Top 10 expat-friendly cities in France
When most people picture France, Paris is the firts city that comes to mind. The french capital is iconic, glamourous, and filled with endless cultural opportunities. But for many expats, Paris is not always the most pratical place to live. High rents, crowded streets, and a fast-paced lifestyle can make it overwhelming.
That’s why an increasing number of international residents are choosing to settle in other french cities. Those places combine affordability, high quality of life and thriving communities. From bustling student hubs to coastal escapes, here are the 10 best cities in France for expats, and what makes each of them special.
Lyon : the culinary capital of France
If you love food, you will fall in love with Lyon. Known as the gastronomic capital of France, the city offers world-class restaurants, vibrant food markets, and the traditional “bouchons” where you can try authentic Lyonnaise cuisine.
But Lyon is not just about food. It is France’s second-largest metropolitan area and a hub for business, finance, and research. Many international companies have offices here, making it easier for expats to find job opportunities.
- Quality of life: Excellent healthcare, efficient public transport, and proximity to both the Alps and the Mediterranean.
- Cost of living: Cheaper than Paris, with more affordable housing in areas like Villeurbanne or Croix-Rousse.
- Why expats love it: The perfect balance between a big city and easy access to nature.
Toulouse : the “Pink City”
Toulouse, often called La Ville Rose (The Pink City) because of its terracotta buildings, is one of the most charming and welcoming cities in southern France. It’s also a major center for aerospace and technology, home to Airbus and a large international workforce.
The lifestyle in Toulouse is more relaxed than in Paris, with plenty of sunny days and outdoor cafés. Its student population adds a lively, youthful vibe, while its proximity to Spain makes cross-border adventures easy.
- Quality of life: Warm climate, great cultural scene, strong job opportunities in tech and engineering.
- Cost of living: Lower than Paris or Nice, with good value housing options in districts like Saint-Cyprien.
- Why expats love it: Friendly atmosphere and a vibrant international community.
Nantes : creative and eco-friendly
Nantes is a city that consistently ranks high in quality of life surveys. Known for its green spaces, cultural innovation, and sustainable urban planning, it has a reputation as one of France’s most forward-thinking cities.
The city has a booming job market, particularly in digital industries and renewable energy. Its location on the Loire River, just a couple of hours from Paris by train, makes it both convenient and enjoyable.
- Quality of life: Family-friendly, bike-friendly, and packed with cultural events.
- Cost of living: Reasonable, with good rental prices compared to Paris or Lyon.
- Why expats love it: A mix of tradition and modernity, with a strong sense of community.
Nice : the jewel of the French Riviera
If you’ve ever dreamed of living on the Mediterranean, Nice might be your ideal expat city. With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, it offers a coastal lifestyle that feels like a permanent vacation.
The international airport makes it easy to travel across Europe, and the city has a large English-speaking expat population. While it can be pricier than other French cities, the quality of life is hard to beat.
- Quality of life: Beaches, sunshine, and a cosmopolitan vibe.
- Cost of living: Higher than average, especially in the city center.
- Why expats love it: Perfect for those who value leisure, nature, and international connections.
Lille : a cultural and European hub
Located in northern France, Lille is often overlooked by tourists, but it’s one of the most international cities in the country. With high-speed train connections to Paris, Brussels, and London, it’s perfectly placed for expats who want to explore Europe.
The city has transformed in recent decades, evolving into a lively cultural hub with museums, festivals, and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Quality of life: Great public transport and central European location.
- Cost of living: Much more affordable than Paris, with excellent housing options.
- Why expats love it: A warm, multicultural atmosphere and easy access to three countries.
Montpellier : sunny and youthful
Montpellier is one of the fastest-growing cities in France, known for its youthful energy thanks to a large student population. It enjoys a Mediterranean climate and is just a short drive from beautiful beaches.
The city’s affordable lifestyle compared to Nice or Marseille makes it appealing for young professionals and families.
- Quality of life: Sunny weather, dynamic cultural scene, and modern infrastructure.
- Cost of living: Affordable compared to other southern French cities.
- Why expats love it: A vibrant city with a laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle.
Bordeaux : wine, elegance, and innovation
Famous for its vineyards, Bordeaux is a city that combines elegance with dynamism. Its beautifully renovated historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while its economy is booming thanks to tech, tourism, and, of course, wine.
For expats, Bordeaux offers a high quality of life with excellent transport, modern infrastructure, and a thriving expat community.
- Quality of life: Historic charm meets modern living.
- Cost of living: Higher than smaller cities but cheaper than Paris.
- Why expats love it: Wine culture, Atlantic beaches, and a booming economy.
Strasbourg : a truly European city
Strasbourg is unique because of its location on the border with Germany and its role as the home of several European institutions. This gives the city a highly international character.
Expats enjoy its mix of French and German culture, excellent public transport (including one of the best tram systems in Europe), and strong job opportunities in international affairs.
- Quality of life: Safe, walkable, and multilingual environment.
- Cost of living: Moderate, with a range of housing options.
- Why expats love it: A city that feels European in every sense.
Marseille : Mediterranean energy and diversity
Marseille is France’s oldest city and one of its most multicultural. With its bustling port, lively markets, and seaside charm, it offers a unique lifestyle that’s very different from Paris or Lyon.
The city has been undergoing a transformation in recent years, with investments in culture and infrastructure making it more attractive for expats.
- Quality of life: Coastal living with a vibrant cultural scene.
- Cost of living: More affordable than Nice, especially in diverse neighborhoods like Le Panier.
- Why expats love it: Dynamic, multicultural, and close to nature.
Rennes : a rising star
Rennes may not be as famous as Bordeaux or Nice, but it’s quickly gaining popularity among expats. With a strong job market in technology and research, excellent transport links to Paris, and a vibrant cultural scene, Rennes is both affordable and welcoming.
- Quality of life: Family-friendly, safe, and dynamic.
- Cost of living: Affordable, with housing costs below the national average.
- Why expats love it: A hidden gem with strong career opportunities.
Paris vs. the rest: why look beyond the capital?
Paris will always be a dream city for many. It’s iconic, full of opportunity, and endlessly exciting. But for everyday life, especially for families or those seeking affordability, Paris can be challenging.
That’s why cities like Lyon, Toulouse, Nantes, and Montpellier are becoming increasingly popular. They offer :
- Lower housing costs
- Friendlier pace of life
- Strong job opportunities
- Thriving international communities
For expats, these alternatives often mean better work-life balance without sacrificing culture, career, or connectivity.
Moving to France is about more than choosing Paris. Whether you are drawn to the sunshine of the Mediterranean, the elegance of Bordeaux, or the international energy of Strasbourg, there’s a French city that fits your lifestyle and ambitions. By exploring beyond the capital, you’ll discover that France offers a wealth of expat-friendly destinations, each with its own unique charm, community, and opportunities.
