People all over the world dream of becoming an expat in France. While so many people immediately think of Paris, wine and some of the best museums in the world, the reality is that France has far more to offer than just these iconic cultural attractions.
With sunny beaches, world class ski resorts, charming villages and cities of all sizes, expats and nomads can find anything they are looking for in one of the crown jewels of Western Europe. Our list of the 13 Best Places to Live in France is a good place to start, but you'll have to get out there yourself and experience all France has to offer to find out what destination will make you the happiest. No amount of online research can replace an actual exploratory trip and doing research on your own to gain the insight needed to find the best place in France for you and your family.
While we've numbered these destinations, they are actually in alphabetical order. It comes down to the setting and size and so many other factors determined by your individual situation and personal preferences.
Aix-en-Provence
If you have a hard time picking up French, Aix-en-Provence has plenty of Engligh-speakers that might make the transition a little easier. With an average of 300 days of sunshine, only 90 days of rain, and the picturesque setting you've been dreaming of, it will be hard not to wake up with a smile every day! It's bustling enough for young people and families and has plenty of economic activity in the area, but it's still a great place for retirees to settle down and enjoy the French lifestyle and culture.
Aix also offers a manageable size that makes it easy to get around without a car, and the local markets, cafes, and cultural events provide plenty of opportunities to connect with the community. The city is home to several international schools and a university, which draws students and professionals from around the world. Healthcare options are solid, and Marseille's international airport is just a short drive away—making travel to and from home convenient.
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Angers
Angers is located at the edge of the Loire Valley, which is a
world heritage site, and the largest confluence of rivers in France. It has a ton of greenspace and is the area around the city is renowned for its horticultural industry. Angers has also developed into a tech hub and enjoys a relatively diversified business environment. Add in several universities and a cost of living that is far lower than Paris, and it is a clear alternative if you are interested in a smaller metropolitan area that is still young and vibrant.
Expats will appreciate Angers' well-connected public transportation system, walkable city center, and the friendly pace of daily life. The presence of international students adds to the city’s welcoming feel, and the availability of affordable housing makes settling in a bit less stressful than in larger French cities.
Bordeaux
Expats in Bordeaux live in a city far smaller than Paris but a metro area that has more than 1.3 million people. This creates a lot of options for varying preferences and budgets when it comes to both lifestyles and housing. Famous for its wine (duh!), Bordeaux also has a diversified economy with businesses of all sizes and across numerous industries. Bordeaux is the largest ever metropolitan area to ever be named a UNESCO Heritage Site. Founded by the Romans (including the wine!), the blend of old and new makes it a highly desirable city for expats and French citizens alike!
Like most other places on our list, Bordeaux has excellent public transport, including trams, buses, and bike-sharing, making it easy to get around without a car. The city is also home to several international schools and a growing expat community, especially in the suburbs. With direct TGV service to Paris and a nearby airport offering European connections, it’s well-positioned for both local living and international travel.
