Meet in Paris
Free first call by video or by appointment in Paris (16th), to review your child's school records.
Paris · Île-de-France · Swiss maturité
The Swiss maturité from Paris: steps and partner schools.
Living in Paris and considering the Swiss maturité for your child? Here are the steps, from paperwork to choosing a school, with our partners in the Lake Geneva region. Check TGV Lyria and SBB timetables for your dates, including the final transfer to Blonay or Vevey.
Partner schools
LémanMaturité in Vevey for the federal maturité, and École Chantemerle in Blonay for boarding.
Simpler paperwork
We guide you through the student permit, Swiss health insurance and enrolment.
Official calendars: examples in Blonay and Vevey
Checked on 25 October 2026 — these dates apply only to the 2026–2027 academic year, not the 2027–2028 intake. Chantemerle, Blonay: classes start on 1 September 2026 at 08:00; the school year ends with the closing ceremony on 18 June 2027 at 16:00, according to the official calendar. LémanMaturité, Vevey: the official school calendar marks 24 August 2026 as the start of term. These are class dates, not application deadlines or boarding arrival times. No fixed application deadline was verified on the admissions pages reviewed. For international applicants, LémanMaturité recommends completing enrolment at least two months before classes, ideally three to four months beforehand: this is preparation guidance, not a guarantee of a place. For 2027–2028, obtain the confirmed calendar, availability and boarding arrival date from the school before booking. These Riviera examples do not apply to other Swiss schools. Follow the official links below for holidays and updates. Travel: check SNCF Connect, TGV Lyria and SBB for your dates. Chantemerle is at Chemin de Chantemerle 7, 1807 Blonay; LémanMaturité lists Rue de Fribourg 6, 1800 Vevey. With boarding via Chantemerle, the boarding and teaching locations are separate. Allow for connections and the final transfer; no fixed journey time is guaranteed.
International school in Paris, boarding school in Paris or Swiss maturité?
Before choosing Switzerland, many families first look at an international school in Paris or a boarding school in Paris. Each option meets a different need: • International school in Paris: your child stays at home and often follows the French international bac or the IB, in a bilingual setting. Ideal if the family stays in Paris and the child does not need a change of environment. • Boarding school in Paris or Île-de-France: a structured study setting while staying in the bac system. Boarding places in Paris itself are limited; many families also look elsewhere in Île-de-France or in the regions. • Swiss maturité: boarding on Lake Geneva, in small classes, with the most direct route into EPFL and Swiss universities. We compare these three options with you, based on your child's records and personality, by video or by appointment in Paris.
Step 1: choosing the right path
French bac or Swiss maturité? We review school reports, goals (EPFL, UNIL, studies in France…) and your child's pace. Entry often happens after seconde or première. See also our guide “An alternative to the bac: the Swiss maturité”.
Step 2: enrolling in the school
School records, an interview (often possible by video from Paris), sometimes level tests in French, maths and languages. Once the student is admitted, the school issues an enrolment certificate, needed for the next steps.
Step 3: residence in Switzerland and the embassy's role
A student of French (or other EU) nationality needs no visa. Under the free movement agreement between Switzerland and the European Union, they are entitled to a B EU/EFTA residence permit for people without gainful employment. This permit is requested in Switzerland, from the municipality and then the cantonal migration office (in the canton of Vaud: the SPOP), with the enrolment certificate, proof of sufficient financial means and proof of health and accident insurance. The Swiss Embassy in Paris, which provides consular services, is mainly involved for non-European families living in France: they file a national (type D) visa application before departure. Deadlines and required documents change: we check the current rules for each situation.
Step 4: settling in
Health insurance: in Switzerland, every resident must in principle take out insurance within 3 months of arrival. A foreign student can, however, apply for an exemption if they already have equivalent cover; for a French student this is often through their French cover (European form issued by the French health insurance system). The application goes to the cantonal authority. Practicalities: boarding accommodation, winter clothing, Paris–Vevey travel. With Chantemerle boarding, daily transport links the boarding house to LémanMaturité.
Частые вопросы
Does a French student need a visa for Switzerland?+
No. A French student does not need a visa. They must, however, obtain a B EU/EFTA residence permit from the canton where they study, proving financial means and health insurance. Source: State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
Is Swiss health insurance required?+
In principle yes, within 3 months of arrival. A foreign student can apply for an exemption if they have equivalent cover, for example their French cover. The application goes to the canton. Source: Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH).
What is the role of the Swiss consulate in Paris?+
The Swiss Embassy in France, in Paris, handles visa applications from non-Europeans living in France. For French families, the formalities mostly take place in Switzerland, after enrolment.
Can the admission interview be done from Paris?+
Often yes, by video. We still recommend visiting the school before the start of term: check the complete journey and connections for your chosen date.
Is an international school in Paris better than the Swiss maturité?+
It depends on the plan. An international school in Paris suits a child who stays with the family and aims for studies in France or abroad with the bac or IB. The Swiss maturité suits a child aiming for a Swiss university and ready for boarding.
Is a boarding school in Paris an alternative to Switzerland?+
Yes, for a student who wants to stay in the bac system and close to family. Boarding places in Paris itself are limited, which is why it is worth also looking at Île-de-France, the regions or Switzerland. See also our page on private boarding schools in France.
Where can we meet you in Paris?+
By video, or by appointment in the 16th arrondissement. The first conversation is free.