Your Guide to Choosing the Best Place to Live in France

France is one of Europe’s most captivating destinations for expats, offering an exceptional quality of life, diverse landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage.

Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant pulse of cities or the relaxed charm of countryside towns, each region brings unique advantages in terms of housing, job prospects, schools, and leisure amenities. Let’s delve into some of the best areas to live in France catering to expats with varied lifestyles and preferences.

Living the Parisian Dream: What Makes Paris So Special? 

France’s capital city offers a rich blend of cultural allure, economic opportunities, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. The job market in Paris is robust with excellent opportunities (including English-speaking ones) in key industries such as fintech, fashion, and hospitality. Living in Paris means constant access to world-class museums, art galleries, theatres, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.

Paris offers a variety of housing options, from classic Haussmannian apartments with iconic French balconies to modern, upscale residences. While rent is relatively high in central regions like the 1st and 7th arrondissements, suburbs such as Vincennes and Neuilly-sur-Seine offer more space and a quieter environment while still being within easy reach of the city. This is primarily due to the city’s extensive metro and bus system, making commuting relatively seamless.

Lyon: A Perfect Blend of Tradition and Modern Living 

Lyon is an excellent choice for expats looking to access that vibrant French lifestyle without the high prices of Paris. As France’s second-largest economy, the job market here is thriving, particularly in key industries such as banking, medicine, and biotech. Lyon is also home to excellent institutions offering strong academic programs and bilingual curriculums for international families. 

Lyon’s cultural scene is equally impressive as Paris with world-class museums, theatres, and UNESCO-recognised Renaissance architecture. The city is also a paradise for food lovers, with an array of markets, bouchons (traditional restaurants), and fine dining options. Its efficient transport network of buses, trams, and the metro makes it easy to access these amenities and more.

Nice: The Allure of France’s Mediterranean Lifestyle 

Nice offers a unique lifestyle on the French Riviera, blending Mediterranean charm with modern amenities, which appeals strongly to expats. About a third of the city’s population is over 60, meaning expat retirees will easily find footing in their new French home along the Promenade des Anglais. If you’re looking for work, however, the “French Silicon Valley” offers abundant opportunities in biotech, fintech, and IT. 

Nice boasts a lifestyle centred around the Mediterranean, with stunning beaches, outdoor cafes, and year-round festivals. The Promenade des Anglais is ideal for walking, jogging, and biking along the waterfront, and the city is a gateway to both the Alps and the Italian border. The city is also well-connected with a bus and tram network that makes commuting extremely convenient.

Montpellier: The Hidden Appeal of France’s Sunniest City 

Montpellier is known for its youthful energy and it’s not surprising to see why: more than 60,000 students reside in the city, which also houses the prestigious University of Montpellier. As such, housing costs are relatively affordable and the city also has several bike lanes, all of which make getting around easy.

For those looking to work in the city’s top industries such as healthcare, technology, and education, the language barrier can be a factor. However, there are ample bilingual and English-speaking opportunities in teaching and academia. Overall, Montpellier offers a laid-back lifestyle, rich in cultural events, and outdoor activities given that it enjoys nearly 300 sunny days in a year!

Lille: Why This City Is Perfect for Art and History Lovers 

Lille is a dynamic city with a blend of French and Flemish influences. It has a vibrant cultural scene, with museums like Palais des Beaux-Arts (one of France’s largest art museums) and events such as the annual Braderie de Lille, a massive flea market that attracts visitors from all over Europe. Yet for all its artistic attractions, housing in Lille is among the most affordable in France making it perfect for expats on a budget.

Lille has a strong economy centred on trade, logistics, retail, and the service sector. The city also has a growing startup scene, particularly in tech and digital marketing, offering roles for bilingual and English-speaking expats. Lille’s strategic proximity to major European hubs such as Paris, Brussels, and London via the Eurostar and the TGV makes it ideal for expats who need to travel frequently.

Angers: The Allure of France’s “City of Flowers” 

Nestled in the Loire Valley, Angers is a scenic town with ample socialising opportunities for young people. The town centre is lined with bars and cafés, and the city’s cultural attractions make it an excellent choice for those who like to be out and about. The economy is diverse like its population, offering numerous opportunities in healthcare, education, and agriculture. 

Angers offers a range of affordable housing options, from historic townhouses in the mediaeval centre to modern apartments in areas like La Doutre. Like most regions in France, Angers has an efficient and well-connected transport system. Overall, the city offers a relaxed pace of life with vineyard tours, scenic gardens, and historic chateaux to explore.

Annecy: What Makes It the “Venice of the Alps”?

The “Venice of the Alps” is a stunning choice for expats who appreciate a high quality of life, outdoor activities, and a picturesque environment. Annecy’s real estate market is highly desirable, with options ranging from charming historical homes in the mediaeval Old Town to modern apartments with lake or mountain views. While costs are relatively high due to popularity, expats can take advantage of the job opportunities in the tourism, outdoor sports, and technology sectors. 

Annecy’s compact size makes it easy to get around on foot or by bike, and the town is developing an extensive bike-sharing program. Nestled between mountains and Lake Annecy, this French town is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with residents enjoying a wide range of activities such as swimming, sailing, paddleboarding, skiing, and snowboarding.

France’s diverse regions provide a wealth of options for expats seeking a fulfilling new chapter. From bustling urban centres to serene coastal towns, each area offers its own blend of culture, lifestyle, and opportunities. Whether prioritising career growth, educational options, or a slower pace of life, there’s a place in France to match every expat’s dreams. 

As you prepare for your move to France, weigh each location’s unique qualities, and you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect spot to call home in this enchanting country. And when it comes to sorting out your international removal to France, you can rely upon Bishop’s Move to do all the heavy lifting for you while you focus on what matters in this new chapter of your life.