10 Best Places To Live in France: A Guide to French Cities
France is full of incredible cities, towns, and villages to live in, each with its own magic. Some are more metropolitan, with tourists, expats, and students while others retain a provincial charm that is unique. The question is which style do you prefer? And, after all, what are the best French cities to live in France?
Best Places To Live in France
In this article, we’ll list the best places to live in France and help you choose your new home. To give you a better perspective, we’ve also added a cost of living section for each city, with figures from Numbeo.
1. Paris
There is always some controversy over Paris. It’s the ultimate dream for some. For some the city is hot, hectic, and unpleasant—not at all what they had envisioned. However, living in Paris is a great experience. If you embrace Paris for what it is, you will be able to live life there as a true Parisian, with all its ups and downs.
The metropolis of Paris, often known as the “City of Lights” and the “City of Romance,” has always mesmerized millions of people with its vast boulevards and lush cobblestone streets.
Although it is pricey, living in Paris is romantic and thrilling. The cost of living is high in the largest city in France, both for housing and daily necessities. It’s true that there is a housing crisis resulting from everyone wanting a piece of Paris’ special something.
Pros of living in Paris
- Old-world charm
- Wonderful museums
- Parks
- Great food
- Cafes and restaurants
- Proximity to other European cities
Cons of living in Paris
- Weather
- Lack of airconditioning
- High cost of living
- Unfriendly people
Cost of Living in Paris
- Estimated monthly costs for a single person are €940 (excluding rent)
- Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,300
- Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €950
2. Nice
Nice is located in the French Riviera, one of the most coveted pieces of coastline in the world. Nice offers all the cosmopolitan advantages of a French city, including great food and wine, intriguing culture, and picturesque surroundings.
Nice is generally a fantastic area to live if you enjoy the French way of life. It has all the advantages of inland travel, but it also benefits from being near the Mediterranean coast. This makes it a fantastic starting point for seeing other well-known European locations.
Nice features a private airport with good international connectivity. Additionally, the French Alps are not too far away, nor are some famous attractions like Cannes and Monaco.
Pros of living in Nice
- Nice weather
- Great beaches
- Beautiful scenery
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- Touristy
- Boring in the winter
Cost of Living in Nice
- Estimated monthly costs for a single person are €910 (excluding rent)
- Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €875
- Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €700
3. Bordeaux
Bordeaux is brimming with upscale boutiques, trendy eateries, world-class museums, and a vibrant cultural scene with a relaxed environment and pleasant weather. It also has a reputation for being a city that welcomes families.
With an astounding 350 ancient monuments, Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage site. But it goes far beyond that. It has a long history dating back to the third century when the Gauls founded it, and you can still see the effect of the Romans who invaded and left their stamp on the area.
It is possible to travel between Bordeaux and Paris in around two hours. So if you want to avoid the high cost of living in Paris, you can choose to base yourself in Bordeaux.
Pros of living in Bordeaux
- Proximity to the Atlantic Ocean
- A walkable city
- Great wine
- Beautiful countryside
- Cheaper than Paris
Cons of living in Bordeaux
- English is not common
- Snob people
Cost of Living in Bordeaux
- Estimated monthly costs for a single person are €810 (excluding rent)
- Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €790
- Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €650
4. Lyon
Looking to relocate to a French city but not Paris? It’s not just you. More and more expats are choosing Lyon over Paris because the city of lights isn’t for everyone and is also highly expensive. Apart from being less expensive, Lyon is also renowned for being a vibrant, dynamic city with a diverse culture. Numerous famous universities are located there attracting young people who make sure the city is active all year round.
Lyon has a very lovely old town and has some of the best restaurants in France, making the city the gastronomy capital of France.
You now have yet another strong reason to choose to reside in Lyon when you consider all of this and the two-hour drive that divides the city from Paris.
Pros of living in Lyon
- Cheaper than Paris
- Good public transportation
- Authentic French food
Cons of living in Lyon
- Traffic
- Pollution
- Dodgy neighborhoods
Cost of Living in Lyon
- Estimated monthly costs for a single person are €900 (excluding rent)
- Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €780
- Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €590
5. Marseille
Marseille, France’s second-largest city after Paris, is where the greatest port in the country is located. The city lies on France’s southern coast and has long been a significant center for trade and export.
There are many stores, eateries, and street markets in Marseille. It is vibrant and full of life.
Its residents enjoy more than 3000 hours of sunshine annually, quick access to spectacular coastal and inland locations, a diverse and rich cultural and musical scene, delicious gastronomy, and the remains of a 2,600-year history.
Finally, it is possible to reach Paris by public transport within about four hours. Marseille is also served by an airport which makes life a lot easier. It is worth putting it on your list of the best cities to live in France.
Pros of living in Marseille
- Nice weather
- Beaches
- Cultural diversity
- Beautiful landscape
Cons of living in Marseille
- Dirtiness
- Safety issues
Cost of Living in Marseille
- Estimated monthly costs for a single person are €820 (excluding rent)
- Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €680
- Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €540
6. Toulouse
In the Occitanie region of southwest France, the beautiful Toulouse is located. One of the biggest pros of the city, aside from the typical amenities found in any French city, is its location. The Mediterranean and the Atlantic Oceans are each around an hour’s drive from the city, so you have easy access to coastal towns and activities. Additionally, the Pyrenees Mountains are not far away, so there are some great places for hiking nearby.
Living in Toulouse will offer you excellent quality of life. The city is full of young people, thanks to the universities and technology companies that attract IT professionals at the beginning of their careers.
If you’re looking for a distinctive combination of classic French culture with urban amenities, Toulouse is unquestionably one of the best cities to live in France.
Pros of living in Toulouse
- Mild climate
- Business opportunities
- Cheaper than other major cities
- Beautiful scenery
Cons of living in Toulouse
- Too hot in the summer
- Far from big cities
Cost of Living in Toulouse
- Estimated monthly costs for a single person are €860 (excluding rent)
- Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €670
- Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €530
7. Montpellier
Montpellier has cemented its position as a top location in Europe thanks to a thriving economy, and a vibrant cultural and social scene. With an almost entirely pedestrian-only downtown and a variety of public transit alternatives to suit any lifestyle, the city has achieved a balance between modernism and livability.
Given its southern location, Montpellier has a Mediterranean climate and holds the distinction of being one of France’s sunniest cities, with almost seven hours of sunshine on average per day while the national average is under five hours.
Montpellier offers the ideal location to enjoy upscale, French living. This city is a great option for those who want to enjoy fine dining restaurants, vibrant outdoor markets, and year-round cultural activities.
Pros of living in Montpellier
- Plenty of cultural activities
- Amazing food and wine
- Walkable city
Cons of living in Montpellier
- Rainy winters
Cost of Living in Montpellier
- Estimated monthly costs for a single person are €790 (excluding rent)
- Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €690
- Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €575
8. Lille
Lille is famous for its colorful surroundings, pleasant atmosphere, and abundance of culture. The city has a lot to offer, from fun events and cultural activities to tasty food and drink that you must experience! There are lots of outdoor activities available on the weekends, as well as a welcoming and laid-back culture and population. Because of its advantageous location close to Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and the UK, the city is an international hub.
Despite being a relatively small city, Lille has a robust public transit system that includes metro lines, trams, buses, and more. In addition to using public transit, you can also use the city’s extensive network of bicycle-sharing stations, which are spread across the city. As a result of the city’s extensive network of well-maintained bike lanes, which makes getting from one location to another incredibly simple, biking is one of the most popular ways of transportation among residents, tourists, and expats.
Pros of living in Lille
- Young population
- Proximity
Cons of living in Lille
- Bad weather
Cost of Living in Lille
- Estimated monthly costs for a single person are €760 (excluding rent)
- Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €750
- Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €575
9. Annecy
Annecy also referred to as the Venice of the Alps, offers a peaceful way of life and breathtaking scenery. This city is one of the best places to live in France thanks to efficient public services and a high standard of living.
Located at the crossroads of Switzerland and Italy, the area boasts some of the cleanest air around. The famous Annecy Lake is surrounded by a bike route, and popular lakeside activities include boating, hiking, picnicking, and sunbathing.
Given its widespread regional and national appeal, Annecy offers vibrant restaurants and a culinary scene. . There are a variety of options available, ranging from classic bistro settings—featuring the substantial French comfort cuisine of the Haut-Savoie—to 3-star Michelin dining. Wine bars, bakeries, cafés, and pastry stores are all available for gourmets.
Pros of living in Annecy
- Beautiful scenery
- Slow living
Cons of living in Annecy
- Expensive
- Can be boring in winters
Cost of Living in Annecy
- Estimated monthly costs for a single person are €1,000 (excluding rent)
- Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €870
- Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €700
10. Dijon
Yes, Dijon is famous for its mustard, vineyards, and exquisite cuisine but that’s not all. It’s one of the best cities to live in, especially if you want to be away from big city crowds. The city is incredibly walkable, the cost of living is reasonable, and the historic architecture is very charming.
People looking for a more relaxed way of life and cheaper cost of living prefer to base themselves in Dijon and travel around the country during the weekends It’s simple to get to Dijon from other French cities. There are numerous direct trains every day between Paris and Lyon that take somewhere between two and three hours.
Pros of living in Dijon
- Safe
- Walkable
- Proximity to Paris
Cons of living in Dijon
- English isn’t very common
- Can be boring
Cost of Living in Dijon
- Estimated monthly costs for a single person are €750 (excluding rent)
- Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €650
- Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €400
The Bottom Line: The Best Cities To Live in France
There you have it…The best places to live in France. Moving to a new country is a big decision. Understanding your priorities is the first step to making a decision about where you’re going to live.
France is a beautiful country with many different places that are suitable for various lifestyles. Wherever you live, you can rest assured that this country will fill you with many great memories.
Enjoy your new life in France!