Where to live in France: the best places for expats

France is a wonderful place to live. Although smaller than the American state of Texas, it is the largest country in the European Union. So, it’s hardly surprising that it offers all kinds of landscapes and beautiful places to visit, from rolling hills and golden plains to snow-capped mountains and stunning castles. With cities of all shapes and sizes, there’s surely a place perfect for you.

As the country is incredibly varied, we break down the best places to live in France based on different criteria, spanning various lifestyles, interests, and ages. Below, find our recommendations for:

Best cities in France

Below, you’ll find some of the best cities in France to live. It’s likely most of these are always on your list, but what’s it actually like to live there? Your next step will be to find a place to live – one way of doing this is via online property portals such as:

• Homelike
• Spotahome

If you need something more temporary, sites like Airbnb and Uniplaces have plenty of places on offer.

Paris

Of course, France’s capital city is one of the country’s most exciting places, with loads of sights to see and all sorts of cultural outings and events. Alongside can’t-miss attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Basilica of Sacré Coeur in Montmartre, the Arc de Triomphe, and the world-famous Louvre museum, places worth visiting in Paris also include the off-the-beaten-track area around the Canal Saint-Martin and lesser-known museums such as the Musée Jacquemart André or the Musée Nissim de Camondo.

With so much to do and see and as one of the world’s top tourist destinations, it’s not surprising that Paris is the most expensive city in France. Everything from housing prices to the cost of a cup of coffee runs higher in the City of Light than elsewhere in the country. In 2021, the average rent in Paris was nearly three times the national average of €695 per month (in French). The median price of buying a house in Paris was around €10,720 per square meter in mid-2022.

The 19^th and 20^th Arrondissements are the cheapest neighborhoods in Paris. As such, these areas have seen an influx of young couples and families in recent years. Of course, you could also check out the Parisian suburbs to find a more affordable place to live.

This cosmopolitan city is a true melting pot, and you won’t find a more diverse city in France. Of course, it’s full of tourists and visitors from all corners of the globe, but it’s also the city with the largest immigrant and expat communities in France.

Lyon

France’s second-largest city is perhaps best known for its gastronomy. Foodies in France are sure to fall in love with Lyon’s traditional restaurants, known as bouchons. The annual Festival of Lights, or the Fête des Lumières, in Lyon also attracts people from around France and around the world each December. During this festival, the city lights up its many monuments with impressive illuminations and video projections.

Like many of the best-known cities on this list, Lyon is also one of the most expensive places to live in France. Still, housing costs are much lower than in Paris, and you’ll also get more square footage for your money. The average rent in Lyon is €12 per m², according to the Observatoires des loyers, but for the most popular neighborhoods, such as the 3^rd district, prices can reach upwards of €20 per m².

Bordeaux

Known for its pretty buildings, pleasant climate, and of course, the amazing wines produced in the region, Bordeaux has quickly become one of the most popular cities in France among the French. It’s also a great option for expats interested in moving to France.

Bordeaux also has a very convenient tram line whisking you wherever you need to go. It passes by all the main tourist attractions and also serves the residential areas. You’ll find everything you could want here, from professional sports to excellent wine bars – all in a pristine city where architectural gems and art museums abound.

Nice

Situated on the breathtaking Côte d’Azur in the south of France, Nice is a lively city that combines the charm of a quaint old town with the buzzing atmosphere of a cosmopolitan center. Beyond beautiful rocky beaches and colorful buildings, Nice also offers an affordable and easy-to-navigate tram system, countless cool bars and live music venues to discover, many great restaurants worth a try, and a lot of shopping options.

Nice is a great place to live for more than its promise of fun in the sun; a solid network of doctors and other medical professionals, coupled with a mild climate, make it an ideal home for those with health concerns, too.

As the fifth-largest city in France, with a population of over 340,000 – reaching up to 1 million if you include the surrounding areas – Nice is one of the more expensive places to live in France. Given the magnificent setting, it makes perfect sense. And it is arguably worth the cost.

Montpellier

A vibrant college town with a maze of quaint, cobblestone streets in its large historic center, called l’Ecusson, Montpellier is bursting with energy. The city is very walkable and also boasts a tram line that takes you anywhere you could want to go. Plus, it’s a mere 10 miles to the Mediterranean coast, with access to beaches via public transportation at Palavas les Flots, Carnon, and La Grande Motte. This charming southern town’s accessibility isn’t limited to its public transportation network; Montpellier is also ranked as one of France’s most accessible cities for those with reduced mobility.

Montpellier’s best neighborhoods to live in include the historic downtown, l’Antigone, and the Beaux-Arts district. Some other suburbs offer lower housing prices, but it’s a good idea to check before moving, as some have a reputation for higher crime rates.

Chartres

It might not be an obvious first choice, but this small town is worth a mention for internationals looking for a smaller, friendly place to live. Chartres is an enchanting city with a historic pedestrian downtown, a small river running through it, and an incredible 13^th-century cathedral which happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also just an hour’s train ride from Paris’s Montparnasse station, making it popular with tourists in spring and summer, as well as commuters looking to enjoy the perks of small-town life while working in Paris.

There’s a vibrant atmosphere in Chartres, and the city puts on special events throughout the year to ensure it’s always abuzz. From April to October, and around Christmastime, Chartres en Lumières illuminates more than 20 landmarks around town with specular video-mapping shows. In July and August, the free concert series Chartr’Estivales means live music nearly every night.

There may be only 38,000 people living in Chartres proper, but with a population of 180,000 when including the surrounding cities and suburbs, it has many of the benefits of a bigger city.

It isn’t just the medieval buildings and animations that make Chartres attractive – the people here are some of the most welcoming in France. Any time you go out, someone strikes up a conversation or invites you over to join their table for a drink. This makes it a great and easy place to go out alone and make friends (or possibly find a partner). There are always a few people who speak English, too.

Where to live in France

While these cities are some of the best that France has to offer, others have specific advantages for families, job seekers, retirees, and singles. Based on these criteria, here is a breakdown of the other French cities that should be on your radar.

Where to live in France as a family

If you’re moving your family to France, you’re most likely curious about the quality of the local school system as well as the fun activities available. While all of the cities above offer everything a family could need, a few are especially worth noting.

Rennes

Other cities in Brittany may have beaches, but Rennes benefits from a more temperate climate, good schools (including several international schools), and better connectivity in terms of public transportation – Paris is just two hours away by train.

The historic center of Rennes is inherently charming, full of half-timbered houses in every color and a multitude of affordable bars and restaurants. Rent here is also very reasonable, especially considering that it’s the largest city in the Brittany region. However, the cost of buying a home remains relatively high. The average rent in Rennes is around €640, while buying costs upwards of €4,000/m2, setting it far above Montpellier and other smaller cities but well below Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, or Nice.

Nantes

Nantes in Brittany has an entire island dedicated to whimsical, gigantic machines known as Les Machines de l’Île. As if an enormous elephant and a multi-storied carousel weren’t enough to entertain the kids, this vibrant city also has an international school where students learn in English and French.

Furthermore, the sea is less than an hour away, and the city center has all the shops, bars, and restaurants you could ever need. It’s also even less expensive to buy property here than in Rennes, although the average rent is slightly higher.

The best places to live in France when you retire

Biarritz

How would you like to wake up each morning by taking a dip in the ocean (or even surfing) before spending the afternoon golfing? If you’re wondering where to enjoy an active lifestyle during your retirement, you can’t beat Biarritz in the southwest of France. Just over 30 kilometers from the border with Spain, Biarritz has a lot to offer: captivating cliffs, charming lighthouses, sandy beaches, and plenty of restaurants and shops within walking distance. The sunsets are magical and the climate is temperate. The city of 26,000 benefits from a laid-back atmosphere that seems unique to beach towns, but with several other cities nearby, including Bayonne and Anglet, you can easily find everything you need a short drive or bus ride away. There’s even a free shuttle bus in Biarritz to take you to different corners of the city.

Retirees aren’t the only people who flock to Biarritz; many medical professionals have also set up shop here, making healthcare easy to access. Indeed, according to Le Figaro, Biarritz has the largest density of doctors in France. It’s also apparently the 13^th healthiest city in the country.

Nice

This city is so nice, it made our list twice! Nice boasts the fourth-largest foreign-born population in France and nearly one third of the city’s residents are over 60. That means there’s a large community of expat retirees ready and willing to help you find your footing in your new French home. Furthermore, Nice caters to its senior population, with a webpage and portal dedicated to events and discounts for retirees.

And there’s more – Nice’s expansive pedestrian old town offers a wealth of bars, cafés, shops, and restaurants just steps from the beach. Nissa la Bella, as the town is affectionally known, isn’t only great for those looking to live in a walkable city in France; its inexpensive and uncomplicated tram system means that those with reduced mobility can get around town easily as well.

Along with all these perks, Nice’s residents, known as les Niçois, also benefit from a solid healthcare system. In fact, the area has the second-highest number of medical professionals per capita in all of France.

Aix-en-Provence

Although Aix-en-Provence is particularly popular among students, the lifestyle it offers is also perfect for foreigners looking to retire in France. The historic old town is quite large and made for walking. Between the numerous crêperies and waffle stands, there are also some fantastic language schools where you can learn French. Aix’s warm, sunny climate means you can frequent its many cafés and restaurant terraces year-round. Not to mention, it’s right on the doorstep of France’s lovely Provence region with its magnificent lavender fields. It also has plenty of public transportation links to nearby Marseille, France’s second-largest city, so you’re never far from the necessary amenities.

Like the other cities in the south of France, Aix-en-Provence also enjoys a high concentration of healthcare professionals. Approximately 10,000 of the city’s 145,000 people are of foreign nationality, and thanks to the number of immigrants, study-abroad students, and tourists, you won’t have a problem finding other expatriates new to town.

Where to live in France when you’re single

If you’re moving to France on your own, it’s important to find a city where you’ll have a warm welcome and be able to meet people easily. While the other cities on our list are also some of the best places to live in France, there are a few other towns where you’re sure to quickly find your place and feel at home.

Angers

A vibrant college town in the Loire Valley, Angers remains underrated among tourists and expats. It’s a great option for younger singles in search of a city with ample opportunities to meet new people. Convivial cafés and bars line the streets of the pedestrian city center, and a generous cultural offering make it ideal for those who like to be out and about.

Along with art museums, a historic theater, and a stunning château, the mild climate and above-average hours of sunshine don’t hurt either. There’s also a lot of good wine to be found in the region. If you’re more interested in spirits, the Cointreau distillery just so happens to be in Angers, too.

Toulouse

If you’re looking for an exciting single life, why not move to Toulouse? It’s the fourth biggest city in France and has excellent connections to the rest of the country. Thanks to its large student population and multiple universities, it has a relatively lively nightlife. In addition, it has plenty of festivals and cultural activities, such as theatres, museums, and gardens.

Toulouse also has a high rate of single people, so you’ll find it easy to fit in and maybe even find love with another single person. 42.7% of people are single (and another 6.7% are divorced) – compared to the French average of 27.6%, 39.9% in Paris, and 39.5% in Lyon.

The best places to live in France if you’re on a budget

Lille

Known as a blue-collar city, Lille has managed to maintain its reasonable prices while offering a lot to do and see. Some 230,000 people call this northeastern city home, and with over one million people in the metropolitan area, it’s one of the largest cities in France. It’s quite remarkable that it remains one of the country’s most affordable.

For everyday living expenses, you can save as much as 18% compared to Paris prices. Lille’s affordability is even more apparent when it comes to housing; on average, rent is roughly half of what you’d pay in Paris. It’s also much easier to find an apartment in Lille, as the market is much less competitive than in the capital.

The offices of several major technology companies are located in Lille and the neighboring towns of Roubaix and Tourcoing, so the city is brimming with interesting inhabitants. It also has a relatively young population and a healthy offering of entertainment and culture, housing, and healthcare professionals.

Located on the border with Belgium, the weather in Lille is admittedly less than ideal, with lots of rain and less sunshine than in the rest of France, but the brick buildings and cozy pub-like bars definitely have their charm. Another big perk of Lille? It’s a stop on the Eurostar rail line, so London, Brussels, and Amsterdam are only a train ride away.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is an affordable place to live, with many living costs below the French average. This city also has a significant student population, perhaps explaining how this French city remains so affordable. The average rent is roughly €700, with it costing approximately €5,300/m2 to buy a home in the city center.

In addition, it’s a very cosmopolitan city – its department, Bas-Rhin, has a foreign population of 11.7%, above the French national average of 10%, so you’re bound to feel at home. Thanks to being the location of the European Parliament, many of the European Union’s elites and elected officials live and work here. On the border with Germany, Strasbourg makes the most of its multiculturalism, mixing its strong Alsacian heritage with French culture. If you love wine, pretzels, beer, colorful buildings, and politics, then this is one of the best places to live in France.

French cities for job seekers

Paris

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Paris is still the best place to live in France when searching for work – especially for expats. If you’re looking for a job in Paris, it’s encouraging to know that there are plenty of multinational companies with branches or headquarters there who are happy to employ foreigners who don’t speak French. From banks to tech startups, you’ll find all kinds of companies hiring international workers. Furthermore, if you’re looking for work in the arts or cultural sectors such as film, TV, music, or literature, France’s capital city is where you’ll find most of these jobs.

Toulouse

As well as being great for singles, Toulouse is a great bet if you’re looking for work. In the past ten years, this city has risen in popularity, largely due to the number of job opportunities. La Ville Rose, as it’s known, houses the headquarters of Airbus, so many in the aeronautical industry already know about it. Along with work in the aerospace sector, there’s also demand in the medical field – there are quite a few prestigious hospitals in the city, so if you’re a medic looking for work, Toulouse is a great option.

Places to avoid in France

While everywhere has its merits, there are a few places in France that expats probably wouldn’t want to call home. For instance, around Paris, you’ll likely want to avoid the neighborhood near the metro stations of Jaurès and Stalingrad in the 19^th Arrondissement. The area has a poor reputation among users of ville-ideale.fr, a website where locals can review where they live. This is largely due to security reasons and that the area has recently seen large camps of homeless and refugee populations. On the outskirts of Paris, you might also want to give Saint-Denis a miss. This northern suburb also has a reputation for high crime, poor upkeep, unemployment, and poverty.

The northern districts of Marseille have a similar reputation, so if you’re looking to move to this southern city, pay attention to which part of town you choose.

That’s not to say that these areas are “no-go zones,” as some media have reported; they do have sights worth seeing, but odds are, you wouldn’t want to live there.

Useful resources

• Meilleurs agents (in French) – This site has a calculator that tells you the average price per square meter for housing in any city in France.
• Ville-ideale.fr – User reviews of local areas.