13 Best Places to Live in France

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 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
• Angers
• Bordeaux
• Chamonix
• Dordogne
• Lyon
• Montpellier
• Narbonne
• Nice
• Paris
• Rennes
• Strasbourg
• Toulouse

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.

Read more about Expats in Aix-en-Provence.

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.

The Chateu d'Angers, which is now a museum, is just one example of the city's impressive architecture and cultural history.

Read more about Angers, France.

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.

An expat in an Expat Exchange survey said that the "People here are very nice, warm and beautiful, making friends is easy."

We feel obligated to include a mountain town on our list, so look no further than Chamonix. While many people from other countries who know about Chamonix think of it as being one of the best ski towns in France, the truth is that it is an amazing place year round. Mountain biking, hiking, climbing and more are all at your fingertips. Expats who like the mountains and all of the outdoor activities they afford will find it difficult not to fall in love with Chamonix or one of the nearby towns and villages (the commune of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc includes 16 villages and hamlets). As with mountain life in most places, if you want to get around the area with relative ease you'll probably need to have a car.

Chamonix has a small but steady international community, thanks to seasonal workers, outdoor enthusiasts, and long-term expats who come for the lifestyle. While it’s not the cheapest place to live, healthcare and education are accessible, and Geneva Airport is just over an hour away, making international travel surprisingly convenient for a mountain town.

Dordogne has been popular with British expats for decades. So, while it's not exactly a secret, it has a lot to offer those searching for beautiful hilly countryside in the southwestern part of France. With larger towns such as Bergerac and Perigueux to keep you from feeling too isolated, Dordogne also offers plenty of small villages and towns to satisfy anyone looking to escape city life.

The region’s slower pace, lower cost of living, and established expat presence make it especially appealing for retirees and those working remotely. Public transport is limited in rural areas, so having a car opens up access to local markets, vineyards, and day trips throughout the scenic countryside.

There is no shortage of expats in Lyon who decided it is a better place to live than Paris. It has plenty of job opportunities, it costs a LOT less to live there, and there are plenty of world-class cultural opportunities. Throw in excellent parks and a gastronomy scene that many say surpasses Paris, and you'll understand why Lyon lands on our list of the best places to live in France.

Lyon is well-connected by high-speed rail and has an easy-to-navigate public transit system, making it ideal for both commuters and city explorers. With several international schools, a strong expat network, and a balance of urban energy and livability, it’s a solid choice for families, professionals, and anyone seeking a dynamic but manageable city.

Read and participate in our forum thread about Living in Lyon.

Montpellier is located in the south of France and has a laid-back yet cultured lifestyle. It's large student population (70,000+) and cosmopolitan feel helps create a nice balance of old-world yet contemporary charm. The city is walkable, filled with sunny plazas, bustling cafés, and beautiful architecture, which includes its medieval streets and the iconic Place de la Comédie. Its proximity to the coast also makes weekend escapes to the beach both easy and appealing. The traffic in Montpellier can be challenging and many people do what they can to rely on public transportation as much as possible.

For expats, Montpellier offers an excellent quality of life with a lower cost of living compared to Paris or the Côte d’Azur. It has a growing international community, a strong public transport system, and access to quality healthcare and education. While French is recommended for integration, many locals are open and friendly, and English is spoken in certain professional and academic circles. Whether you're relocating for work, retirement, or a lifestyle change, Montpellier provides a balanced blend of culture, the beach, and community. Another bonus is easy access to Toulouse, Marseille and Lyon and everything in between by train. Great weather and incredible landscapes await!

While Montpelier is a little more bustling, we're putting Narbonne on the list because it's a good alternative for people who want to avoid the flow of tourists through its more popular neighbor. Both are in the southern part of France, where a few others on our list can also be found (Aix, Nice). As always it will require your own investigation to determine what you find most appealing and what will meet your own needs and requirements. One nice bonus for Narbonne is that it's only a 2 hour and 15 minute train ride to Barcelona, Spain.

Narbonne offers a relaxed pace of life, a charming historic center, and proximity to beaches, vineyards, and the Canal du Midi. Property prices are relatively affordable, and while the expat scene is smaller than in bigger cities, that can be a plus for those looking to integrate more easily into local life.

The de facto capital of the French Riviera, Nice is located right next to Monaco and just below Italy. Replete with culture and all kinds of activities for anyone that loves being on the water, Nice is a must see for anyone interested in living on the water in France. Those looking to live near the water and not necessarily on it will find plenty of options to consider.

Nice has a strong international presence, with many services available in English and a large expat community. The airport is one of the busiest in France outside of Paris, offering excellent connectivity. While housing can be pricey, especially near the coast, public transport makes it easier to live slightly inland without sacrificing access to the sea and city life.

Paris has been one of the most popular destinations for world-traveling adventure-seekers for hundreds of years. It is an incredible place for expats. As one of the original international cities, the historic culture and the invigorating vibe of the City of Lights combine to create an allure that many people will find near impossible to pass up. Check out our 10 Tips for Living in Paris to help you get an idea of what it means to move to Paris.

Paris offers nearly everything an expat could want—international schools, job opportunities, extensive public transport, and endless cultural experiences. That said, it’s also one of the most expensive cities in France, so planning ahead for housing and daily costs is key. Whether you settle in the heart of the city or one of its many surrounding suburbs, Paris can be as exciting as it is rewarding.

Read and participate in our forum thread about Living in Paris.

Rennes, the capital of Brittany in northwestern France, is an increasingly popular choice for expats seeking a modern balance of tradition and livability. Noted for a high quality of life, Rennes offers a relaxed pace, green spaces, and well-preserved medieval architecture alongside a thriving tech and academic scene. The city is home to several universities, giving it a youthful, dynamic atmosphere, and its cultural offerings - from music festivals to local markets - make it feel lively without being overwhelming.

Expats are also drawn to Rennes for its affordability and excellent infrastructure. Housing and daily costs are lower than in Paris, while public transport is efficient and well-connected, including a high-speed TGV train that gets you to Paris in under 90 minutes. The healthcare and education systems are strong, and the welcoming community makes it easier for newcomers to integrate. Whether you're relocating for work, study, or a slower lifestyle with access to both countryside and coast, Rennes offers a compelling mix of opportunity and charm.

There is a vibrant expatriate community in Strasbourg. The European Parliament is headquartered there and so it offers an international presence and vibe that many will find appealing. It's also bike friendly, clean and has the romantic European architecture that people all over the world find enchanting. The University of Strasbourg adds to its energy. If you're looking for an down-sized alternative to Paris, this might be the perfect option!

Strasbourg’s location on the German border makes it a unique cultural blend, with easy access to both countries for travel or work. The city has excellent public transport, including trams and trains, and a cost of living that’s generally lower than Paris. It’s especially appealing to expats working in international organizations or seeking a more relaxed but still cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Toulouse has a rich architectural history and an enormous job base powered in part by Airbus, one of the largest aircraft manufacturers in the world. As with other parts of France, the Gastronomy Scene in Toulouse is not to be underestimated. The cost of living in Toulouse is also much lower than Paris. As with Lyon, there is no shortage of outdoor activities and parks in Toulouse, and the Atlantic Ocean, the Med and the mountains are all within striking distance. What a great place to live and visit!

Toulouse has a strong international community, particularly among engineers, students, and researchers. Its well-developed public transport system and growing tech sector make it attractive for professionals and families alike. With a mild climate and a laid-back pace, it strikes a nice balance between opportunity and quality of life.

When asked what people's priorities are in Toulouse, an expat in Toulouse wrote "Work generally, with lots of activities organised by the company you work for. There is plenty to do restaurants, bars cinema in the city." As part of a interracial marriage, he said that people were very accepting of he and his wife.