The Best Cities in France for Expats: Where to Live Based on Your Lifestyle
France is a dream destination for many expats, but choosing the right city to settle in can make all the difference. Whether you're looking for career opportunities, a laid-back lifestyle, affordable living, or vibrant culture, France has a city for you.
Here’s a breakdown of the best cities in France for expats, based on different lifestyles.
🏙️ 1. Paris – Best for Career Opportunities & Culture
Perfect for: Professionals, creatives, and culture lovers.
✔️ Job market: Strong for finance, tech, fashion, and startups.
✔️ International community: Large expat network, many English speakers.
✔️ Culture & lifestyle: Museums, cafés, nightlife, and events year-round.
💰 Cost of living: High – Rent for a one-bedroom in the city center starts at €1,300+ per month.
💡 Best for: Expats who love a fast-paced, cosmopolitan lifestyle and can handle high living costs.
🌊 2. Nice – Best for Beach Life & Retirees
Perfect for: Sunseekers, retirees, and remote workers.
✔️ Mediterranean weather – Sunny over 300 days a year!
✔️ Relaxed pace of life – Enjoy beachside cafés, outdoor markets, and coastal views.
✔️ Good transport links – Quick access to Italy, Monaco, and the Alps.
💰 Cost of living: Moderate to high – Rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts at €900+ per month.
💡 Best for: Expats who want a warm climate and a more relaxed lifestyle, especially retirees.
🏡 3. Toulouse – Best for Affordable Living & Expats in Tech
Perfect for: Tech workers, students, and families.
✔️ Booming aerospace & tech industry – Airbus and many startups are based here.
✔️ Lower cost of living than Paris – Rent for a one-bedroom starts at €700+ per month.
✔️ Lively student & expat scene – Home to one of France’s biggest universities.
💰 Cost of living: Affordable – One of the cheapest big cities in France.
💡 Best for: Expats looking for career opportunities in tech while enjoying a laid-back, budget-friendly lifestyle.
🍷 4. Bordeaux – Best for Food & Wine Lovers
Perfect for: Foodies, wine enthusiasts, and nature lovers.
✔️ Surrounded by vineyards – Some of the world’s best wine regions.
✔️ Beautiful & walkable city center – Historic architecture and lively markets.
✔️ Close to the ocean & countryside – Perfect for weekend getaways.
💰 Cost of living: Moderate – Rent for a one-bedroom starts at €800+ per month.
💡 Best for: Expats who want a charming city with great food, wine, and a relaxed atmosphere.
🌍 5. Lyon – Best for Foodies & Professionals
Perfect for: Expats who want Parisian vibes without the Paris price tag.
✔️ France’s culinary capital – Home to Michelin-starred restaurants & amazing local cuisine.
✔️ Strong economy – Thriving business scene in finance, biotech, and software.
✔️ Great location – Close to the Alps, Switzerland, and Italy.
💰 Cost of living: Moderate – Rent for a one-bedroom starts at €850+ per month.
💡 Best for: Expats looking for a mix of city life, great food, and career opportunities.
🏔️ 6. Grenoble – Best for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Perfect for: Nature lovers, hikers, and ski fans.
✔️ Surrounded by the Alps – Ski resorts less than an hour away.
✔️ Strong science & tech sector – Great for engineers and researchers.
✔️ Lower cost of living – More affordable than big cities.
💰 Cost of living: Affordable – Rent for a one-bedroom starts at €600+ per month.
💡 Best for: Expats who love hiking, skiing, and the outdoors while still having access to city life.
🎭 7. Montpellier – Best for Students & Young Professionals
Perfect for: Students, digital nomads, and budget-conscious expats.
✔️ Young & vibrant city – 1 in 3 residents is a student!
✔️ Close to the beach – Mediterranean coastline just a short drive away.
✔️ Warm climate & affordable rents – One of the sunniest cities in France.
💰 Cost of living: Affordable – Rent for a one-bedroom starts at €650+ per month.
💡 Best for: Expats looking for a lively, youthful city with great weather and lower costs.
🛶 8. Strasbourg – Best for Work-Life Balance & International Vibes
Perfect for: Families, professionals, and EU workers.
✔️ Close to Germany & Switzerland – Many cross-border job opportunities.
✔️ High quality of life – A mix of French & German culture.
✔️ Bike-friendly city – Easy to get around without a car.
💰 Cost of living: Moderate – Rent for a one-bedroom starts at €750+ per month.
💡 Best for: Expats looking for a peaceful, international city with great work-life balance.
🚀 Which French City is Right for You?
📍 For high salaries & career growth: Paris, Lyon
📍 For relaxed living by the sea: Nice, Montpellier
📍 For a foodie paradise: Lyon, Bordeaux
📍 For affordable living & job opportunities: Toulouse, Grenoble
📍 For outdoor adventure: Grenoble, Strasbourg
💡 Need help choosing the right city and settling in?
At Le Petit Guide, we help expats with:
✅ Finding housing in your ideal city
✅ Visa & residency support
✅ Banking, healthcare & admin help