How to Find the Perfect Place to Live in France as an Expat
Moving to France is exciting, but finding a place to live can be one of the biggest challenges—especially with competitive rental markets, strict requirements, and cultural differences in how renting works.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to find housing in France, from short-term stays to long-term rentals, and tips for making the process easier.
🏡 Step 1: Decide on Short-Term vs. Long-Term Housing
Short-Term Housing (For Your First Few Weeks/Months)
If you’re new to France, securing temporary accommodation first can reduce stress while you search for a permanent home.
🔹 Best short-term options:
✔️ Airbnb – Flexible but can be pricey for long stays.
✔️ Furnished rentals – Websites like Lodgis or Spotahome cater to expats.
✔️ Coliving spaces – Great for meeting people (ex: The Babel Community).
✔️ Hostels/Hotels – Budget-friendly for a quick stay.
📝 Tip: Short-term housing is ideal while you handle admin tasks like opening a bank account (which landlords often require).
Long-Term Rentals (What You Need to Know!)
If you’re ready to commit to a rental, here’s how the process works in France:
✅ Rental websites to check:
🔹 SeLoger, PAP, Bien’ici – For traditional apartments.
🔹 Leboncoin – Like Craigslist, but be cautious of scams.
🔹 Facebook groups – Great for expat-friendly rentals.
✅ What landlords require:
French landlords are very strict about paperwork. To apply for an apartment, you’ll need a rental dossier that includes:
✔️ ID or Passport
✔️ Proof of income (usually 3x the rent amount)
✔️ Work contract or proof of employment
✔️ Guarantor (Cautionnaire) – A French resident who will vouch for you financially (or use Visale if you don’t have one)
📍 Step 2: Choose the Right City & Neighborhood
The best place to live depends on your budget, lifestyle, and job opportunities. Here’s a quick look at some popular expat-friendly cities:
🏙️ Paris – Expensive but great for career growth & culture.
🌞 Nice – Ideal for those who love the beach & warm weather.
🎓 Toulouse – Affordable, student-friendly, and growing in popularity.
🍷 Bordeaux – Laid-back, wine region, and close to the ocean.
🏰 Lyon – A foodie paradise with a lower cost of living than Paris.
📝 Tip: Within any city, research neighborhoods carefully. For example, in Paris, the 20 arrondissements all have different vibes (trendy, family-friendly, expensive, etc.).
💶 Step 3: Budget for Housing Costs in France
How much should you expect to pay for rent?
📌 Paris: €900 – €2,500+ per month (tiny studios can cost €1,000!)
📌 Lyon/Bordeaux/Toulouse: €600 – €1,200 per month
📌 Smaller towns: €400 – €800 per month
💡 Hidden costs to budget for:
✔️ Security deposit (1-2 months’ rent)
✔️ Agency fees (if using a real estate agent)
✔️ Renter’s insurance (mandatory in France)
✔️ Utilities (electricity, water, internet)
📜 Step 4: Understanding the Lease Agreement
When you find an apartment, you’ll sign a bail (lease agreement). Here’s what to check before signing:
✅ Lease duration – Usually 1-year (furnished) or 3-years (unfurnished).
✅ Notice period – Typically 1-3 months before moving out.
✅ What’s included – Some rentals come with furniture, others don’t!
✅ Deposit return conditions – Get everything in writing.
📝 Tip: If the apartment is furnished, take photos before moving in to avoid issues when getting your security deposit back.
🔑 Step 5: Move-In & Set Up Essentials
Once you secure housing, here’s what to do next:
📞 Set up utilities (EDF for electricity, Orange/Bouygues/SFR for internet).
💳 Change your address on official documents.
🏦 Update your bank details for automatic rent payments.
📝 Apply for CAF housing benefits (if eligible).
🏠 Need Help Finding Housing in France?
At Le Petit Guide, we make finding a home easier with:
✅ Personalized housing search – We help you find the best options.
✅ Rental dossier assistance – Get everything landlords need.
✅ Local support – From utilities setup to signing your lease.