The object of this paper is the system of top universities in Paris according to international world university rankings. The parameters of the success of Paris universities are determined with a focus on their historical roots and present achievements. Review of the literature revealed that the leading universities went through the processes of effective reorganization and consolidation, which contributed to a significant improvement in their positions in the world ranking system. The universities in Paris have always been considered to be prestigious higher education institutions to get a degree, as well as a center for training scientists, conducting scientific research, and providing innovative development. Investments in educational and scientific projects of universities bring numerous benefits and are the key to the economic development of the country. A positive image of a higher education institution is formed by two components: descriptive (information and knowledge about universities and their activities) and evaluative (evaluative and emotional attitude towards universities and their activities).