The Best Places to Live in France
If you’ve dreamed of waking up in France and indulging in all that the country has to offer, then you’re in luck. From the beautiful streets of Paris to the culinary pleasures of Lyon, France is a beautiful country that’s famous for its picturesque landscapes, tasty treats, and rich history.
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Do you long to live in a busy city or a quiet town? Are you moving to France with your family or looking for love? Since each city in France has something unique to offer, questions such as these can help you decide where to live.
But fret not, we’re here to help. Our team of experts has identified the top 9 places to live in France. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re bound to find the right fit after reading this guide.
Top 9 Places to Live in France for Expats
Your preferences and priorities will ultimately influence where you choose to settle down in France, but it still helps to know the places expats favor. From Paris to Marseille, let’s take a closer look at the best places to live in France for expats according to their quality of life.
In addition to quality of life, our experts also considered living costs, safety, job opportunities, internationality, and other factors. We’ve also gathered feedback from expats and families living in France to provide a comprehensive look at each place.
It doesn’t matter if you’re working remotely or retired, our list has something for everyone. Who knows, you could decide on your next destination by the end of this article. But if not, you can check out our guide on the best places to live in Europe for expats next.
Paris – The Capital
The French capital is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities across the globe. But its beauty is just one of several reasons why foreigners relocate to Paris. From exceptional nightlife to world-class museums and art galleries, Paris caters to people from all walks of life.
The gorgeous city is an ideal place to call home if you’re searching for somewhere that is as cultural as it is lively. You can absorb the delightful culture by day and enjoy the diverse nightlife by night. Whether you call it The City of Lights or The City of Love, Paris has it all.
Why Should You Consider Moving to Paris as an Expat?
- Art, History, and Culture: With world-famous museums, impressive architecture, and rich history, Paris is a must for those seeking new cultural adventures. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Pompidou Centre are some of the city’s many cultural treats.
- Bustling Nightlife: Considered the hub of nightlife in France, Paris is home to more than 4,300 bars. There’s a broad range of pubs and clubs throughout the city, with La Locomotive, Le Montana, Chez Castel, and Batofar being some of the biggest names.
- Different Seasons: Unlike areas of France that are situated near the Mediterranean, Paris offers the more traditional change of seasons that expats often crave. The capital city is ideal if you’re longing for a place with distinct winter, spring, summer, and autumn.
- Public Transport: Who needs a car when you can use affordable public transport? Many people choose to explore Paris on foot instead, as it is the perfect city to walk around and soak in the sights.
Lyon – The Culinary Capital
France is synonymous with fantastic food and drink, but nothing will satisfy your inner foodie like living in the country’s food center. Culinary delights aside, Lyon is conveniently located just an hour or so away from the Alps and is home to one of the country’s largest city parks.
Why Is Lyon an Ideal Place for Expats?
- Food and Wine: Lyon is renowned for its exceptional local cuisine, where traditional, family-run restaurants serve hearty dishes like coq au vin and quenelles. Along with world-famous cheeses and wines, Lyon is also home to 20 Michelin Star restaurants.
- Art, History, and Culture: There are many great art galleries and museums in Lyon, as well as plenty of history to soak in.
- Education: Those moving to Lyon with their family will be delighted to know that the city has a great selection of public and private schools.
- Public Transport: Lyon’s extensive transportation system makes it easy to access all that the city has to offer.
Nice – The Best Weather
Situated on France’s southeast coast, Nice is the largest city on the French Riviera and a melting pot of nationalities with an undeniable Italian influence. With so much to see and do, Nice is a popular tourist destination that’s also ideal for expats who want somewhere vibrant yet relaxed.
Why Is Nice a Great Place to Move to for Expats?
- Quality of Life: With world-class healthcare, a good education system, and low crime rates, Nice offers a high quality of life. It’s also a great base to explore the rest of Europe thanks to its convenient location.
- Climate: Nice’s warm, Mediterranean climate attracts visitors and expats from all over the world. The summers are hot and the winters are mild, making it ideal for anyone who likes outdoor activities.
- Cultural Heritage: Art, music, and food are celebrated in Nice, and the city is home to several museums, galleries, and cultural attractions. There’s also lots of impressive architecture to take in.
- Scenery: Picturesque landscapes and beaches surround this city on the French Riviera. On top of that, the historic sites, colorful buildings, and narrow lanes make the old town a feast for the eyes.
Bordeaux – The Heritage Land
If you’re looking for a combination of big city amenities and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, why not join the many other expats who have settled down in Bordeaux?
Young professionals, in particular, are drawn to Bordeaux for its economic opportunities. Located in wine country, Bordeaux boasts impressive vineyards and charming local markets packed with fresh, locally sourced produce.
What Do Expats like about Living in Bordeaux?
- Wine: If there’s one thing Bordeaux is renowned for, it’s the world-class wines that are produced in the area. With several wineries and vineyards in the area, this wine lover’s heaven is perfect for wine tasting.
- Food: In Bordeaux, wine and food must be mentioned separately since they’re both exceptional. Here you’ll find a wide array of culinary options, including international cuisine, as well as farmers’ markets and food festivals.
- Cultural Heritage: Boasting a rich culture, Bordeaux features museums, art galleries, and other cultural attractions. Along with art and music, cinema is also widely celebrated in the city and several festivals take place here throughout the year.
- Architecture: Many of Bordeaux’s buildings date back to the 18th century, which explains the city’s stunning architecture. What’s more, Bordeaux’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to landmarks such as the Grand Theatre and the Place de la Bourse.
Marseille – France’s Sunniest Major City
Located in the south of France, Marseille is a popular destination thanks to its rich culture, Mediterranean climate, and beautiful setting. It offers the bustle and convenience of a port city and is known for its friendly atmosphere that makes it easy for expats to settle into the local community.
What Makes Marseille Attractive to Expats?
- Location: Marseille’s stunning coastline and harbor are something that you really need to see for yourself. Hills and mountains also surround the city for beautiful views and lots of outdoor activities.
- Vibrant City Life: As a busy, cosmopolitan city, the nightlife in Marseille is nothing short of vibrant. The city is also home to world-famous restaurants, lots of shopping opportunities, and various events and festivals throughout the year.
- Cultural Heritage: Along with France, Marseille’s diverse population is influenced by Italy, Spain, and North Africa. The city has several museums, art galleries, and historic sites, such as the Old Town, the ancient port, and the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica.
- Cost of Living: Despite its size and location, Marseille is a surprisingly affordable place to live compared to other French cities. Rent and food costs are considerably cheaper than in Paris or other major cities in France.
Toulouse – The Pink City (La Ville Rose)
Toulouse, which sits in the southwest of France, is often called ‘the pink city’ or ‘la ville rose’ because the pale-colored bricks used in most of the city’s buildings change in hues from morning to night. Some expats believe that Toulouse is France’s most beautiful place to live.
The bustling university town features many impressive architectural details, making it a great place to explore by foot and take in the sights.
Why Do Expats Move to Toulouse?
- Quality of Life: Toulouse consistently earns a spot as one of the top places to live in France. And with its mild climate, relaxed lifestyle, and lots of greenery, it’s easy to see why. The city also has some of the country’s best excellent restaurants, bars, and shops.
- Cultural Heritage: You’re surrounded by rich history, art, and architecture wherever you go in Toulouse, which is home to many museums, art galleries, and music venues. The city is also considered an artistic and intellectual hub.
- Location: It’s easy to travel to other major cities in France from Toulouse, with Paris only a two-hour train ride away. It’s also convenient to access the rest of Europe through the international airport.
- Climate: Enjoy warm summers and mild winters in Toulouse thanks to its Mediterranean climate.
Montpellier – The Academic Hub
The charming university town of Montpellier is situated in southern France. It is not as well-known amongst tourists, offering expats and locals more space to enjoy all that the city has to offer – from music festivals and orchestra performances to vibrant nightlife, cultural attractions, and more.
What Makes Montpellier Suitable for Expats?
- Climate: The Mediterranean climate in Montpellier makes the city ideal for anyone who likes warm weather. Along with mild winters and hot summers, Montpellier gets an average of 300 sunny days annually.
- Cultural Heritage: Dating back to the 10th century, Montpellier’s rich history adds to the charm of the beautiful city. The cultural hub is home to an array of museums, art galleries, and cultural events – with the Montpellier Dance Festival being one of its most famous.
- Education: Montpellier is a popular place for students from across the globe and boasts several world-renowned universities and research institutions. This contributes to the university town’s diverse atmosphere and offers lots of opportunities for networking and language exchanges.
- Public Transport: Thanks to its excellent public transportation system, it’s easy to get around Toulouse and the surrounding area by bus, tram, or metro. It’s also well-connected to other major cities throughout the country and Europe via plane and train.
Sarlat-la-Canéda – The Medieval Town
The picturesque town of Sarlat (as it’s often called) sits in the center of France’s Dordogne region. Here you’ll find some of the region’s most well-preserved medieval architecture and well-known weekly markets. Despite its small-town setting, Sarlat offers big-city conveniences.
Why Expats Should Consider Living in Sarlat-la-Canéda
- Art, History, and Culture: The medieval streets of Sarlat are brimming with culture. The charming town is home to many museums and cultural attractions, including exhibitions and performances throughout the year.
- Quality of Life: Expats living in Sarlat appreciate its peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Thanks to its natural surroundings, Sarlat offers plenty of hiking, fishing, cycling, and other outdoor activities.
- Beauty: Gorgeous architecture is a given throughout Sarlat, which features buildings from the 14th and 15th centuries. It’s also known for its quaint villages and picturesque countryside.
- Food: The entire Dordogne region is famous for its culinary tradition, which focuses on traditional recipes using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. With its famous markets and selection of world-class restaurants, Sarlat is a food lover’s paradise.
Brittany – The Affordable City
Many expats are drawn to Brittany in France’s northwest area, especially UK nationals since it’s close to home. And with an endless coastline, rolling hills, and historical towns, it’s easy to see why. It’s also one of the cheapest places to live in the country, without sacrificing quality of life.
Why Should Expats Consider Moving to Brittany?
- Natural Beauty: With more than 1,100 kilometers of coastline and endless countryside, Brittany is a beautiful and peaceful place to call home. Outdoor enthusiasts, in particular, are drawn to its forests, lakes, rivers, and overall diverse natural environment.
- Quality of Life: To say that Brittany is a livable place is an understatement. With its relaxed pace, affordable cost of living, and excellent healthcare, education, and transport system, the region is an exceptional place to call home (especially if you’re moving with family).
- Cultural Heritage: Brittany’s unique culture stands out from other parts of France. Not only does the region have its own language (Breton), but it also has a rich history and folklore that influences its art, architecture, and music.
- Affordable Property: Brittany is known for having some of the most affordable properties in all of France. Côtes d’Armo is considered the cheapest area in the region, with rental prices costing almost half of what they do in the UK.
Conclusion
People move to France and stay there to work, retire, or raise a family for many reasons. There are many things to do and see in France, though it does depend on where you choose to settle down.
One great thing about living in France as an expat is that you can easily travel throughout the country or to other parts of Europe on the weekends or on your days off. Then you have the gorgeous Mediterranean climate and incredible food and wine that makes living in France comfortable for most.
If you liked this article, be sure to check out our article on expats living in Ireland for an overview of the top places to reside in the country.
Do you have health insurance in place yet? As an expat, it’s imperative to have a comprehensive health insurance plan for peace of mind wherever you go. We also have health insurance specifically for our expats in France!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which areas in France are popular among expatriates?
Paris, Lyon, Brittany, Dordogne, and Montpellier are considered some of the top places for expats to live in France.
Where do British expats tend to settle in France?
It’s no surprise that Paris is home to the highest concentration of British expatriates, as well as the neighboring Yvelines region.
What is the most cost-effective place to reside in France?
Montpellier and Dordogne are popular and affordable places to reside in France.
Which city in France is considered the best for living?
When it comes to quality of life, Paris, Nice, Lyon, and Marseille come out on top as the best cities in France to live in.
Jantra curates and reports on the results of Pacific Prime’s monthly newsletters, as well as manages Pacific Prime’s Deputy Global CEO’s LinkedIn posts. Complemented by her background in business writing, Jantra’s passion for health, insurance, and employee benefits helps her create engaging content - no matter how complex the subject is.
Growing up as a third-culture kid has given her a multicultural perspective that helps her relate to expats and their families while 8 years of working remotely have given her unique insight into hybrid work arrangements and enthusiasm for employee benefits.
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How accessible are healthcare services for expats in smaller French towns compared to larger cities? What are some tips for finding pet-friendly rental accommodations in France?
Healthcare services in smaller French towns are generally accessible and of high quality, thanks to France’s well-regarded healthcare system, but they may offer fewer specialists and longer wait times compared to larger cities like Paris or Lyon. For pet-friendly rentals, expats should search on platforms like SeLoger or Le Bon Coin, specify pet requirements in their filters, and prepare a pet CV with references to assure landlords about their pet’s behavior. Expats commonly face challenges like navigating bureaucratic processes and adjusting to cultural differences, which can be overcome by learning basic French, networking with local expat communities, and seeking professional guidance for tasks like property searches.
For help securing comprehensive health insurance as an expat in France, visit our Contact Us page for expert advice.
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