With a strong economy, an enviable work culture, and exceptional infrastructure, France is a highly sought-after homestead. Esteemed for its romantic atmosphere, upscale living, staggering landscapes, and gastronomy, it is one of the world's most visited countries.
According to the OECD Better Life Index, the country ranks well in the realms of work-life balance, healthcare, social connections, and civic engagement. The index also found that most residents in France were satisfied with their overall quality of life.
France offers a good transport network, a cosmopolitan society, vibrant social life, and picturesque neighbourhoods. With multinational companies, luxury brands, and technological advancements to boot, there’s immense entrepreneurial potential in the country.
Read on to discover the best places to live in France.
Paris
Paris, the much admired “city of love,” and capital of France is the fourth-largest city in the EU and one of the most densely populated regions in the world.
While Paris dates to the 3rd century B.C., it began gaining prosperity in the 5th century under the Merovingian dynasty. By the 12th century, Paris was the social, cultural, and economic capital of France – this was cemented with the establishment of Notre Dame, the University of Paris, and the scaling up of the Louvre fortress. Paris played a major role during the Age of Enlightenment in the early modern period, besides being a financial heavyweight in the continent.
Today, Paris is defined by landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral and museums like the Louvre and Grand Palais des Champs-Élysées. Steeped in rich culture, art galleries and mediaeval libraries pepper the streets. The city’s spirit is defined by an appreciation for life’s finer things — as such, delightful cafes, scenic squares, and upscale shopping boutiques are aplenty here.
Luxury goods, automobile brands, finance, aeronautics, and media technology are the main industries driving Paris’ economy.
The city ranks 30th for overall quality of urban living. A cosmopolitan city, 20% of its population comprises foreigners.
The median property price in Paris is €10,562 per square-metre.
Lyon
Perched on the confluence of the rivers Rhône and Saône, Lyon is France’s second-largest city.
The city has historically been a significant political and economic force in France. Owing to its strategic location (the city bridged the north and south of the empire), Lyon was the capital of the Gauls in the Roman era and has prospered ever since. During the Middle Ages, Lyon was the main “counting house” or banking city of France. The city’s commercial status and affluence peaked when it forayed into the silk-weaving industry during the Renaissance.
Lyon has garnered several accolades over the years. As the pioneer of haute cuisine, Lyon is known as the “gastronomic capital” of the world. It is also known as the birthplace of cinema because the world’s first film screening took place here in 1895.
Hospitality, biotechnology, banking, and pharmaceuticals are the main industries thriving in Lyons today. About 13% of the city’s population comprises immigrants.
On average, properties in Lyon cost about €422,000.
Nice
Situated on the French Riviera and sheltered by the French Alps, Nice is a popular resort city in France.
The city was established in 350 B.C. by Greek colonists and almost immediately developed into a bustling trading port. Over the next few centuries, Nice was involved in several wars in France and Italy while gaining immense affluence as a maritime town. It was ceded to France in the 19th-century and was revamped as a fashionable tourist destination after the World Wars.
Nice boasts a vivid cultural heritage. The city is home to authentic artworks by Matisse, Picasso, Van Gogh, and Chagall, besides hosting the esteemed Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain (Modern and Contemporary Art Museum). Ornate architecture, teal beaches, and vibrant promenades adorn the city, in addition to designer shopping boutiques and luxury spas.
Nice has a long legacy of tourism. It is still the main driving force of the economy, employing more than 40% of the population. Life sciences, research and development, and pharmaceuticals are other flourishing industries in the city. According to Numbeo’s Quality of Life index, Nice ranks above average in most categories, including healthcare, purchasing power, safety, and climate.
The median property price in Nice is €7,206 per square-metre.
Marseille
Marseille is France’s oldest and third-largest city and is located on the Gulf of Lion.
The city was founded in 600 B.C. by the Greeks and evolved into a wealthy trading port. Over the following centuries, Marseille was governed by the Romans and the Visigoths before being destroyed in the 7th-century by Frankish political leader Charles Martel. The city was incorporated into France in the 15th-century. After weathering several plagues, a tumultuous revolution, and two world wars, Marseille was revived and renewed as an affluent harbourside town.
Today, Marseille is popular for its castles, churches, quaint colonies, scenic promenades, and placid coastal alcoves. The city is also famous for its artisanal soap, “Savon de Marseille.”
Healthcare, creative sectors, tourism, aerospace, and shipping form the backbone of Marseille‘s economy. The city also boasts a high quality of life, especially with respect to healthcare, climate, and purchasing power.
The median price of a house in Marseille is €4,419 per square-metre.
Bordeaux
Renowned for its exquisite vintages, Bordeaux is a port city located on the river Garonne. UNESCO described the city as “an inhabited historic city, an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble, created in the age of the Enlightenment.”
While Bordeaux dates back to 300 B.C., it flourished centuries later under Roman rule as a trade port. In the 12th century, the city forayed into wine making, which further emboldened its economy and cultural significance. Bordeaux’s elevated status persisted until the French Revolution, after which the city’s economy was in shambles. It was also severely affected by World War II, as it was under German occupation.
Today, Bordeaux is chiefly known as the wine capital of the world, hosting 287,000 acres of vineyards, 10,000 wine-producing estates, and 13,000 grape growers. Defined by flavourful, full-bodied vins, the city produces about 960 million bottles every year.
Home to 350 historic buildings, Bordeaux is also known for its stunning architecture. The city is also a haven for gastronomes, boasting over 43 Michelin-starred restaurants.
Hospitality, tourism, vinification, and digital industries drive Bordeaux’s economy.
The price range of houses in Bordeaux is between €5,913 and €9,586 per square-metre.
Annecy
Annecy is a charming Alpine town, perched on the northern precipice of Lake Annecy. Nestled between glimmering waters and magnificent mountains, the city was famously nicknamed "Pearl of the French Alps" by Raoul Blanchard, a French geographer.
Annecy was initially a quiet Roman town, strategically connected to Italy by road. In the following centuries, it served as a capital for the provinces of Genevois and Beaufortain. In the mediaeval era, hordes of craftspeople settled by Annecy’s rivers, while several feudal lords also made this mountainous city their new home.
Today, Annecy is known as the “Venice of the Alps,” with its labyrinthine canals and majestic bridges. The town is steeped in winter enchantment, with snow-capped peaks, winding roads, glacier-origin lakes, and pastel-hued cottages.
The main industries in Annecy are tourism, sporting goods, military jets, and dairy products. With incredible historic sites, outdoor activities, and quality schools to boot, Annecy is a great city of residence for families.
Villes and Villages’ annual listicle titled “où il fait bon vivre” (where it’s good to live) voted Annecy the best place to live in France for two consecutive years.
The price range for properties in Annecy is between €4,000 and €17,045 per square-metre.
From dynamic city life to scenic countryside, from elegant brunches to glamorous revelry, France delivers on all fronts. The country epitomises sophistication, decadence, and prosperity. Whether it’s the high life of Paris or the rugged beauty of Annecy, these are some of the best places to live in France.
