Dreaming of moving to France? Choosing where to settle in France is a key decision that will shape your lifestyle, budget, and integration experience. France offers something for everyone. But with so many beautiful places to choose from, how do you decide?
In this article, we explore the top regions for expats in France, based on lifestyle preferences such as affordability, weather, access to services, and community vibe.
Table of Contents
Dordogne: For nature lovers, retirees & a slower pace of life
If you’re dreaming of rural charm, rolling hills, and affordable property, Dordogne in southwest France is a top choice. It’s long been a favourite for British expats thanks to its rich history, mild climate, and abundance of stone farmhouses.
- Lifestyle: Peaceful, traditional, nature-oriented
- Who it’s for: Retirees, remote workers, creatives, and foodies
- Highlights: Weekly markets, châteaux, canoeing, local produce
- Cost of living: Lower than the national average
Occitanie: For a balanced life between mountains and sea
Occitanie, in southern France, offers diverse landscapes, affordable cities, and vibrant towns near both the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees Mountains. Cities like Montpellier and Toulouse are expat-friendly, culturally rich, and more affordable than Paris or Nice.
- Lifestyle: Lively, active, family-friendly
- Who it’s for: Young professionals, families, remote workers
- Highlights: Coastal towns, ski access, wine regions
- Cost of living: Moderate, with excellent value for money
Brittany: For culture, coastlines, and community
If you love the sea, Celtic culture, and a slightly cooler climate, Brittany might be your perfect region. With historic towns like Quimper, Vannes, and Dinan, and endless coastline, it’s a relaxed place to enjoy a strong local identity and great food.
- Lifestyle: Coastal, cultural, community-oriented
- Who it’s for: Families, nature lovers, EU expats
- Highlights: Rugged beaches, seafood, Breton traditions
- Cost of living: Generally low outside the major cities
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (PACA): For sunshine & sophistication
PACA is famous for its lavender fields, sun-drenched vineyards, and glitzy coastlines. While property prices are higher here, the lifestyle is undeniably appealing.
- Lifestyle: Elegant, sunny, international
- Who it’s for: Retirees, second-home owners, luxury buyers
- Highlights: Mediterranean climate, Cannes & Nice, Provençal villages
- Cost of living: Higher than average, especially near the coast
Nouvelle-Aquitaine: For wine, surf & big city alternatives
Home to Bordeaux, Biarritz, and the Dordogne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine combines world-class wine, beaches, and growing tech and startup scenes.
- Lifestyle: Urban & rural mix, modern and outdoorsy
- Who it’s for: Digital nomads, wine lovers, urbanites avoiding Paris
- Highlights: Surf in Biarritz, wine in Bordeaux, art in Angoulême
- Cost of living: Bordeaux is pricier, but rural areas are affordable
Grand Est & Alsace: For cross-border living and storybook scenery
Bordering Germany and Switzerland, Alsace offers fairytale villages, excellent transport links, and a strong expat community. Colmar and Strasbourg are particularly appealing for EU workers and families.
- Lifestyle: International, historic, orderly
- Who it’s for: Cross-border commuters, EU citizens, families
- Highlights: Christmas markets, half-timbered towns, great healthcare
- Cost of living: Moderate, with good infrastructure
Paris & Île-de-France: For career opportunities and culture
Paris needs no introduction. It’s the hub of French business, education, fashion, and government. While it’s more expensive than most regions, it remains a top choice for those seeking career growth or a fast-paced cosmopolitan life.
- Lifestyle: Urban, ambitious, world-class
- Who it’s for: Professionals, students, creatives
- Highlights: Everything from art to Michelin stars to networking
- Cost of living: High but great for short stays or career building
So, where do most expats actually live in France?
Many expats choose to live outside of Paris in smaller towns and affordable regions with a better quality of life. Regions like Dordogne, Occitanie, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine are consistently popular. Explore where Americans are living in France here or where British expats are living in France here.
🔗 See our full breakdown: Is France a Good Place to Live? Top Regions for Expats
FAQs: Living in France as an expat
How do I choose the best place to live in France as an expat?
Start by assessing your budget, visa type, climate preferences, and lifestyle.
Can I live in rural France as a remote worker?
Yes! Many remote workers are choosing quieter towns and villages where fibre internet is available and the cost of living is low.
Is it better to rent or buy when moving to France?
That depends on how long you plan to stay. Renting gives flexibility especially if you aren’t sure where you want to live in France long-term; buying is ideal for long-term residency or if you already know France pretty well. 🔗 Browse our Buying in France articles for expert help.
Final notes
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to where to live in France. Whether you value affordability, weather, work, or cultural life, there’s a French region that fits your lifestyle goals.
Want a head start?
🔗 Download our Free Guide to Buying Property in France to understand where and how to buy once you’ve picked your dream region.
Planning a move to France or just thinking about it?
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Wherever you are in your France journey, we’re here to help.
