from either Orly or Roissy airport, the simplest way
to go is to travel by Air France coach.
For timetables, prices and more information visit:
www.easycdg.com/1/groundtransportation/airfrancecoaches-paris-cdg-airportcharlesdegaulle/
You can buy tickets from the coach
drivers, at the airport, at Air France
agencies, or online.
If you land at Paris-Beauvais-Tillé airport,
official shuttle buses leave for Paris 20-25
minutes after flights land.
For 15€, and in around 1hr15, a shuttle
bus can drop you off at Porte Maillot. Then
you need to travel by metro (underground)
to Montparnasse station or Austerlitz station.
24 Study in Loire Valley
Metro tickets cost 1.70€ and can be bought from
RATP ticket offices in stations. Beware of unofficial
sellers offering cheaper tickets.
If you arrive at Tours Val de Loire airport, an airport
shuttle bus leaves for central Tours 30 minutes
after flights land.
For 5€, and in around 20 minutes, this shuttle bus
will drop you off at Tours main station.
You can also take bus 2A, 2B or 10 (bus tickets
cost around 1.40€), the tram (Vaucanson station
is about 800m from the airport), or a taxi (costs will
vary according to the day, time of day and amount
of luggage you are carrying).
Useful links:
www.aeroportsdeparis.fr
www.lescarsairfrance.com
www.aeroportbeauvais.com
www.tours.aeroport.fr
www.ratp.fr
2. BY TRAIN:
direct and under an hour
You can travel to Tours from Paris on a direct train in
just 55 minutes. These trains leave from Montparnasse
station. Tickets can be bought at the station or on
www.voyages-sncf.com/billet-train
Don’t forget to get your ticket stamped before
getting onto the train.
YOU’RE HERE,
what to do fIrst?
Welcome! As soon as you arrive,
here’s what you need to do…
1. REGISTER AT YOUR
ESTABLISHMENT
Every establishment has its own registration
procedure. Find out the details from yours so you know
what you need to do. During registration, originals of
your documents are often required, so make sure you
bring the right documentation with you to Tours.
3. BY COACH:
travelling on a tight budget
You can get to Tours on a Eurolines coach.
Tickets are not expensive and the coaches drop
you off right at the Tours bus station.
For more information visit their website :
www.eurolines.fr
4. by car: the open road
Thanks to a comprehensive motorway system, it is
extremely easy to get to Tours from other large cities
in France and across Europe. To plan your journey,
visit:
www.viamichelin.com
www.mappy.com
Don’t forget that in France you drive on the
right, wearing seatbelts is compulsory in
the front and the back, and the driver must
always carry a valid driving licence and
the car papers (insurance and registration
documents).
During registration, depending on your education
and status, your chosen establishment may give you
a student ID card. You can show this card to gain
access to services and discounts (transport, cinema,
University restaurants…).
It’s a good idea to photocopy this card in case you lose it.
2. VALIDATE YOUR VISA WITH
THE OFII (Office Français de
l’Immigration et de l’Intégration)
Once you arrive in France, if you have a student
Long Stay Visa/Residence Permit, you must have
this validated.
s
airport of tour
For more information:
www.prix-carburants.gouv.fr
securite-routiere.gouv.fr
In any case, and however you travel:
Label your luggage – name, address in
France and a phone number.
Study in Loire Valley
Settling in in tours
To do this, send the following by registered letter
with acknowledgement of receipt to the regional
department of the Office Français de l’Immigration
et de l’Intégration (OFII – French Office for
Immigration and Integration) in Orléans:
the OFII application form for certification
stamped and given to you by the authorities that
issued your visa,
copies of the pages in your passport containing
information on your identity and the stamp showing
entry to France or the Schengen Area.
Once it has received these documents, your
regional OFII will request that you attend a medical
assessment at Orléans hospital. Be aware, you
must cover the costs of getting to this appointment
– around 25€ by train.
The OFII signs off on these formalities by putting
a visa-stamp in your passport. This validates your
visa, giving you the right to reside in France.
For more information
www.campusfrance.org
www.diplomatie.gouv.fr
ACCOMMODATION, WHAT
YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE
MOVING IN!
Before picking up the keys, you
need to do certain things which
are obligatory in France…
1. PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION/
SHARED ACCOMMODATION:
what you need to do
Sign a tenancy agreement or rental contract. This
is a written document stating the rent amount, means
of payment, length of rental period, location of the
premises (residence). It must also contain the rental
property address and the owner’s contact details. This
obligatory document must be signed by the tenant
(you), or all tenants (for shared accommodation), and
the landlord (owner).
Pay the deposit. This money is given to the owner by
the tenant, or tenants, when the tenancy agreement is
signed. It allows the owner to safeguard against any
damage to the property or unpaid rent. The amount is
generally equal to a maximum of one or two months’
rent minus the charges. The deposit will be returned to
you when you leave if there is no damage found when
the inventory is carried out at the end of the tenancy.
OFII Orléans Orléans
45000
4 rue de Patay 34
00
Tél: 02 38 52
www.ofii.fr
et-Loire
Préfecture Indres
lissy - 37000 Tour
15 rue Bernard Pa
37
Tél: 0 821 80 30
ire.gouv.fr
www.indre-et-lo
26 Study in Loire Valley
Give the owner the guarantee from your guarantor.
This document shows that someone (a parent or
friend) has agreed to pay the rent if the tenant (you),
or tenants fail to do so. The guarantor (parent or
friend) undertakes to do this by signing and adding
a few handwritten sentences. It is therefore a serious
commitment, which lasts throughout the rental period.
In shared accommodation, this person agrees to pay
the rent for all tenants.
Carry out an inventory of your accommodation.
This is a detailed inspection of your accommodation,
room by room and including fixtures and fittings. The
document, filled out in duplicate, is signed in situ by
the owner and by you. Note down any existing
damage to avoid having to pay for repairs for
which you are not responsible when you leave.
Insure your accommodation. This is
compulsory. Take out insurance from a
mutual insurance company, a bank or
a private insurer. Choose a “Multi-risk
accommodation” policy including civil
liability insurance. This will protect you in
case of fire, flooding, theft… Proof of this
insurance must be given to the landlord
when you move into the property.
Get in touch with Utility companies as soon as
possible. You will need to take over the costs for water,
gas and electricity.
EDF Electricity supplier:
www.particuliers.edf.com
French customer service: 09 69 32 15 15
English customer service: 02 47 25 10 07
GDF Gas supplier:
www.gdfsuez-dolcevita.fr
0 969 324 324
Service des eaux de la Ville de Tours (Tours Water
Board): 02 47 21 66 87
Other towns: call the Town Hall where you live to
find out the name and contact details of your water
provider.
Every month, after you’ve paid your rent, you will
receive a receipt called “quittance de loyer”.
This document, sent out by your landlord, allows you
to prove that you are paying the rent. It can be asked
for as proof of address or for a grant application for
example. Keep it safe.
2. ACCOMMODATION IN PUBLIC
UNIVERSITY RESIDENCE:
student comfort
You have successfully got yourself a place in a
CROUS University residence – which has many
advantages:
Wifi internet access
A multitude of services on offer (laundry rooms, TV
rooms, multimedia,
parking…)
Onsite staff, day
and night
Technical staff at
your disposal
Personal support
residents who can help
you on a day-to-day
basis
No agency fees
Exemption from
property tax
Settling in in tours
In University residences, you can
move into your accommodation
from Monday to Friday.
For more information:
CAF - 1 rue Alexander Fleming – Tours
Tél : 0 810 25 37 10
It’s a good idea to make a note of your residence
address, you can find them all on the CROUS
website:
LocaPass
www.crous-orleans-tours.fr
and to find out where you can pick up your keys.
To move into your accommodation, you must provide:
a copy of your visa or passport,
registration documentation or, for work experience
students, the course agreement or certificate.
Tours also has private student residences. For
these, you must take the same steps as for private
accommodation
(rental
agreement,
deposit,
insurance…)
3. HELP WITH THE RENT:
a helping hand with your
accommodation costs
Whether you rent private accommodation or are in
University accommodation, the Caisse d’Allocations
Familiales (CAF) (Family Welfare Benefit Fund) can
help with your rent via different means:
L’Aide Personalisée au Logement (APL)
(Housing benefit)
To qualify for APL, your accommodation must be
covered by an agreement between the State and
the owner (to find out if this is the case, ask your
landlord). This money is paid direct to the owner, who
then deducts the amount from your rent. Students
in CROUS residences can also claim this.
L’Allocation Logement à
caractère Social (ALS)
(Social housing benefit)
If you aren’t eligible for APL, you may be able
to get ALS. It is paid to the tenant, or under
certain conditions direct to the owner.
28 Study in Loire Valley
www.touraine.caf.fr
Solely reserved for students receiving State funding
and/or working, the LocaPass helps in two ways: loan
of the deposit and acting as a guarantor (Locapass
guarantee).
LocaPass loan (deposit): this loan enables you to
pay the deposit. It is interest-free and repayable over
a maximum of 3 years.
Guarantor: the organisation acts as guarantor in
case of unpaid rent. Eligibility for this varies according
to personal situations.
For more information:
www.aidologement.com
www.vosdroits.service-public.fr
4. MANAGING YOUR
ACCOMMODATION:
costs you need to meet
Renting involves costs from the
minute you pick up the keys, but
also regular costs throughout
the year…
initial costs
Stop housing benefit - at least one month before you
move out – by informing the CAF that you are leaving.
Agency fees, if you use an agency
Request final bills (gas, water, electricity, phone…)
giving your moving-out date to avoid having to pay
for future energy use. Make sure the meters are read
when you leave.
Rent
Deposit (maximum 1-2 months’ rent)
Set-up costs for EDF (Electricity),
GDF (Gas), Water
Property insurance
RECURRING COSTS
Rent (Once a month)
Charges: amount to pay in addition to rent
for lift costs, cleaning…
Electricity and gas (every 2 months)
Water (every 6 months)
Property Tax (once a year):
tax paid by the tenant if they live in a property
on 1st January. The amount of tax payable
depends on your financial situation
and the property itself
(size, location, number of windows…)
5. MOVING OUT:
the right way to
leave!
Time to move out? This
is what you must do:
Give notice: let the owner
know in writing that you
are moving out. Do this
2-3 months in advance
(according to the terms of
your lease).
Carry out the inventory of the property with the
owner. This inspection is to check that nothing has
been damaged. Your accommodation must be clean
and completely emptied in order to recover your
deposit. The owner legally has two months to return
your deposit. For CROUS residences it is one month.
YOUR HEALTH,
staying in tip top shape!
Tours has everything you need
to help you stay healthy and to
look after your health under
the best conditions…
1. HEALTH INSURANCE:
protect yourself!
In France, students in higher education must be
affiliated to the student section of the Sécurité
Sociale (Social Security). Social Security is run by
the Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie (CPAM)
(Primary Health Insurance Fund). A student mutual
insurance company will organise your affiliation to
the student section and monitor your case:
La Mutuelle Des Étudiants (LMDE) Students
Mutual Welfare Fund
La Société Mutualiste des Étudiants du Centre
Ouest (SMECO) Centre West Students Mutual Society
Your affiliation to students Social Security starts when
you register at your host establishment. It costs over
200€, and is paid at the same time as your tuition
fees. You will receive a Social Security number, and
later, a green card “carte Vitale” (Health Card). You
must show this card whenever you see a doctor.
Study in Loire Valley 29
Settling in in tours
Who is covered by “student”
Social Security?
All French students and those from
countries outside the European Economic
Area, aged under 28 on 1st October in the
current University year and registered at
an establishment accredited by the Social
Security.
Who is not covered by “student”
Social Security?
Students from European Economic Area
countries. You must have:
A European Health Insurance Card (CEAM)
issued by the social security department in your
country. Apply for this before leaving for France.
OR
An E128 form. Treatment will be reimbursed by
the CPAM (Primary Health Insurance Fund) with
whom you have signed up.
Are you a student from Quebec?
You must meet these two requirements: Have a fixedterm or indefinite contract of employment, covering
the entire University year (from 1st October to 30th
September the following year). Work a minimum of 60
hours a month or 120 hours per trimester.
Are you a working student?
You must meet these two requirements:
Have a fixed-term or indefinite contract of
employment, covering the entire University year (from
1st October to 30th September the following year).
Work a minimum of 60 hours a month or 120
hours per trimester.
You are not eligible for “student”
Social Security?
If you are over 28, you need to sign up for private insurance cover in France or your own country. If your financial situation does not permit this and you will be living in
France for more than 3 months, there is the Couverture
Maladie Universelle CMU (Universal Healthcare Coverage). Find out more from the student insurance providers
or on the CMU website.
For more information:
www.cmu.fr
30 Study in Loire Valley
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2. TOP-UP HEALTH INSURANCE:
to be well covered!
Your chosen insurance provider will manage your
student Social Security health coverage and reimburse the basic health services (partial reimbursement
of medical costs). However, it will not reimburse additional amounts, unless you have also signed up for
top-up health insurance with them. You can
also take out a private insurance policy.
3. OTHER INSURANCE:
make sure you’re
covered!
Civil liability, why? Because you are
required to pay damages for any injuries
caused to others. These injuries could
be the result, for example, of a careless
action. To compensate the victim, the insurance takes
responsibility, in other words takes the role of the
person responsible for the injuries caused.
Civil liability, how? Upon arrival in France, you must
take out certain insurance policies. These include civil
liability cover (property insurance, for example). So,
find out what civil liability coverage they offer, in order
to assess whether it is sufficient. SMECO, LMDE, and
private brokers or insurance providers also offer civil
liability insurance.
4. USEFUL CONTACTS:
to be well looked after
CPAM Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie
(Primary Health Insurance Fund) de Tours
36 rue Édouard-Vaillant - Tél : 3646
Open Monday to Friday: from 8:15 am to 5 pm
www.ameli.fr
LMDE La Mutuelle Des Étudiants
(Students Mutual Welfare Fund)
4 bis rue Paul Louis Courrier - Tél: 0969 369 601
Open Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday - from
10 am to 12:30 pm and from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm
www.lmde.fr
SMECO Société Mutualiste des Étudiants des
régions Centre-Ouest
(Centre West Students Mutual Society)
4 rue Chanoineau - Tél: 04 72 76 70 76
Open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 12:30 pm
and from 1:30 pm to 5 pm
www.smeco.fr
5. ARE YOU SICK?
You can make an appointment with a doctor (GP)
(General Practitioner). They will provide a diagnosis
and give you a prescription with a list of medication to
make you better. In France you pay to see a doctor.
Generally you see them at their office, from Monday
to Friday between 8 am and 7 pm.
AT THE DOCTOR
Which doctor?
In France you can make an appointment with the GP
of your choice. This doctor, called a «médecin traitant», can help you with any health problems. if you
wish to see a specialist, ask your GP for a referral. Be
aware: there can be a long wait to see a specialist.
How much does it cost and how much is
reimbursed?
It costs around 23€ to visit a GP.
This amount will be reimbursed afterwards by Social
Security or by your insurance provider.
Currently, doctors have card machines that scan the
“carte Vitale” and electronically register your reimbursement claim with the Social Security, without you
having to do anything else.
For more information visit:
www.securite-sociale.fr
AT THE PHARMACIE
Medicine: where to get it and how is it
reimbursed?
During your visit to the doctor, you will have been
given a prescription. In France, medicines are solely
dispensed by pharmacists in a pharmacy. In principal,
you only have to pay for any medications not reimbursed by Social Security or your insurance provider.
Don’t hesitate to ask your pharmacist for advice or
further information.
IN AN EMERGENCY:
getting help fast
If you are taken ill on a Sunday, Public Holiday or
at night, or you cannot move, call SOS médecin
37 (Tel: 02 47 38 33 33) or the police (Dial 17) to
get details of the doctor on duty.
Study in Loire Valley 31
Settling in in tours
If you need to buy medicine on a Sunday, Public Holiday
or at night, you can get details of the pharmacy on duty
from the police. To reach the police by phone, dial 17.
Before going to the pharmacy on duty you must go to the
police station with a form of ID. The police will then inform
the pharmacy on duty of your arrival.
SUMPPS :
by your side to keep you healthy
You can also go, 24/7, to a hospital emergency
department.
You will be welcomed by a nurse, who will listen to
you, offer advice and help you with your overall health
in order to pre-empt any health problems and take
measures to solve them.
6. THE UNIVERSITY LOOKS
AFTER YOU
If you’re a student at the Université
François-Rabelais, or in an accredited
establishment (France Business School,
École Brassart…) - you can find out from
your host establishment – then you have
access to the following services:
ivate
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Study in Loire Valley
(University Preventive Medicine and Healthcare
Promotion Service)
SUMPPS welcomes all Université François-Rabelais
students FOR FREE and IN CONFIDENCE.
Psychologist, psychiatrist, dermatologist, sports doctor,
dietician – you can also make an appointment to see
these professionals.
Current vaccinations are offered free of charge.
The SUMMPS Family planning centre
(gynaecology, contraception, sex education, STD
screening) welcomes you from Monday to Friday by
appointment. At regular intervals, SUMPPS organises
healthy living and prevention programmes: access to
treatments, sex education, well-being, hearing, etc.
As for the various elements, Étudiants Relais Santé
(ERS) (Student Health Network) undertake healthy
living promotions with the SUMPPS nurses and can
direct you to the services and resources you need.
Don’t hesitate to ask for their help.
LA MISSION HANDICAP (MISSION FOR
DISABLED STUDENTS): help and a
real shoulder to lean on
This is for all students whose disability requires an
adapted situation, and/or special measures during
their studies.
Its missions are :
to welcome and accompany disabled students
during orientation and during their studies,
identifying ways of ensuring their studies
proceed smoothly,
helping with professional placements
(work experience, jobs) and further studies in
collaboration with the Maison de l’Orientation
et de l’Insertion Professionnelle (MOIP)
(Association for Orientation and Professional
Integration),
furthering awareness of the “disabled”
culture by increasing understanding, helping
to support existing projects and creating new
projects.
PSYCHOLOGICAL HELP
The BAPU (Bureau d’Aide Psychologique
Universitaire) (University Psychological
Support Bureau) is a place where students
can seek psychological help. Thanks to
the presence of a multi-discipline team,
the BAPU can provide a response in line
with your needs.
BAPU
8 rue de la Pierre
Tél. 02 47 54 18 42
CROUS
Service Social - 60 rue du Plat d’Étain
Bâtiment H – Tél. 02 47 60 90 39
SUMPPS
60 rue du Plat d’Étain – Tél. 02 47 36 77 00
Numéros d’urgence
European emergency
services
112
SAMU (Emergency
Medical Help Service)
15
Fire Brigade
18
Police
17
SOS Médecin 37
36 24
Duty pharmacy
32 37
Dentist on duty
SOS Amitié
(SOS Friendship line)
02 41 48 21 21
02 47 45 45 45
YOUR MONEY,
managing it well so you
can study well!
Here are some money management
tips, to help with daily spending and
to avoid nasty surprises.
If you are spending more than 3 months in France,
you can open a bank account. It is simple to do,
just take your passport, your residence permit and
one form of proof of address (i.e electricity bill).
It’s a good idea to find out from the member of
staff who serves you:
Is it free to open and close an account?
Is it free to withdraw cash from another bank’s
cash dispenser?
What’s the maximum monthly withdrawal limit?
If in doubt take someone with you.
Study in Loire Valley 33
34 Study in Loire Valley
1. OPENING AN ACCOUNT,
why is it necessary?
An international bank card isn’t sufficient to live for
more than 3 months in France. As a student, you
will live “French” daily life. An account is necessary
to:
Receive housing benefit (benefits are paid
directly into your account)
Be covered by student Social Security (Social
Security reimbursements are automatically paid
into a bank account)
Work (employees are paid by cheque or bank
transfer)
You need a cheque book to pay your bills or your
rent
Use a bank card for shopping and cash
withdrawals…
To open an account, make an appointment with a bank advisor, to whom you
will need to show:
A piece of ID (identity card, passport)
If your bank card or cheque book is
lost or stolen,
contact your bank as soon as possible to stop
the card or cheques. If the bank is closed, call the
number on your contract to register the loss or theft.
Contact the back again the next day to confirm the
loss and sign and send back the document they will
have sent you.
The Education Valley bank partners are:
www.bnpparibas.net
www.societegenerale.fr
Solène ESTEVE, Account Manager,
Tours-Heurteloup Agency - 02 47 70 57 54
3. CHANGING YOUR MONEY,
and using Euros.
If you don’t live in the Eurozone, you can change
your currency at the Bureau de Change inside the
Tours main SNCF station – 1 place du Général
Leclerc.
Your residence permit
Your student card
Proof of address (rent receipt, phone or electricity
bill…)
The day you open the account, you must put at least
15€ into it. Once the account is open, you will receive
a cheque book around 10 days later (this is usually
free) and a bank card (which costs between 15€40€).
2. MANAGING YOUR ACCOUNT,
keep an eye on the balance…
and your spending!
Don’t go overdrawn:
if you spend more than you have in your account,
it will go overdrawn and you will have to pay bank
charges or “agios”… which are usually quite high!
Make sure you keep enough money in your account.
Study in Loire Valley
Study in Loire Valley
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Getting the most out of
tours and the région
STUDYING, everything
you need
rary
Central Lib
It is vital to be able to study
effectively. To give yourself every
chance of success, there are a number
of services at your disposal.
1. LIBRARIES: precious places to
enrich your knowledge
Tours has 7 municipal libraries, including the
Bibliothèque Centrale (Central Library) on the
banks of the Loire, and libraries in other areas of
city. It is free for students to register in municipal
libraries. Go and look through the many documents,
and borrow books, CDs and DVDs.
You will also find specific works relating to your
studies in a dozen University libraries across the
University campuses.
33
Centrale
02 47 05 47
Bibliothèque
alraux - Tél:
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2 bis Avenu
:
Municipales
Bibliothèques
ours.fr
www.bm-t
:
Universitaires
Bibliothèques iv-tours.fr
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www.scd.u
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SCD : po
Environnement Numérique de Travail (ENT)
(Digital workspace)
Your educational establishment will have work
rooms equipped with computers with internet
access and a network on which you can safely
store your work. At the University, ENT acts as
your University office. It allows you to access your
University inbox, your student dossier, timetable,
online classes. It is also how you access University
registration sites and useful links like the University
library and its online resources.
38 Study in Loire Valley
2. SPEAKING FRENCH:
everything to help you perfect
your French
During your stay in Tours, you can pass your
exams, and also perfect your French. To do this,
you can use one of the many accredited teaching
centres like the Institut de Touraine, the CUEFEE,
etc…
You can also polish upon your language skills
outside the classroom:
Head to the “Le Palais” café (15 place JeanJaurès) for the ”Café des Langues” (Language
Café) once a week (Monday from 8 pm)
Visit one of the Centres de Ressources en
Langues (CRL) (Language Resource Centres)
on the different University sites. These centres
are reserved for students from the Université
François-Rabelais, outside their course hours.
3. PRINTING AND PHOTOCOPYING:
the choice is yours
To enable you to print or photocopy your
documents, you will find shops close to the higher
education campuses that offer competitive prices.
You might even find photocopy and printing
services on offer in your educational establishment.
Ask other students for advice on where to go.
DAILY LIFE, services To
MaKE IT EaSier
Getting around, staying in touch, finding
out information, but also eating well
all essential and important things to
help you feel good. In Tours, there are
many services on offer to simplify your
daily life.
3.70€ (July 2013 price) which is valid for one day.
PASS ÉTUDIANT (Student Pass) is a travel card
reserved for students in higher education. It costs
27.50€ a month (July 2013 price). This gives you
unlimited access to all the Fil Bleu lines.
Fil Bleu
9 rue Michelet - 37000 Tours – Tél: 02 47 66 70 70
www.filbleu.fr
Velociti bikes
Velociti is a long-term bike rental service specially
designed for getting around city.
Thanks to this service, you can rent a bike from Fil
Bleu for 3-12 months – and for only 2€ a month if you
have a Fil Bleu travel pass!
This means of transport is quick, cheap, good for your
health and enables you to get the most out of the city.
Always be aware of the deposit required – around
300€.
For more information: www.velociti.fr
or the Fil Bleu agency - 9 rue Michelet à Tours
Taxis
When the buses have stopped running or if you are
carrying too many bags, you can take a taxi.
1. MEANS OF
TRANSPORT: practical and fast !
A) GETTING AROUND TOURS
Fil Bleu (Blue Line) Bus and Tram
To get around Tours and its surrounding area,
you can travel by Fil Bleu bus and tram. These
form the public transport network of the Tours
agglomeration and run during the week and on
weekends from around 6 am to 1 am depending
on the routes.
How to use the Fil Bleu?
Single ticket: sold solely by the driver and valid
for a single journey, with unlimited changes, for
1hr15. It costs 1.40€ (July 2013 price). You can
buy a book of 10 tickets or a day’s travel card for
To find one, just call Taxis Radio Tours on 02 47
20 30 40. They are open 24/7 and can send a taxi
immediately or book one for you. It is also good to
know that you can always find taxis at the following
stands:
Station Gare de Tours
Place du Général Leclerc, on the square in front
of the station.
Station Jaurès
Avenue de Grammont, between the rue de
Bordeaux and the rue Charles-Gilles.
Station Saint-Paul
At the Saint-Paul roundabout
(in front of the church).
Station Hôpital
Boulevard Tonnellé in front of the entrance to
the l’hôpital Bretonneau.
Station Tranchée
Place du Président Coty (Tours Nord)
Study in Loire Valley 39
Getting the most out of
tours and the région
B) GETTING OUT
OF TOURS
Le bus : Fil Vert
(Green Line)
To get around the
department, you can use
the Fil Vert, the interurban transport network
in Indre-et-Loire. Prices
on the Fil Vert depend on
how frequently you travel.
You can take the bus for as
little as 1.80€ for occasional
trips, or for regular travel buy a travel card, with
which the cost per journey price decreases the
more you use it. These two tickets are sold on board
the buses.
For more information visit:
www.tourainefilvert.com
Coach
If you wish to leave Touraine to visit the rest of France,
or Europe, Eurolines offers competitive prices for
coach travel.
Eurolines Tours - 76 rue Bernard Palissy
Tél. 0 892 89 90 91 - www.eurolines.fr
SNCF Trains
Tours has a TGV (Train Grande Vitesse) (High Speed
Train) station at Saint-Pierre-des-Corps. Around 20
trains a day link Tours to Paris in an hour. To get
the best out of travel on its network, the Société
Nationale des Chemins de Fer Français (SNCF)
(National Railways) offers a young person’s discount
railcard for 18-27 year olds, the “Carte Jeune 18-27”.
This card allows you to get reduced fares on TGV
journeys. It costs around 50€, is valid for a year and
gets you a reduction of 25%-60% on train tickets.
A trick for even cheaper travel… Make the most of
last minute tickets on the Internet. These reduced
fares, accessible up to 4 days before departure, are
a really good idea and are exclusively reserved for
those with a “Carte Jeune 18-27”.
If you are older than 27 or do not wish to buy a Carte
Jeune 18-27, why not consider the “Prem’s” offers.
These tickets are low cost fares. Non-exchangeable
40 Study in Loire Valley
and non-refundable, they are released online 90
days before travel.
Good to know: You must stamp (validate) your ticket
before boarding the train and keep it until you arrive
at your destination, as ticket inspectors can ask to
see it during your journey
For more information, reservations and ticket
purchases visit: www.voyages-sncf.com
or go to the station (ticket office or ticket machine) at
the place du Général Leclerc.
You can also travel on the Train Express Régional
(TER) (Regional Express Train), which isn’t as fast but
costs much less.
By plane: the Tours Val de Loire airport
The Tours Val de Loire airport, situated north of Tours
(30 minutes from the city centre), offers regular flights
to destinations in France and Europe: Marseille,
Ajaccio, Figari, London, Manchester, Southampton,
Dublin, Porto, Marrakech.
There are three ways to get to the airport:
Bus lines 2A, 2B and 10.
The tram, Vaucanson station, around 800m from
the airport.
The shuttle bus, which leaves from the bus station
in front of Tours main station, takes you direct to the
airport for 5€.
A taxi, which will cost from 15€-30€ depending on
the time of day.
For more information and reservations visit:
www.tours.aeroport.fr
Tours is situated in a motorway star with 5 arms:
To call other countries, international phone cards offer
very competitive prices. Don’t forget to specify which
country you wish to call. These cards are also valid for
calls within France.
The A28 motorway: Rouen-Tours (310 km North
West)
Mobile phones
By car
The A10 motorway links Paris (240 km North East)
and Bordeaux (347 km South-South West)
The A85 motorway: Angers-Vierzon links the city to
the West (Nantes is 215 km away) and to the Rhône
Valley (Lyon is 470 km).
If you wish to hire a car to get around, Tours has
a number of rental companies. Count on paying
between 130€ and 150€ to hire a car for the weekend.
Car-sharing
Widely used in Tours for many years, this means of
transport is hugely successful. Thanks to car-sharing,
you can get around safely while meeting people – and
saving money.
Via a free website, someone will offer, for a modest
sum, a place in their own car for travel to a shared
destination.
For more information:
www.covoiturage.fr
www.covoituragelibre.com
2. MEANS OF COMMUNICATION
To phone abroad from France: (00) (country code)
(phone number)
To phone France from abroad: (00)(33)
(phone number minus the first 0)
You are advised to choose a mobile phone service
provider operating on the French market. They offer
packages with or without contracts. Find out more from
their shops. Don’t forget that it might be necessary to
use an adapter plug to charge your personal mobile
phone.
Staying connected by the internet
If you are renting private accommodation, you will need
a phone landline to connect to the Internet. Often, the
phone companies offer packages (Internet, unlimited
phone calls, TV) on a monthly tariff of around 30€. Allow
2 to 3 weeks for your line to be connected and find out
about the contract length and cancellation costs.
If you are in a University residence, Wifi is available
(costs vary according to your needs).
Some public places also have free Wifi, like cafés or
fast food restaurants.
If you don’t have a laptop, computers will be available
for you to use in your host establishment, and you can
also go online in Internet cafés.
The post office for sending mail
A postcard or letter to send? Simply post them in one
of the yellow post boxes which you’ll find on street
corners. Post offices sell stamps, send and receive mail
and parcels from France and from abroad.
For example: to call 02 47 22 33 78 dial 00 33 2
47 22 33 78
Be aware, from the United States and Canada
dial (011) instead of (00)
Phone booths
Making a phone call is easy – you will find a
few phone booths in Tours.
But be aware, French phone booths no longer
take coins. You must therefore use a bank
card to make a call or buy a phone card from
the Post Office or tobacconist. They vary
from 8€ to 15€ depending on the number
of units.
Study in Loire Valley
Getting the most out of
tours and the région
They can also offer bureau de change and
photocopy/fax services.
To avoid queuing, automatic machines are available
for weighing and stamping your mail.
Generally, post offices are open from Monday to
Friday: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm and from 9 am to 5 pm
on Saturdays.
For more information:
www.laposte.fr
There are many newspapers and magazines in
France.
Locally, in Tours, the regional daily press is
represented by La Nouvelle République (The New
Republic), but you will also easily find all the National
and International daily press. The International press
costs more and is available a day late. You can buy
it at bus or train stations and in certain newsagents.
There are also free national and/or local papers
(Tribune de Tours, Tours ma ville, Zappeur...).
Radios (FM Band):
There are many radio stations, catering to every
taste (music, general, news, local).
You can find their frequencies on:
www.frequence-radio.com/frequenceradio-tours.html
Tours has its own local channel, TV Tours, and a
regional channel, France 3 Centre.
Thanks to Télévision Numérique Terrestre TNT
(Digital Terrestrial TV), you can receive many French
channels for free, of which the most accessible are,
among others, TF1, France 2, France 3, France 4,
France 5, Arte (Franco-German channel) and M6.
Most channels let you choose which language to
watch them in and offer subtitles..
3. EATING WELL: it’s vital
for staying in shape!
The French generally eat 3 times a day.
After waking, they start with a light, and
often sweet breakfast, followed around
midday or 1 pm by lunch (a complete
42 Study in Loire Valley
SMALL, MEDIUM AND BIG SHOPS:
lots of choice for your meals!
There is no shortage of shopping choice in Tours!
From the smallest to the biggest, you will find:
Superettes:
STAYING INFORMED VIA THE MEDIA
Press:
TV:
meal comprising starter, main course, cheese and/or
dessert), then around 7 pm - 8 pm they have dinner
(a complete meal, but lighter).
In the centre of city, these convenience shops offer
everything you need to cook well. They have the
advantage of being open late, but their prices are
often higher.
Supermarkets:
Situated on the outskirts of city, these food shops
are often part of large supermarket chains. Offering
a wider variety of products, they are open Monday
to Saturday from 9/10 am to 7/8 pm, times vary from
store to store.
Hypermarkets:
Situated on the outskirts of city, these are often
connected to a shopping centre (like Les Atlantes,
La Riche Soleil, La Petite Arche and Tours-Nord
shopping centres). In addition to the hypermarket,
you will find a shopping centre with all kinds of stores
selling shoes, clothes, furniture, decorative products,
phones, computers… Open until late at night – until
10 pm for some – from Monday to Saturday, you can
get to these centres by TRAM or on the Fil Bleu bus
network.
MARKETS:
a guarantee of freshness and variety!
If you want to meet local producers and taste typical
regional specialities, then go to one of Tours’ markets.
There are many and they are all fun!
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traditional
markets
weekly in the morning
Tuesday St Paul, Paul Bert, Bd Heurteloup
Wednesday Halles, Beaujardin, Coty, Fontaines
Thursday Strasbourg, Velpeau, Beffroi
Friday St Paul, Blanqui, Rives du Cher
Beaujardin, Coty, Coppée,
Saturday Halles,
Fontaines
Sunday
Maine, Velpeau, Rabelais
themed
markets
all day
Flower market and
manufactured goods:
Boulevard Béranger,
Wednesday and Saturday from 8 am to 7 pm
Scrap metal, second hand clothes and
flea market:
Place de la Victoire,
Wednesday and Saturday from 7 am to 5 pm
Food market:
Place de la Résistance,
1st Friday of every month from 4 pm to 9 pm
Flea markets:
Boulevard Béranger,
4th Sunday of the month from 8 am to 7 pm
Rue de Bordeaux,
1st and 3rd Friday of the month from 8 am to 7 pm
UNIVERSITY RESTAURANTS (RU):
where to eat cheaply!
In the University restaurants, which are open to all
students, just over 3€ buys a complete meal, including
starter, main course, cheese and dessert. They are
open during term time
(during the holidays some, but not all, are open).
For more information visit:
www.univ-tours.fr/restauration
www.crous-orleans-tours.fr/
restauration
RU Grandmont
Parc Grandmont - avenue Monge
Open Monday to Thursday from 11:30 am
to 1:15 pm and 7 pm to 8:30 pm
RU St-Symphorien
25 rue du Pont volant
Open from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
RU du Plat d’étain
Rue du Plat d’Étain
Open from 11:30 am to 1:45 pm
RU Oury-Gatelmand
40 avenue Jean Portalis
Open from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
RU Tonnellé
8 bis boulevard Tonnellé
Open from 11:30 am to 1:45 pm
RU des Tanneurs
40 rue des Tanneurs
Open from 11:30 am to 1:45 pm
EATING IN CITY: there is something to
satisfy everyone’s tastebuds.
Tours has many places to eat: crêperies, brasseries,
restaurants offering traditional cooking, French
gastronomy or food from around the world. There
is plenty of choice, make the most of it!
For more information:
www.resto.fr
www.detours-gourmands.fr
Study in Loire Valley 43
Getting the most out of
tours and the région
FREE TIME, ideas for
getting out and about,
meeting people and moving!
Tours is a friendly city in perpetual
motion. There are so many places
to go and things to do, lots to keep
you entertained and help you
meet new people.
1. CULTURAL LIFE AND GOING
OUT: useful things to know!
Going out: grab your calendars!
Tours is a city of culture. Museums, theatres,
concert halls and cinemas – everything you need
to relax, alone or with friends.
For more information:
www.tours-tourisme.fr
CINEMAS
Ursulines
as - 2 rue des
Studio Ciném
cine.com
io
d
u
27 00 - st
Tél: 02 47 20
ançois-Truffaut
urs - 4 place Fr
To
tre
en
C
R
mas.fr
Méga CG
www.cgrcine
45
04
68
92
ieux
Tél: 08
ue Marcel Mér
s Tours - aven
rs2
on
u
Li
to
2
r/
R
.f
G
C
as
Méga
.cgrcinem
w
w
w
45
04
Tél: 08 92 68
University Cultural Service:
culture for everyone!
The PCE Passeport Culturel de l’Étudiant (Student
Culture Passport) is for students at the Université
François-Rabelais and students at accredited
establishments (École Brassart…). Find out more
from your host establishment.
44 Study in Loire Valley
When you register at the University, for 7€
you can get a PCE. This practical pocket book
gets you free show tickets, big discounts on
tickets for the cinema, concerts and dance
performances. It also enables you to go on
special visits, take dance classes, and gets
you preferential rates all year round for shows
at the Salle Thélème. Don’t forget to take a
passport-sized photo when you apply, the
PCE is a named discount card, which means
it cannot be lent.
For more information:
www.univ-tours.fr/culture
2. MEETING PEOPLE:
opportunities not to be
missed!
Associations Étudiantes (Student Associations):
they are there for you.
There are a great many student
associations in Tours, covering a
whole range of activities (sport,
culture, leisure…) and they are a
great way to meet people. Former students
will be able to tell you more about them.
For more information:
www.univ-tours.fr/vie-etudiante/
vie-associative
Association Tourangelle
pour l’Accueil aux
Étudiants Étrangers (AEE)
(Touraine Foreign Students
Association): a family spirit
The AEE puts international students
living in Tours in touch with local
families, so they can learn more about
French life and culture. These meetings
also provide opportunities to practise
speaking French, over a meal, snack, picnic or during
a walk or cultural outing.
To contact AEE:
Go to one of its offices:
1 place du 14 Juillet - 37000 TOURS – On
Tuesdays and Fridays – from 3 pm to 5 pm
Tel: 02 47 05 48 93
[email protected]
www.accueil-etudiants.com
Association Socioculturelle Courteline
(Courteline Socio-cultural Association):
you have the choice!
A place to meet and share experiences, the
Association Socioculturelle Courteline offers a
rich and varied programme of sporting, art or
leisure activities.
Meet them at:
48 rue Georges Courteline - 37000 TOURS
Tél: 02 47 76 02 67
[email protected]
Campus 37 – The Education Valley
association: feel welcomed from the
moment you arrive.
Throughout the year, Campus 37 - The Education
Valley association invites you to meet up during
diverse and varied themed events: wine tasting,
local traditional cooking, themed visits… Always in
small groups, these special moments are a chance
for you to discover, share and fully enjoy your time
in Touraine.
In Spring or before the end of year celebrations,
Campus 37 - The Education Valley organises
party nights. Once again this is a chance for you to
share convivial moments.
Greeters:
friends who want the best for you.
Friendly, enthusiastic and polyglot, Greeters are
people who know Tours well, and will kindly help
you discover the city as they would with a friend.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with them and make
an appointment via:
www.tours-greeters.fr
Personal support residents:
they simplify your arrival.
The personal support residents in CROUS
University Residences help students settle in and
are there to help with any day-to-day issues.
Café des Langues (Language Café):
open your mind !
The Café des Langues welcomes students of all
nationalities every Monday night. Come and meet
them – and chat in the language of your choice! –
upstairs in the Le Palais café, place Jean-Jaurès,
in the centre of Tours.
From October, in partnership with the city of
Tours, the Campus 37 - The Education Valley
association, reserves a special welcome for
new International students. At a reception
organised in the City Hall (Mairie) you can
meet many other students also starting a new
life in Tours. This event is also a chance for
you to meet the main organisations involved
in Tours’ student life.
Study in Loire Valley
Getting the most out of
tours and the région
3. SpOrT: give your life a boost!
SPORTS CLUBS AND FACILITIES
IN TOURS
Tours has a great many sports on offer. Sports
centres, gyms, stadiums, swimming pools, squash
or tennis courts, judo clubs, golf courses or skating
rinks – whatever your chosen sport, you can
practise it here.
You can also make the most of the Cher river
and the Lac de la Bergeonnerie (lake) for walks
or rowing, sailing or windsurfing. And think about
getting away from it all on the Aucard, Simon or
Balzac islands, havens of peace and greenery in
the heart of city, with free sports facilities.
For more information:
www.tours.fr/ ‘SPORT’ pages
The SUAPS (University Physical
Activities and Sports Service), opening
the doors to sport.
As students at the Université François-Rabelais
and accredited establishments
(Institut de Touraine, France Business School,
École Brassart…), you can access the University
Physical Activities and Sports Service (SUAPS).
SUAPS enables you to practise a variety of sports
during your studies. To access the service you
need to register as early as possible (limited
places) for the courses that interest you. You
can earn ECTS credits for regular attendance at
classes, and you can also practise a sport purely
for fun.
PACK’SPORT is the indispensable tool for your
campus sporting life. It will provide you with
access to all the University sports service activities
(lessons, courses, events, competitions, training
for diplomas, etc.), and it also gets you special
rates at partner organisations. Pack’Sport is
available during the registration process or in your
education establishment. It costs 20€ and is valid
for the entire University year. It is non-refundable.
For more information:
www.suaps.univ-tours.fr
4. TOURISM:
Touraine is so beautiful!
Tours, a city of art and history
Tours is a fascinating city, with a rich
past. It’s worth taking the time
to discover it. To do this, first
step through the doors of the
Office de Tourisme (Tourist
Information). This office is
situated opposite Tours
main station, in the city
centre. Go and meet the
guides who know which
tips and tricks to suggest
so you don’t miss any of
Tours’ history, from past
and present.
Find out all the tourist
activities
available
in
Touraine at the Office de
Tourisme de Tours Val de
Loire - 78 rue Bernard Palissy
Tours - Tél: 02 47 70 37 37
www.tours-tourisme.fr
46 Study in Loire Valley
The Office de Tourisme de Tours Val de Loire
welcomes you 7 days a week all year round.
For more information:
www.loireavelo.fr
Tourism in Indre-et-Loire at:
Fortress OF Chinon
www.touraineloirevalley.com
The Loire Châteaux:
visits not to be missed…
You cannot stay in Tours without visiting the
Châteaux of the Loire Valley, these breathtakingly
beautiful stone giants. In a 100 km radius, Touraine
has some of the largest Châteaux in the Loire Valley,
and without doubt some of the finest in France.
Loire Valley wine:
to be tasted… in moderation!
La maison des Vins de Loire (Loire Valley Wine
Centre) welcomes you at 25 rue du Grand Marché
Tours, and offers Loire Valley wine discovery and
tasting tours.
For more information:
www.vinsdeloire.fr
Discover them all at:
loire-chateaux.org
The Loire by Bike:
a tour like no other!
Unique in France, La Loire à Vélo (the
Loire by Bike) is an immense tourist
cycle route covering 800 km. Laid out in
both directions, it crosses, among others,
the Centre Region and flirts with France’s
longest river, the Loire.
The itinerary, in place since 1995, is
suitable for all levels, well signposted and
quite safe.
Most of the recommended stages are 40
km or less, which means a maximum of 4
hours’ cycling a day, to be divided as you
wish.
Discover, at your own pace, the Loire
Châteaux, the region’s wines and gastronomy,
villages full of character, gardens and places
off the beaten track, all while cycling along the
wild and marvellous river that is the Loire.
Study in Loire Valley 47
Getting the most out of tours
agenda
January/February
March/April
and the région
1st January: New Year’s Day – Public holiday
Easter: Religious Festival - Public holiday on Sunday and Monday (dates vary)
Festival de Cinéma Asiatique (Asian Cinema Festival)
Le Transchorégraphique: contemporary Dance
Mauvais Genre International Film Festival
Fête de Printemps (Spring Soirée) Campus 37 - The Education Valley
May/June
1st May: Public holiday
8th May: 1945 Victory – Public holiday
Ascension: Religious festival, Public holiday on the Thursday (dates vary)
Désir…Désirs cinéma festival
Foire de Tours (Tours Fair)
Fête de la musique (Music festival)
Fête du cinéma (Cinema Festival)
Florilège Vocal de Tours (dernier week-end de mai)
Fêtes Musicales (Music Festivals) in Touraine
Aucard de Tours music festival
July/August
14th July: National Holiday
15th August: Ascension – Public holiday
Rayon Frais, les arts et la ville (Artistic event) (every 2 years – next in 2014)
Foire à l’Ail et au Basilique (Garlic and Basil Fair)
Terres du Son: music festival
Académie Francis Poulenc
September
October
À Tours de Bulles: comic book festival
Grande Braderie de Tours (Giant second hand market)
Tours 10km and 20km running events
«Freshers» week for new University students
Welcome drinks for exchange students organised by SRI
Journées du patrimoine (Heritage Days)
Festival de musiques anciennes (Festival of Old Music)
Campus 37 - The Education Valley welcome
November
December
1st November: All Saints Day, religious festival – Public holiday
11th November: 1918 Armistice – Public holiday
Émergences: Jazz and electronic music festival
Le Transchorégraphique: Contemporary Dance
Fêtes Musicales (Music Festivals) in Touraine
Marché de Noël (Christmas Market) opens
25th December: Christmas, religious festival – Public holiday
48 Study in Loire Valley
SUAPS : University Physical Activities and Sports
Service
SNCF : French National Rail Company
TCF : French Language Test
TER : Express Regional Train
TGV : High Speed Train
acronyms
ADSL : Broadband Internet
TTC : All Taxes Included
TVA : Value Added Tax
UNESCO : United Nations Educational, Scientific,
and Cultural Organization
ALS : Social Housing Benefit
APL : Housing Benefit
APT : Temporary Work Permit
BAPU : University Psychological Support Bureau
CAF : Family Welfare Benefit Fund
CB : Bank Debit Card
CDD : Short term work contract
CDI : Long term work contract
CEAM : European Health Insurance Card
CMU : Universal Healthcare Coverage
CROUS : Regional Centre for University & Social Work
CUEFEE : University Centre for Teaching French to
Foreign Students
DAB / GAB : Cashpoint/ATM
ECTS : European Credit Transfer System
EDF : Electricity Provider
GDF : Gas Provider
EEE : European Economic Area
IUT : University Institute of Technology
LMD : Degree – Master – Doctorate
LMDE : Students Mutual Welfare Fund
OFII : French Office for Immigration and Integration
RATP : Greater Paris Public Transport Authority
RER : Regional Express Train
RIB : Bank Identity Details
RU : University Restaurant
SAMU : Emergency Medical Help Service
SCD : Central Documentation Service
SUMPPS : University Preventive Medicine and
Healthcare Promotion Service
Study in Loire Valley 49