Best Places To Live In France for Expats (And Why?)

For many, the idea of moving to France has always been alluring. Between the country’s easygoing lifestyle, its beautiful surroundings and a reputation for being a global luxury destination, people of all ages often decide to relocate there.

But, what makes certain parts of France prime locations for expats, though?

An affordable cost of living, a low crime rate, an idyllic climate, and a better way of life are just a few reasons why so many people choose to call France their new home.

Let’s take a closer look at the best places to live in France for expats.

Which Cities in France Offer the Best Lifestyle for Expats?

Moving to a city is an excellent option for an expat because you get the best of both worlds. With such a high population, there are both expats and residents living there, meaning you can get involved with those living abroad while still discovering life as a local.

Paris

Paris is France’s capital, and it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. If you don’t want to give up the change of seasons, you can experience all of them in Paris while enjoying the city’s world-class culture, fashion and gastronomy.

Another perk of living in Paris is that you won’t need a car, which makes moving abroad a much easier process. Most people in the city get around by foot, and there’s also plenty of public transport for when you want to venture further from home. Plus, with so many international schools in the area, you won’t need to worry about transport to and from the school.

Nice

Nice is a vibrant coastal community in southeast France, offering an intoxicating blend of Mediterranean charm, cultural richness and luxury living. There’s also a strong expat community here and excellent connectivity to other parts of France. As the fifth-largest city in France and the shining star of the French Riviera, Nice has a strong mix of nationalities and a notable Italian influence.

Nice is a popular tourist destination, too, providing a lot of jobs in the tourism industry if you need to secure work once you relocate to France. Also, if you’ve dreamt of a life surrounded by the arts, Nice has an impressive selection of museums and architecture to take in.

Aix-en-Provence

While Aix-en-Provence is a university city in France, it’s surrounded by countryside, offering an inspiring landscape that you don’t often get in an urban setting. The area is known for having a relaxed pace, too, a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of Paris and Nice. There’s also a solid mix of cultural sophistication and family-friendly appeal here, along with diverse property options and, of course, an expat community.

Why Are the French Riviera and Provence Popular Among Retirees?

While the French Riviera and Provence are sought-after by a wide age range of expats, these areas are particularly popular with retirees. Those looking for tranquility, natural beauty and mild weather will find it among the other luxuries of these areas.

French Riviera (Côte d’Azur)

The French Riviera has luxury properties, a warm Mediterranean climate, and a vibrant cultural scene. Desirable property in the area includes private villas and luxury penthouses, and there’s also a strong yachting culture here. Plus, you’ll be a short 13km to the Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport, making it easy to travel as needed.

For one of France’s most scenic stretches of coastline, visit Juan-les-Pins in Antibes. The overall slow pace of life in Antibes is what’s most appealing to retirees. The area is also known for its laidback atmosphere during the day, complemented by a vibrant nightlife scene once the sun goes down.

Provence

Provence is best known for its charming villages and beautiful countryside. The relaxed way of life here is ideal for those seeking tranquility. Beloved for its privacy as well as its unbeatable vistas, Provence has the best of everything: outdoor sports and nature activities; cultural art exhibits; delicious regional cuisine and wineries; and fun festivals year-round.

Consider moving to Luberon, a fairytale-like massif in Provence with dramatic hilltops, medieval hamlets, and ancient villages. Provencal properties of the Luberon include renovated mills, manor houses, elegant stone buildings, and 18th-century farmhouses.

What Makes the French Alps and Annecy Attractive to Active Expats?

Are you after a vibrant lifestyle year-round that lets you spend plenty of time outside? Don’t overlook the French Alps or Annecy when considering where to live in France as an expat.

Annecy

Annecy, a lakeside alpine town in the Haute-Savoie department of the French Alps, is active and stylish, and it’s the ultimate destination for adventure-seekers. The lake offers sailing and other watersports, and nearby parkland has trails for cyclists, joggers and walkers. Try out canyoning or paragliding, or head to Semnoz for a challenging mountain biking excursion. You’ll also be half an hour from popular ski resorts like Le Grand-Bornand and La Clusaz.

Annecy is also cultural and historic, with plenty of exhibitions and museum tours to visit. And instead of the ancient structures being sparse and isolated, the Old Town looks very much like it would have centuries ago. Your close proximity to Geneva only adds to the area’s lure for nature lovers and families too.

Chamonix and Megève

Chamonix and Megève are popular ski resorts in the French Alps that offer luxury amenities, strong investment potential and welcoming expat communities. On top of having world-renowned skiing, these areas also have cozy chalets, stylish shopping and gourmet cuisine.

While Megève has a sophisticated, small-town feel, Chamonix is more adventurous, ideal for those who want to push the limit. Even if you won’t be spending most of your days on the slopes, the après-ski scene in these resorts is enough to intrigue anyone, and there are plenty of outdoor excursions to keep you busy in the spring and summer, too.

How Do Expat Communities Influence Where You Should Live in France?

You may want to specifically look for an area of France that has a strong expat presence, like a major city or popular holiday destination.

Getting involved with the expat community in France, especially right after you relocate there, means having a support system of people who know exactly what you’re going through. As an expat, you’ll face unique challenges that other French residents don’t, such as adjusting to the language, laws and customs.

Finding your way around the area, getting suggestions for activities and events, and getting to grips with social etiquette are all made easier when you have a community of other expats who can be your guide.

There are various resources out there to consider. For example, the Expatica website has articles specifically for expats moving abroad. Sites like Meetup list professional and social events for expats in Paris and other parts of France.

Even if you don’t immediately find a group of expats that you feel is a good match, they’ll undoubtedly have recommendations for how to get more integrated with the community as well as your new French lifestyle.

You can search the Expatica directory to find all sorts of services designed for expats, like education facilities, financial experts, healthcare and more.

What Is the State of the French Property Market?

The French property market is finally stabilizing after about two years of decline. Prices in some areas are falling less than they have been, while other areas are seeing a rise in prices.

The most affected areas of France are cities in the central and eastern parts of the country; small coastal towns in the north and west; and select areas in the south. Also consider that certain parts of France — like coastal towns and resorts that are popular with holiday home buyers — tend to resist price drops.

To stay on top of the French property market, refer to notaire data. Since notaries handle all French property sales, their information is typically the most up-to-date and accurate.

Additionally, it’s always helpful to work with a real estate agent who specialises in luxury properties, as they’re used to helping expats find their way through the process.

Conclusion: Which Region in France is Right for You as an Expat?

As you can see, anywhere that’s a popular destination in France is bound to have an expat community to get involved with. Consider what you want out of your new lifestyle, whether that’s an energetic city setting, a place where you can de-stress and slow down, or an area that’s brimming with reasons to get into the great outdoors.

If you are considering making the move over to a new way of life and relocating to France, then make sure you speak to one of the HOMEHUNTS property consultants. HOMEHUNTS is an award-winning French property buyer’s agent who will handpick a selection of luxury properties that meet your requirements and specifications. We have the knowledge and experience to help and advise you on where to live in France.