All Victorian state schools have been ordered to cancel their French exchange programs by the state's education department, but parents say the decision is an "overreaction".

Melbourne High School, MacRobertson Girls' High School, Mckinnon Secondary College, Bendigo Senior Secondary College and Broadford Secondary College have postponed or cancelled their trips to France in the wake of recent terror attacks in Paris.

Many of the students were due to leave this weekend.

Parents are demanding that the department reimburse those who were left out of pocket, and say they were not properly consulted about the decision.

They also claim the decision is unfair, as private schools appear to be allowing their programs to go ahead.

A Victorian education department spokesman told Fairfax Media the department did not take the decision lightly but was acting in the best interests of students and staff.

"It has been determined that this is the most appropriate decision to be made at this time after considering the tragic recent events.

"The safety of our students and staff is the Department's number one priority, and as a result of these events all government school overseas excursions to France have been cancelled while there is a state of emergency."

The spokesman said reimbursement based on losses should be negotiated by school principals, and would vary from school to school, depending on the arrangements the school has made.

France is currently under a national state of emergency, and the Smart Traveller website warns Australians to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling in the country.

Melbourne High parents were notified of the decision late last week, and given two days to decide to either cancel the six-week trip with partial reimbursement, or reschedule for a three-week trip in March-April next year. The latter option would see students miss a few days of school.

A parent at the school is angry the decision was made without consulting parents.

"I think it was handled poorly, we weren't given enough options, we weren't called in to discuss the situation. We were given the information and asked for a decision in two days.

"There has been no acknowledgement that we have all made significant investment in this trip and that this will be a huge cost.

"I also think it's unfair that some private schools are still going ahead with it and we should be treated differently."

About 14 students at Bendigo Senior Secondary College were set to leave this weekend, to visit their sister schools in Germany and France.

Three students withdrew from the program, which will go to Germany only.

Principal Dale Pearce said he believed it was wise to avoid travelling to France.

"I think it's a sensible decision, it's quite understandable that if you're a parent or staff at the school. I think there is reason to be cautious."