Moving to France is a dream for many English speakers—Americans, Canadians, Brits, Australians, New Zealanders—drawn by its beauty, history, and joie de vivre (joy of living). But with so many cities and regions to choose from, where should you begin?In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to live in France as an expat, looking at lifestyle, cost of living, cultural life, and how learning French can help you truly feel at home.
What to Consider When Choosing Where to Live
Before falling in love with a postcard village, think about your priorities. France is incredibly diverse, and each region offers a different experience. Ask yourself:
- Do I want big-city life or a peaceful village?
- How important are career opportunities or international schools?
- What climate do I prefer: Mediterranean sun or cooler Atlantic breezes?
- Do I speak French—or plan to learn it quickly?
Remember the French saying, “Il faut choisir ses combats” (“You have to choose your battles”): picking the right location is one of the most important choices for a smooth transition.
Paris – Culture, Careers, and Cosmopolitan Life
It’s impossible to talk about the best places to live in France without mentioning Paris. The capital offers:
- endless cultural life—museums, theatres, concerts
- vibrant job opportunities in business, tech, and the arts
- excellent public transport and international connections
However, Paris is also the most expensive city in France. Expect high rents (€1,200+ for a small apartment) and a fast-paced lifestyle. Still, for those who thrive on energy and opportunity, la Ville Lumière (the City of Light) is unforgettable.
💡 FITH has immersion teachers just outside Paris, in charming towns like Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse—perfect for learning French while enjoying easy access to the capital.
Lyon – Gastronomy and Balance
Often called the culinary capital of France, Lyon blends big-city opportunities with a relaxed rhythm. It’s known for:
- world-class restaurants and vibrant food markets
- lower cost of living than Paris
- easy access to the Alps and the Mediterranean
Lyon is popular with families and professionals seeking balance. Locals are proud of their heritage but welcoming—especially if you make the effort to speak French. As they say, “L’appétit vient en mangeant” (“Appetite comes with eating”)—and in Lyon, that’s easy to do!
Bordeaux – Wine, Nature, and Ocean Breezes
Set along the Garonne River, Bordeaux offers a high quality of life with:
- a beautifully renovated historic center
- famous vineyards nearby
- proximity to the Atlantic coast for weekend escapes
It’s a great choice for those who want urban charm without Parisian intensity. The cost of living is moderate, and the lifestyle is elegant yet laid-back. FITH immersion stays in the southwest let students discover this art de vivre (art of living) firsthand.
Nice – Sunshine and International Flair
On the French Riviera, Nice boasts:
- over 300 days of sunshine per year
- turquoise Mediterranean beaches
- a strong international expat community
The atmosphere is cosmopolitan yet relaxed, and the food scene blends French and Italian flavors. While property is pricey, many choose Nice for its climate and lifestyle. Learning French here can be especially rewarding—locals appreciate effort, and speaking the language helps you connect beyond the tourist world.
Montpellier – Youthful Energy and Sunshine
Montpellier is a vibrant university city in the sunny south, known for:
- a large student population and dynamic cultural scene
- lower rent than Paris or Nice
- short distance to Mediterranean beaches
It’s ideal if you want a lively, youthful atmosphere and year-round sunshine. FITH immersion teachers in Occitanie often host learners here who want to combine French practice with a taste of la vie méridionale (southern life).
Smaller Towns and Rural France – Slower, Cheaper, Authentic
If your dream is quiet mornings at a village market and friendly neighbors who know your name, rural France could be perfect. Regions like Brittany, Alsace, or Provence offer:
- much lower housing costs
- peaceful surroundings
- tight-knit communities and traditional culture
Living here requires more French—English is rarely spoken—but it offers a rich and authentic experience. As the French say, “C’est en forgeant qu’on devient forgeron” (“It’s by forging that one becomes a blacksmith”): the more you practice speaking, the faster you’ll become part of the community.
Why Learning French Matters Wherever You Settle
No matter where you choose to live, speaking French is the key to integration. It allows you to:
- build friendships and feel less isolated
- understand contracts, banking, and healthcare
- access local jobs and opportunities
- enjoy cultural life beyond the tourist surface
Many new arrivals underestimate how much French they’ll need—even just for daily tasks like calling the doctor or opening a bank account. That’s why preparing with immersive French learning before or after your move is so valuable.
Discovering Your Ideal Region Through FITH Immersion
FITH (French Immersion at Teacher’s Home) helps you explore different regions while rapidly improving your French. You live in your teacher’s home, with:
- 15 hours of private lessons per week (5×3h)
- daily shared meals in French
- 4 cultural outings (markets, museums, nature walks, cooking, history sites)
- a personalized program adapted to your level and goals
Each teacher also shares their local area—so you’re not just studying French, you’re living it. This is the perfect way to “test” a city or region before committing to move there. You can see if the lifestyle suits you while making real progress in the language.
Conclusion: Find Your Place, Embrace the Language
France offers incredible diversity—bustling capitals, laid-back coastal cities, peaceful countryside. The best places to live in France depend on your goals, lifestyle, and personality.
But one thing is universal: to truly feel at home, you need the language. Speaking French turns you from a visitor into a neighbor, from an outsider into part of the community.
With a FITH immersion stay, you can explore France not as a tourist, but as a future local. Bienvenue chez vous—welcome home.
