Here are some excerpts from the Campus France article (read it in full here):
1. Training funded and certified by the French government
The French government subsidises a very large share of the actual cost of higher education (€14,000 per student per year).
No distinction is made between international students and French students: the admission requirements, the degrees awarded, and the attractive tuition rates are the same.
2. Quality higher education, adapted to students’ needs
France’s system of higher education comprises 3,500 public and private institutions. The system as a whole offers excellent programmes at all levels and in every discipline.
3. A sophisticated research enterprise
France ranks sixth in the world in terms of domestic spending on research and development. The country’s National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) is the world’s leading research organisation (Nature Index, 2015).
4. A world-class economic power
France has the world’s sixth-largest economy. Its gross domestic product ranks second in Europe, and the country is Europe’s second-largest market, with 66 million consumers (IMF 2014, Eurostat 2014).
5. Advanced industries and international corporations that are leaders in their field
France is home to 31 of the world’s 500 largest corporations (Fortune Global 500, 2014).
6. An environment favorable to innovation and to young entrepreneurs
France is home to more of the world’s top 100 most innovative companies than any other country in Europe (Thomson Reuters, 2014). It ranks sixth in the world in number of international patent applications (OMPI, 2013).
7. A pleasant, fulfilling living environment in the heart of Europe
Situated in the very heart of Europe, France is the world’s top tourist destination in terms of number of foreign visitors (OMT, 2014). For the third consecutive year, Paris has been named the world’s best city for students (QS Best Student Cities, 2014).
8. The art of living “à la française”
More than 40,000 monuments and protected sites, 41 cultural sites appearing on UNESCO’s world heritage list, 8,000 museums, 2,000 cinemas, and more than 500 festivals attest to the richness of French cultural life.
9. French, an international language
Spoken on all five continents and the official language of many states and international organisations, French is the world’s fifth most widely used language, with 274 million speakers.
10. An appealing destination for international students
With more than 295,000 international students at the postsecondary level (MENESR, 2014), France trails only the United States and the United Kingdom (UNESCO, 2012). 80% of those who study in France report being satisfied with the quality of education and the value of their French degree. 9 out of 10 international students hold a positive view of their time in France and recommend France as a study destination (Baromètre Campus France, 2013).