The Most Popular Cities for Furnished Rentals in France Now

• Annecy
• La Rochelle
• Poitiers
• Rennes 
• Toulouse
• Bordeaux
• Lyon
• Paris
• Grenoble
• Marseille
• Montpellier
• Strasbourg
• Mulhouse
• Nice
• Lille
• Nantes

You may ask yourself: Where to live in France as a family? Where are the best places to live in France when you retire? Where to live in France when you’re single? Or where are the best places to live in France if you’re on a budget? And where are French cities for job seekers?

The best location to live in France depends greatly on your unique situation and lifestyle. When deciding where to reside in France, seniors, students, young professionals, and expats with families will all have various things to consider.

Now, let’s explore which cities best suit different expat communities.

Below are our recommendations for Annecy, LaRochelle, Poitiers, Rennes, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Lyon, Toulouse, Paris, Grenoble, Marseille, Montpellier, Strasbourg, Mulhouse, Nice, Lille, and Nantes.

Common criteria we relied on are:

• Quality of life
• Cost of living
• Employment opportunities
• Cultural scene
• Public transportation
• Safety
• Climate

• Education

L’Association des Villes et Villages is a French organization that did research on more than 34,000 French villages, towns, and cities. They were examined and evaluated using 182 distinct criteria. The study, which took over two years to finish, looked into a wide range of topics. For instance, in the quality-of-life category, the poll took into account more than 70 different factors, such as:

• The level of unemployment;
• Water quality;
• Local rates of pollution;
• The number of new businesses created;
• Percentage of parks, communal squares, and green spaces;
• The ratio of homeowners to rental property;

• Number and range of cultural organizations, etc…

To name a few, Le Mans in the Loire Valley, with 140,000 residents, is ranked fifth among France’s best places for life. Bayonne, the second-best location to live in France, is a city in southwest France on the Atlantic coast, home to the resort of Biarritz. Strasbourg, the eighth-biggest town in France, is ranked number 12 on the list of French cities with the highest standard of living.

Annecy

According to L’Association des Villes et Villages’ research, Annecy is ranked number one as France’s best place to live. Because it is close to Geneva, a sizable section of the populace can travel there daily to benefit from the high salaries in Switzerland and the lower cost of living in France.

Geneva is the closest international airport, about a 40-minute drive away, and the second-biggest lake in France, Lac d’Annecy, has the purest water in all of Europe.

The high cost of real estate in Annecy is its only drawback (the monthly average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is € 1,026)

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is known for being a vibrant city with a strong cultural identity and a wide variety of recreational options accessible year-round.
It is a safe place for children, with a reputable network of hospitals and healthcare facilities, an international airport, excellent schools and universities, and a high-speed rail connection to Paris. And then, some fantastic beaches on the Vendée coast are close to La Rochelle.

L’Association des Villes et Villages ranks Annecy as the number one best place to live in France. La Rochelle shines as a vibrant city with a strong cultural identity and offers a wide variety of recreational options year-round. In an extensive poll conducted by L’Association des Villes et Villages, La Rochelle secures the third spot among France’s best large towns. While La Rochelle’s property prices aren’t exactly budget-friendly compared to the surrounding area, they remain relatively affordable to the rest of France.

Poitiers

Poitiers is an ideal destination for young individuals. It offers some of the most affordable lodging options in France, as well as safety and a desirable quality of life.

The average monthly cost of living in Poitiers is just €908 (including house rent, food shopping, restaurants, utilities, transportation, and entertainment), with an average monthly net salary of €2,006 and an average monthly rent of €450 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Even so, Poitiers offers more than just affordable homes and a low cost of living. Since the University of Poitiers is among the oldest in France, more than 27,000 students attend the municipality, and the population under 30 makes up over 30% of the total.

There is a direct TGV train from Poitiers to Paris (2 hours) and Bordeaux (1 hour 17 mins). The local airport, too, is just a short drive from the city center and has regular flights from London, Stansted, Edinburgh, and Shannon, Ireland, direct to Poitiers.

Rennes 

Rennes, the capital of Brittany in the far northwest of France, ranked second on the list of best French towns to work in and fifth on the list of best French cities to live in.

Its extensive network of public transportation and cycling lanes, along with the city’s quantity of shared gardens and parks and green urban initiatives, were cited as reasons for its popularity. In fact, a survey by L’Etudiant-L’Express rated Rennes as the second-best place to study out of 43 French university cities. So, it’s no surprise that the city exudes vitality and youthful energy due to its substantial student population.

Rennes has a vigorous economic and cultural scene and excellent ratings for several aspects of quality of life. It consistently ranks among the top five locations in France to live, work, and study. Also, it prides itself on being one of the greenest towns in France. In the 2020 poll, the city ranked 11th out of 34,312 villages, towns, and cities in France.

As the capital of Brittany, Rennes has emerged as a favored destination among expats seeking the best of city life. With diverse job market prospects and high-quality living standards, Rennes provides modern conveniences that make it easy to adapt to life abroad. You’ll find a lively local community and a particularly active expat group. And despite its size, there are plenty of career opportunities.

On the downside, living expenses are higher compared to cities of a similar size. Moreover, not knowing French could pose a challenge due to the language barrier.

Toulouse

Toulouse, or La Ville Rose (The pink city), is frequently rated as one of the most dynamic French cities for business. It was ranked sixth among the best French cities to work in. It is a fantastic area with top-notch educational resources for kids, ideal for young, active families seeking an exciting and active lifestyle. Popular with the French, Toulouse is frequently chosen as the country’s most desirable place to live.

Toulouse, the fourth-biggest city in France, is a well-liked and highly popular destination for expats. Due to its temperate climate, Toulouse experiences pleasant summers and moderate winters.

Furthermore, living in Toulouse is less expensive than in several other large cities, such as Paris or Lyon. Because of this, as well as its varied population and low crime rate, Toulouse is an excellent city for the expat community.

Now, living in Toulouse has many benefits, but there are also a few drawbacks. The most noticeable is the absence of English speakers. Getting a job or establishing friends with locals could be challenging if you don’t speak French.

Bordeaux

Renowned as one of France’s cities for expat living. The city enjoys mild and pleasant weather year-round, ensuring residents are never short of things to do as the beach is just an hour away. Like Lyon, which came in at number three on the list of the most popular French cities to work in, Bordeaux is widely recognized as a major economic hub in France. With its safe and welcoming atmosphere, Bordeaux caters best to expats looking to live in a small town immersed in French culture.

France is undoubtedly a wonderful country for raising children. Certain cities are more favorable for families because they offer the best shopping, educational, and work opportunities. All of these locations have excellent ratings for the most demanding factors families usually look for. If you’re considering moving to France with kids, we suggest researching Toulouse, Bordeaux, and Pau.

Lyon

The Economist Intelligence Unit ranked Lyon 30th overall and 16th best city in Europe. Many French people fervently believe this is the country’s best city. Living in Lyon means the summers are long and hot, lasting from May to October, and the winters are significantly warmer.

Lyon is not a city of gloomy buildings congested with traffic. Instead, it’s a serene Mediterranean city coated in warm yellow, orange, and ochre tones.

Lyon, the third-biggest city in France, is a major economic hub with ample job opportunities. Actually, this is the main factor why so many expats relocate here. It is the best option for foreigners who wish to reside in a large city but lack the funds to do so in Paris. All things considered, Lyon is a bustling, multiethnic city with a wealth of activities. You’ll adore the energetic nightlife and the abundance of different pubs and clubs.

As the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon will not let you down if your concept of bliss involves enjoying delicious food offered in some of the top restaurants on earth. With almost 2,000 restaurants—17 of which have received Michelin stars—you can never experience a lack of choice or diversity when it comes to dining out in Lyon.

Lyon is also wonderfully rich in cultural life, with dozens of theatres, performance venues, and museums. It is set to remain a firm favorite expat lifestyle destination.

The cost of living in Lyon is the primary drawback, though; it’s the second most expensive city in France.

Paris

Honestly, it’s unthinkable to sum up the fabulous Paris in just a few sentences. So we won’t even try, at least not here. Steeped in culture, fashion, and cuisine, Paris offers a lifestyle unlike any other. Life moves quickly in this cosmopolitan city and French metropolis, and constant activities are going on. For American expats, Paris is among the best cities in France. Here, you’ll find a supportive community that will help you adjust to your new life.

Grenoble

Grenoble is a dynamic city that fuses urban life with natural surroundings. It’s ideal for expats who enjoy the great outdoors. Hikers visit the trails in summertime, and in winter, skiers arrive.

The city also has a vibrant professional and student community, making it a perfect multicultural setting for expats. The weather has benefits and drawbacks. Grenoble is ideal for living if you enjoy having four distinct seasons.

Living in Grenoble does provide particular challenges, though. Like Lyon, the life expenses are costly.

Marseille

Marseille has become a sought-after spot for expats looking for a sunny climate, relaxed lifestyle, and beautiful coastal views. The community spirit is strong, and the diverse population is friendly and inclusive. It’s easy to blend in without feeling like an outsider.

Positioned on the Mediterranean coast, Marseille offers expats ocean vistas and beach access. Its strategic location as a gateway to the Mediterranean region and close proximity to markets make it an attractive choice for professionals and business owners.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a city that beautifully combines its old-world charm with a youthful vibe. Its student population and diverse expat community make socializing and expanding your network effortless. Its vast public transportation network and remarkably low crime rate are two more benefits.

Montpellier is a marvelous choice for expats seeking to live in the south of France without the hustle and bustle of Marseille. With a strong economy focused on sectors like healthcare, technology, and research, the city offers plenty of opportunities with technology hubs and business support centers. Montpellier delivers convenient transportation with its modern tram system, while Montpellier Méditerranée Airport and high-speed train connections provide easy access to other French cities.

On top of that, blessed with a Mediterranean climate featuring winters and warm summers, Montpellier enjoys sunshine throughout the year. Its proximity to the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea allows expats to unwind in a coastal environment just a short drive away.

Montpellier stands out as a choice for residents looking to move within France, and this trend has caused an increase in the city’s population. Actually, Montpellier boasts a demographic with 43% of its residents being under 30 years old. Regarding the student population and concentration, only Bologna in Italy can match Montpellier as one of Europe’s university towns.

Montpellier’s appeal lies in its proximity to Mediterranean beaches 10 kilometers away, warm climate, charming historic center dating back to 985 AD, great shopping options, and vibrant nightlife scene.

Regardless, one downside of living in Montpellier is the challenge of finding housing. Renters often snatch up properties within hours of listing, making it a highly competitive market for accommodation seekers.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg, a thriving city in Alsace known for its economic significance, stands out as one of the best choices for expats looking to settle in France. It is a genuinely global city, home to a broad expat community as the official seat of the European Parliament. The range of activities, spoken languages, and international cuisine reflect this diversity.

Despite its size, Strasbourg appeals to expatriates due to its location (on the French-German border), affordable cost of living, and diverse population. It’s particularly ideal for expats seeking a community spirit and outdoor access.

Mulhouse

Another town with remarkably low real estate costs is Mulhouse in the Alsace region of eastern France. As a result, it offers fantastic opportunities for real estate investment. Mulhouse has one of France’s highest average wage rates relative to other regions, and its residents also benefit from low housing costs.

On the positive side, it has seen a surge in expat interest. And this is primarily due to its location. In fact, Mulhouse’s prime location near the borders of Germany, Switzerland, and France makes it impossible not to consider it. So, if you want to live in France but work in another country, it’s entirely possible here.

Nice

This vibrant city is considered one of the top choices for expatriates looking to settle in France. With a climate ranging from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius year-round, something is always happening. There is never a monotonous moment here, from art exhibitions and music festivals to exploring ecstatic neighborhoods.

Nonetheless, living costs are notably high in this city. With its population exceeding 340,000—and reaching up to 1 million in surrounding regions—Nice justifies its higher living costs with its magnificent setting.

Lille

Lille is situated in the heart of Europe, and its history, culture, and culinary pleasures make it a sought-after destination for expatriates. Due to its proximity to Belgium’s border, the population is quite diversified. Lille has an energetic atmosphere that contributes to a high standard of living, which you won’t find in most other French northern towns.

As a major European transportation hub, Lille offers high-speed rail links to cities such as Paris, Brussels, and London. This connectivity positions it as a base for expatriates to explore not just France but also neighboring nations while delivering abundant job opportunities.

Given that and the affordability, it is impossible not to consider moving here. Lille is the ideal choice for newly arrived expats searching for a lively yet reasonably priced city.

Nantes

Nantes has a well-earned reputation for offering an exceptionally high quality of life, a strong jobs market across various fields, and good salary prospects at a relatively low cost of living.

A recent poll on the top French cities and towns to move to for jobs was published in L’Express magazine. Nantes became victorious overall, trailing Rennes by a small margin. Nantes, an Atlantic Coast city barely two hours from Paris, came in third place in a Worldwide Ranking of the Most Connected Global Cities, right behind Lyon and Paris.

Nantes’s supremacies include higher-than-average pay, a large number of occupations, an international scene, a wealth of activities and sights to see, affordable housing, and an efficient transportation network.

Nantes is the primary business hub of the West of France. That being said, Nantes’s openness to foreign commerce and the global reach of its enterprises were rated higher than those of Strasbourg, Toulouse, and Montpellier. After all, the French government has named Nantes a Tech Hub for the digital industry and other creative businesses. Nantes has one of the highest rates of business start-ups in France, and the digital sector alone generates over 1,000 employees annually.

Nantes has excellent connections both within and across countries. The city’s international airport offers easy access to other significant European cities. Thanks to its high-speed train links (TGV), traveling to other French cities, especially Paris, is simple.

Nantes is well known for its green areas, innovative urban design, and dedication to sustainability. It consistently has a high quality of life index and provides the ideal fusion of natural beauty and metropolitan conveniences.

Even though it’s one of the uncharted places for expats, there are a number of benefits to considering relocating here. It is generally a low-cost city that is safe, clean and well-maintained.

And the best city is…

The best city in France for living may not be your best city in France. Our selection is here to help you, not limit you down the line. So, check out VilledeReve.fr, or a “dream town.” It’s a website that ranks over 34,900 cities and provides a wealth of information about each one. Make sure to think about what is important to you and what you need to feel comfortable. You may prefer to live in a quiet town while someone else might need to be in a big city. There’s no right or wrong answer.