Best Websites & Agencies to Find Housing in France
Finding the right apartment in France as an expat can feel overwhelming—especially if you're searching from abroad. Where do you even start? Thankfully, plenty of websites and agencies can help you secure a home, whether you’re looking for a short-term stay or a long-term lease.
This guide will walk you through the best platforms, agencies, and insider tips to help you find housing in France quickly and stress-free.
🏡 Best Websites for Finding an Apartment in France
Whether you want to rent directly from a landlord or go through an agency, these platforms are the best places to start your search:
1️⃣ SeLoger (www.seloger.com)
✅ One of the biggest property websites in France
✅ Features apartments from agencies, not private landlords
✅ Advanced filters for price, location, and amenities
Best for: Those who prefer professional listings and don’t mind agency fees.
2️⃣ Leboncoin (www.leboncoin.fr)
✅ France’s version of Craigslist
✅ Many direct-from-landlord listings (no agency fees)
✅ Also has furnished and short-term rental options
Best for: Budget-conscious renters and those who want to negotiate directly with landlords.
3️⃣ PAP (Particulier à Particulier) (www.pap.fr)
✅ 100% private listings (no agencies involved)
✅ No agency fees
✅ More flexible rental conditions
Best for: Expats who want to avoid agency fees and deal directly with landlords.
4️⃣ Studapart (www.studapart.com)
✅ Ideal for students and young professionals
✅ Offers rent guarantees (no French guarantor needed)
✅ Partnered with universities and coliving spaces
Best for: Students, interns, and expats looking for hassle-free renting.
5️⃣ LocService (www.locservice.fr)
✅ Tenants describe what they need, and landlords contact them
✅ No endless scrolling—landlords come to you!
✅ Great for expats without a French rental history
Best for: Expats who struggle to get responses from landlords.
🏢 Working with Rental Agencies in France
If you prefer professional help, a rental agency (agence immobilière) can assist you in finding and securing a property. However, they usually charge fees equal to 1 month’s rent.
Top Rental Agencies in France:
🏡 Foncia (www.foncia.com) – One of the largest real estate agencies in France
🏡 Century 21 (www.century21.fr) – International agency with many listings
🏡 Orpi (www.orpi.com) – Great for finding furnished and long-term rentals
🏡 Guy Hoquet (www.guy-hoquet.com) – Well-known agency with competitive listings
Pros of Using an Agency:
✅ More secure (less risk of scams)
✅ They handle paperwork for you
✅ Better access to high-demand properties
Cons:
❌ Agency fees (can be expensive)
❌ Less flexibility in lease terms
💡 Tips for Expats Searching for Housing in France
🔹 Start early – Good apartments go fast, especially in cities like Paris, Lyon, and Toulouse.
🔹 Have your rental dossier ready – Landlords will ask for proof of income, ID, and a French guarantor.
🔹 Beware of scams – If the price looks too good to be true, it probably is. Never send money before visiting!
🔹 Consider coliving or short-term stays first – Platforms like Coliving.com and Airbnb can help while you search for a long-term rental.
🚀 Need Help Finding Housing in France?
At Le Petit Guide, we make finding a home stress-free! Our team can:
✅ Help you search for listings that fit your needs
✅ Review your lease & rental contract
✅ Assist with paperwork & deposit recovery