Choosing where to live in France
A Friendly Guide for Future Expats
France is beautifully diverse, offering everything from vibrant cities and sleepy countryside villages to sunny coastlines and snow-capped mountains. Choosing the right region for your lifestyle, goals, and budget is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
First, here’s what to consider when choose where to relocate in France:
What Should You Consider Before Choosing a Region?
Amenities: Evaluate proximity to essential services, shops, and emergency facilities. For families, schools and childcare options may also be crucial, while retirees might prioritise healthcare access.
Budget & Cost of Living: Housing prices vary dramatically. Paris and the Côte d’Azur are on the higher end, while regions like Occitanie or Grand Est offer more a more affordable cost of living .
Transportation & Connectivity: Frequent traveler? Make sure you’re close to major train stations (TGV), airports, or efficient public transport. France has great access to transportation. Depending on the region of choice, this will be a factor to take into consideration based on your needs.
Climate Preferences: Do you prefer Mediterranean heat, snowy winters, or temperate rain? France’s climate zones are incredibly diverse—from sunny Nice to alpine Annecy.
Family & Healthcare Needs: Families often prioritize school options, green spaces, and pediatric care. Retirees may look for proximity to hospitals or wellness services. France has excellent healthcare—but access varies by region.
Popular French Regions to Consider
1. Île-de-France (Paris & Surroundings)
Best for: Professionals, culture lovers, international schools
Paris needs no introduction. It’s dynamic, fast-paced, and rich in art, gastronomy, and history. For those in finance, fashion, diplomacy, or academia, the capital is a natural magnet. Suburban options like Saint-Denis or Montreuil offer a more affordable compromise. Many museums are free every first Sunday of the month.
2. Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (Nice, Marseille, Cannes, Villefranche-sur-mer, Aix)
Best for: Mediterranean living, sun-seekers, expats from the UK & US and other international travellers
From the glamour of the French Riviera to the charm of lavender fields, this region is adored for its sunshine, coastline, and slower pace of life. Nice, Cannes, Villefranche-sur-mer and Antibes are favorites among expats, while Marseille offers a more affordable urban alternative. We have a particular appreciation for this region, where natural beauty meets urban sophistication. From world-renowned events like the Cannes Film Festival to the Monaco Grand Prix, the Côte d’Azur offers a dynamic year-round calendar that reflects its international appeal.
3. Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Bordeaux, Biarritz)
Best for: Surf and wine lovers, families, remote workers
Bordeaux offers the elegance of Paris without the intensity, and Biarritz is a paradise for beachgoers and surfers. Surrounded by charming towns such as Guéthary and Bidart, it’s surrounded with great restaurants and a charming atmosphere. With direct TGV links to Paris, it’s perfect for hybrid professionals.
4. Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (Lyon, Annecy, Grenoble)
Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, families
Lyon is a city with a rich cultural heritage where you’ll find landmarks from all eras, from the ancient Roman theatre to the modern Confluence district. If you come to live there, thanks to the historical diversity of the districts, you are sure to find a place to suit your taste. It combines culinary excellence with business opportunity—ideal for professionals who love weekend escapes to the mountains. Annecy is stunning and calm with a beautiful mountain landscape, while Grenoble is a haven for hikers and skiers.
5. Bourgogne, Strasbourg, Dijon, Metz
Best for: History buffs, Europhiles, wine and culture
Strasbourg is the capital city of the Grand Est region, formerly Alsace, in northeastern France. It's also the formal seat of the European Parliament and sits near the German border, with culture and architecture blending German and French influences. Close to Germany, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, these regions offer charm and affordability. Strasbourg is home to EU institutions, while Dijon is perfect for wine-lovers and foodies.
6. Occitanie (Toulouse, Montpellier, Carcassonne)
Best for: Students, creatives, budget-conscious families
Toulouse is the capital of France’s southern Occitanie region, it is bisected by the Garonne River and sits near the Spanish border. It’s known as La Ville Rose (‘The Pink City’) due to the terra-cotta bricks used in many of its buildings. welcoming feel. Montpellier is young, vibrant, and packed with students and entrepreneurs. Both cities offer great value and Mediterranean charm.
How a Relocation Service Can Help You Settle In
Even when you’ve chosen your dream region, finding the right home in France isn’t always easy—especially if you’re navigating a new system, language, and local norms. That’s where a relocation partner makes all the difference.
We help by:
Identifying neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle and goals
Scheduling and attending property viewings on your behalf
Reviewing contracts and handling leasing paperwork
Acting as your bilingual liaison with landlords or agencies
Assisting with the set-up and opening of a bank account
Offering advice on schools, healthcare (carte vital and worldwide insurance), local logistics
Exchanging driving licenses and obtaining your car registration (carte grise)
Settling-in and integration after your move, and more
At The Relocation Company International, we specialize in taking the stress out of your transition—whether you’re moving alone, with a family, or as part of a corporate transfer. Schedule a meeting with us today.