It seems like France is among the best destinations to travel to, in the whole world. The culture is just amazing. So are the food, climate, and tons of tourist destinations all over. Aside from that, this country is also the perfect place to live and settle. If you plan on seeing the Eiffel Tower or taste the wines of the Champagne region on a regular basis, then you should entertain the thought of living here. Whether you are retiring, a businessperson, a family person, a parent, or someone simply enjoying life, you can easily adjust to what this country has to offer a visitor like you. For this reason, it is important that you read through our list of the best places to live in France.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 08, 2024.
1. Bordeaux (from USD 121)
You are in luck if you see yourself living in Bordeaux because this little French town has beautiful natural settings and friendly people. The quality of living is at a high level that migrating here means you will enjoy a work-life balance like no other place in France. The location puts you at a close distance to the Atlantic Ocean. The picturesque locale is made more attractive by its temperate weather conditions year-round. Most migrants say the weather here is perfect for relaxing and walking around town. Summer is not too hot and winter is cold but not too harsh.
La Maison Des Vignes Bordeaux
Address: 27 Rue Des Vignes
433.87 km (269.6 mi) from Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière
2. Toulouse (from USD 200)
You will end up having more sunshine if you decide to live in Toulouse compared to other French cities. The climate is something everyone can handle, even during wintertime. Summer temperatures rise to a relatively cool 22 degrees Celsius (71 Fahrenheit), with soft winds. The way of living of the people here is often compared to Barcelona, Spain. The main reason for this is its historical, cultural, and heritage attachments to the Spanish regions of Catalan and Occitan. By day, it is a picture of historical places, museums, and old churches. At night, the city turns into a nightly party with its bars packed with guests.
L’Insolite, Spa Privatif (Appartement Jacuzzi)
Address: 40 Rue Paul Valéry
356.47 km (221.5 mi) from Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière
3. Marseille (from USD 108)
Living in Marseille puts you on the doorstep of France’s breathtaking coastline. People who live here enjoy a lot of sun, sea, and sand. It is the country’s most sunny city. The lifestyle here is relaxed, which is perfect for those who want to live with less stress. Marseille is a melting pot of people from different races and backgrounds. You can spot people from the Middle East mingling with Europeans, and Americans with Africans. Locals are more than happy to welcome visitors with a friendly smile. This is the perfect place to live for entrepreneurs as start-ups are on the rise.
Les Appartements du Vieux Port
Address: 48 rue Vacon
277.82 km (172.7 mi) from Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Lyon (from USD 90)
Several factors make Lyon an ideal place to live in. The general quality of life of people living in Lyon is at a high level. They are happy, healthy, and have a great work-life balance. The city is characterized by two important rivers and a few districts that might interest you. Although Lyon has a dependable public transport system, everything here can be reached on foot. If there is one thing that attracts people to live here, it is the food. Lyon is known as the capital of French cuisine. Many of the country’s top chefs have either worked here or have their own restaurants along its streets.
Doyenné Vieux Lyon
Address: 9 Rue du Doyenné
434 meters (0.3 ft) from Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière
5. Montpellier (from USD 267)
Reasonable pricing for a luxurious chateau experience with complimentary EV charging and free parking.
Beautiful grounds with a pool, self-service bars, and games. Scenic location with a nearby stable and paddock full of visitor-friendly horses.
Magical arrival through a bamboo forest, surrounded by horses and goats. Close to Montpellier, but away from the noisy city, providing a peaceful atmosphere.
Delicious and healthy food with a focus on regional and organic produce. Excellent restaurant with locally sourced, well-presented meals.
If you think it is time for you to relax and enjoy life at an easy pace, then Montpellier is the place for you. This is something everyone who has migrated to this place loves and enjoys. Without the rigorous hustle and bustle of big city life, those who live here are healthy, peaceful, and happy citizens. It is the way life should be enjoyed. Expect summers to be sunny, hot, and windy, which makes it perfect for some outdoor fun activities. The good thing is that the weather remains temperate even in early winter. A sunny life will always make people smile.
Domaine de Biar
Address: Chemin du Mas de Biar
253.68 km (157.7 mi) from Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière
6. Colmar (from USD 135)
Colmar is the epitome of a postcard city where colorful homes match the beauty of the mountains that surround it. If you are planning to live here for a long time, the cost of living in Colmar is relatively low. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment in the heart of the city for 600 EUR (710 USD) per month. If you live outside the city, you can snag a one-bedroom flat for 450 EUR (530 USD). This is reasonable for French standards. If you want to enjoy your life here, know that the wines produced in Colmar are some of the best in the world.
Tip from Content Creator
Visiting this winter? Here are some travel tips:
Plan your stay: There are only a handful of Airbnbs in the old city of Colmar. Book a few months in advance to save on travel time, OR you can stay in Strasbourg & make a day trip to Colmar!
Book restaurants: To avoid the disappointment of not being able to get lunch or dinner space, book your restaurant in advance.
Want to catch the gorgeous sunset? Travel here by early afternoon and head to La Petite Venice's river canals. Stay until night and watch the Christmas lights.
Catch the Xmas lights: The old city closes as early as 8:30 to 9pm, so have your dinner earlier to appreciate the lights. You could also do the opposite, like we did, and wander the streets after dinner. Take note: all shops are closed by then, including the Xmas market.
Tip from Content Creator
This gem is known for having one of the most beautiful Christmas markets. Here is everything you need to know:
Best time to go: Late November to December to enjoy the magical ambiance with twinkling lights at the Christmas markets. Consider visiting during the quiet early mornings to avoid crowds.
How to get there: Colmar is accessible by train from Strasbourg and Paris.
Things to do: Colmar has multiple Christmas markets across town at Place Jeanne d’Arc, Place des Dominicains, Pl. de l'Ancienne Douane, and Petite Venise Colmar. Each one offers its unique charm and specialties, creating a magical holiday atmosphere.
Tips to visit in the winter: Arrive early at the Christmas markets, layer up for the cold, and bring an extra battery as the chilly weather can drain your phone’s power quickly.
Colmar Hotel
Address: 14 route de Rouffach
320.34 km (199.1 mi) from Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière
7. Paris (from USD 83)
Reasonably priced for a central Parisian location.
Well-equipped apartment with all necessities, including good WiFi and running hot water.
Perfectly situated near the Louvre, with easy access to metro and bus lines, as well as charming cafes and patisseries.
Delightful bakery nearby for morning espresso and croissants, and a variety of restaurants and coffee places in the vicinity.
Paris has everything you want in a place to live. It has artwork in galleries, museums, and in the streets. The food is nothing short of amazing. The attractions, led by the Eiffel Tower, are some of the most visited in the world. If you are planning to live in Paris in the near future, know that the city is pushing its fight against climate change. Its goal is to be carbon-free by the year 2050. Part of its plan is to develop current and future schools, colleges, and universities into green sanctuaries, to help curb pent-up heat within the city.
Chez Vous ST HONORÉ
Address: 200 Rue Saint Honoré
392.26 km (243.8 mi) from Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière
8. Cannes (from USD 74)
Reasonably priced for a modern, well-equipped studio in a prime location on the Croisette in Cannes.
Spacious, clean, and stylish studio with helpful and welcoming hosts. Close to the beach, restaurants, and hotel bars.
Perfectly situated opposite the beach, ideal for both business trips and vacations. Convenient access to the best restaurants and attractions.
No specific mentions of dining experiences available.
Cannes is known for hosting people from all over the world. It is home to many expats from different parts of the world, with the city’s solid economy serving as the top attraction for these people to migrate here. Other attractions include the picture-perfect bay and hundreds of restaurants to satiate your appetite. The natural scenery of Cannes is among the most beautiful in France and it plays a big role in transplanting people here. With sunny weather ruling the calendar all year, it is natural that people who live here gravitate toward its white-sand beaches to have some water fun.
New - cosy & nice Apartment in Palais Miramar
Address: 65 Boulevard de la Croisette
301.72 km (187.5 mi) from Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière
9. Nice (from USD 161)
Nice is one of France’s most popular tourist destinations. It competes with Paris in terms of popularity. Ranking second in the country in terms of liveability, people are attracted to live in Nice because of several factors. First is the weather; it is temperate and warm compared to the Northern cities. Second, there are plenty of beautiful natural surroundings to visit. Third, it is easy for foreigners to find a job here. Fourth, the crime rate in Nice is one of the lowest in the country. With that said, everyone still needs to practice extra care when starting a new life here.
Víctor Hugo
Address: Palais Yolande, 4 floor 59 Boulevard Victor Hugo
299.5 km (186.1 mi) from Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière
10. Annecy (from USD 125)
Annecy is a French town that has so much to offer. This alone makes it the perfect place to live for foreigners and locals. Its lake scenery is one of the most breathtaking sights you will see. This alpine city has several top ski resorts that add to its attractiveness. During the heat of summer, people trek to the lake to cool down and participate in water fun. The parks nearby are perfect spots for jogging, cycling, and walking. Because of this, those who live here tend to be on the healthy side. It is hard to find a city as liveable as Annecy.
Appartement duplex, lumineux et calme
Address: 15 Parc des Raisses
104.43 km (64.9 mi) from Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière
Live your life in France
France remains one of the top dream destinations for travel and living. Among the reasons are the economy, the scenery, the relaxed way of living, and world-class cuisine. The places listed above have all these and more.
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