One specificity of the French education system is that it gives students the choice of three different types of educational establishment :

Faculties which offer degree courses in nearly all subjects except engineering.
"Grandes Ecoles", elite vocational colleges which offer very high level specialised courses in subjects such as business, politics or engineering. These establishments are very selective.
Vocational colleges covering a wide range of professional courses from agriculture to design or occupational therapy. These colleges specifically prepare students for a particular career.

For further information about the French higher education system : www.campusfrance.org