France’s best cities to live and work

The best cities in France attract tourists and those looking for a comfortable place to live and work. In order to make the right choice, it is important to consider employment and education opportunities, as well as the purpose of the move. For example, Paris, Marseille, Lyon are attractive because of their developed economy and career prospects. These cities are home to 70% of the country’s major companies, where qualified professionals can find a well-paid job. Angers and Montpellier are also often chosen for relocation due to their pleasant climate, quiet surroundings and more affordable prices.

To choose the best city in France to live and move to, you will need to go through several stages of immigration – obtaining a visa, applying for a residence permit and applying for a residence card.

Among the available options for legal residency is obtaining a residence permit in France under the French Tech Visa program. This status allows you to do business, study and reside in the country for 4 years. Contact an immigration specialist for help with the residency application process.

Advantages of living in French cities

France is ranked 31st in standard of living, 7th in world economy and 6th in education and health. The average income depends on the type of activity, qualification, region. The average monthly salary in the country is 1766 EUR for a 35-hour workweek. According to the National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), the average life expectancy in the country is 83 years. The best cities to live in France offer various benefits:

• Employment. Jobs in IT, healthcare, education, logistics and tourism are in demand in France. Jobs in large international corporations and financial institutions are easy to find in Paris. Lyon offers many opportunities in medical research, and heavy industry. Marseille, as the largest port city, attracts specialists in logistics, maritime trade.
• Education. Renowned for its prestigious universities, France offers a high-quality education and a wide range of job opportunities for graduates. The Sorbonne University, the University of Nanterre and the Polytechnic Institute are among the best in the capital. Degrees from these institutions are recognized all over the world, which is essential for a successful career. The universities of Lyon, Angers, Rennes, Montpellier are also often chosen for education and further employment. Students have access to progressive training programs, the opportunity to gain practical knowledge in leading companies and research centers.
• Healthcare. France spends 11.9% of its GDP on health care. The national health insurance system covers the cost of treatment for the local population, including residents.
• Business Environment. There are several ways for foreign entrepreneurs to set up a business in France. Start-ups are supported by the voluntary public organizations Business France, Ecti, Egee, AGIRabcd and the English-language service Urssaf. Research projects receive tax benefits, e.g. income tax, real estate.
• Transportation. A well-developed infrastructure and transportation system allows for easy movement within and between French cities. Bicycle and electric scooter rentals as well as taxi services are available in major cities.
• Culture. France has more than 40 sites protected by UNESCO, about 6000 libraries, 8000 museums, 40 000 monuments. For lovers of active recreation, there are ski resorts, beaches and other places to spend leisure time in the country.

The first step towards moving to France is to obtain a residence permit. This document opens the door to a comfortable life and work in one of the most attractive European countries. The registration process can be complicated and involves knowledge of some legal aspects.

Top 10 best cities in France

When choosing the best city to live in France, consider economic opportunities, cost of living, access to education, healthcare, cultural environment, and climate. The top 10 include:

1. Paris
2. Lyon
3. Nice
4. Toulouse
5. Bordeaux
6. Strasbourg
7. Marseille
8. Montpellier
9. Rennes
10. Angers

These areas offer a high quality of life along with flexible employment and business opportunities. Learn more about living in each of these cities in the sections below.

Paris

Paris is the capital of France, the world center of art, culture, fashion, enchants with romantic atmosphere and nightlife charm. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe are historical symbols of the city’s greatness. A major economic center with numerous international companies and start-ups opens prospects for professional growth. The British Savills and the American Jones Lang Lasalle are based in Paris and offer 74% of their employment opportunities to foreigners.

Paris is attractive to those seeking a prestigious education. The Quacquarelli Symonds world ranking, published in 2024, includes several local educational institutions. PSL University (Paris Sciences et Lettres) tops the list, ranking 7th in Europe and 24th in the world. The top 100 also includes the École Normale Supérieure, Paris-Dauphine and Paris-Saclay and the Sorbonne universities.

Living in the capital is expensive, with high prices for housing, services. The average salary varies within 3230 EUR. The cost of renting a small apartment ranges from 960 to 3000 EUR. Expenses per person per month are about 1120 EUR. High population density and stress levels are also typical for Paris.

Lyon

Lyon is the gastronomic capital of France, located at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers. The city is famous for its “bouchons” – traditional restaurants serving local cuisine. Old Lyon charms with narrow streets, Renaissance architectural gems – Lyon Cathedral, Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. The Confluence Museum, built like a spaceship, offers exhibitions on nature, civilizations. Every year the city holds the festival “Celebration of Light”, which brings millions of tourists.

Lyon is an important business center where professionals in sales, logistics, tourism, medicine and information technology are in demand. The city attracts students and families with children thanks to its high level of education and safety systems. Famous local educational institutions include the École Normale Supérieure, the National Institute of Applied Sciences, and the Emlyon Business School.

The cost of living in Lyon is similar to that of Paris. Monthly expenses for one person are 1040 EUR. However, rents in the region are much cheaper than in the capital – they range from 630 to 1530 EUR. The average salary is 3460 EUR.

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Nice

Nice is the most popular place on the French Riviera, with 320 days of sunshine a year. The region is renowned for its mild climate, beautiful beaches, rich cultural life and annual carnival. Promenade des Anglais is a famous promenade with picturesque views of the Mediterranean, which has become a favorite leisure spot for locals. Nice is also home to the Matisse and Chagall museums, where French and Italian cultures are closely intertwined, creating a unique atmosphere.

In Nice, you can find jobs in tourism, hotels and restaurants, which account for about 50% of vacancies. Other industries include furniture, clothing, food, perfume, electronics, and souvenir manufacturing. In the suburbs are located high-tech companies with research laboratories where they conduct research in the fields of biotechnology, development of innovative solutions for agriculture and the environment.

In the region, there are universities, technical and business schools. The prestigious University of the Côte d’Azur teaches science, physics, engineering and biomedical technology. However, Nice, like Paris, is not a cheap and quiet place to live. The center and the neighborhoods of Fabron, Mont-Boron, Saint-Antoine, Cimieux, Saint-Pancras are considered safe. The cost of renting an apartment in the city ranges from 830 to 1690 EUR per month. The average salary is 3440 EUR.

Toulouse

Toulouse, or the “the Pink City” (so called because of the color of its brick buildings), is located in southwestern France. The city’s main landmark is the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, the largest Romanesque church. Toulouse is also famous for its gastronomy, music and theater. Space city, trampoline center, botanical garden, quest clubs, sports fields with simulators, culinary, perfume workshops – and this is not even a complete list of places where you can go for entertainment, even with children.

Toulouse is the European capital of the aerospace industry. The city is home to the offices of Airbus, Thales, the CNES Space Center and Paul Sabatier University, renowned for its aeronautical research. The list of sought-after universities also includes the Federal University, which brings together several universities, the INSA engineering school, the Toulouse School of Fine Arts, the National Polytechnic Institute.

Toulouse is the best place for engineers and IT professionals. The city also offers moderate prices for housing, services and is often chosen by students for permanent residence after graduation. The cost of a monthly rental property is estimated at 540-1290 EUR. For living expenses, a person needs about 940 EUR for the same period. The average salary in Toulouse is 3240 EUR.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux in France, also known as “little Paris”, is a city where the atmosphere of old Europe reigns on every street. Architectural masterpieces are definitely worthy of attention, the number of which is greater only in the capital. Parliament Square impresses with majestic columns, a mirror pool. The Gothic church of St. Michel, with its high bell tower and magnificent stained-glass windows, is one of the city’s calling cards.

Bordeaux has a large number of economically promising companies where immigrants can easily find a job, including the Ford automobile concern and the Michelin tire factory. Jobs are also available in the shipbuilding, aviation, banking and service sectors.

Bordeaux is an important center of world winemaking, where 400 wineries are located on 120,000 hectares. The city is compact and does not have the overcrowding typical of Paris, Marseille or Lyon. The average salary per month after taxes is 3320 EUR and the cost of living is 970 EUR. Renting an apartment in Bordeaux costs 600-1350 EUR. In addition to affordable prices, the region is popular for its pleasant climate, with warm summers and mild winters, as well as fresh air.

About 7 million immigrants live in France, of which 2.5 million have already obtained local citizenship. The first step in moving to France is to apply for residency, which can be based on study, employment, family reunification or starting a business.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg plays an important role in the political and cultural life of not only France, but the entire European continent. The region is home to the European Parliament and other important institutions. The architecture of the historic center, including Strasbourg Cathedral, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Its location on the border with Germany gives the city a special charm, combining French and German cultures. Strasbourg has museums, theaters, galleries, cafes and restaurants serving dishes from both countries. The famous Christmas market, one of the oldest and largest in Europe, is held annually in the city.

Strasbourg has a high quality of life and a well-developed transport infrastructure. To ensure career growth in the city, you can get a degree from the University of Strasbourg, National Institute of Applied Sciences, School of Management. The average monthly salary in the region is 3150 EUR. Renting an apartment in Strasbourg costs 580-1380 EUR.

Marseille

Marseille is a large city, the second largest in France, located on the Mediterranean coast. The dynamically developing port center is an important economic zone. Immigrants can easily find work here in logistics, construction, tourism, shipping, pharmaceuticals, and IT. Craftsmen, dockers, sailors, medical personnel and programmers are in demand. The salary usually depends on the sector and qualification and is on average 3080 EUR per month.

Marseille is famous for its beautiful beaches, lively seafront, rich cultural heritage, including the famous Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the historic Old Port. Culinary traditions based on seafood dishes add a special charm. Locals enjoy sailing, yachting, and traveling through the picturesque countryside.

Marseille attracts with affordable housing prices and openness, making it one of the best cities in France for foreigners to both live and work. The cost of renting an apartment in the city starts from 615 EUR and goes up to 1360 EUR monthly.

Montpellier

Montpellier is one of France’s fastest growing cities. Located on the Mediterranean Sea, Montpellier offers access to beaches and sea views. The historic center of Ecusson impresses with narrow streets and medieval architecture. In Montpellier there are museums, theaters, music festivals, as well as, parks and green areas that make the city an ideal place for family vacations.

The region is famous for the University of Montpellier, included in the top four in France, where the oldest medical faculty in Europe, founded in 1220, business school, the University of Paul Valery. The city is considered the youngest in France – over 55% of the population are students and professionals under 35 years of age.

Montpellier is characterized by a developed infrastructure, transport links, moderate housing prices, convenient for living, studying, working. A child’s stay in a kindergarten costs an average of 675 EUR per month, education in an international primary school – from 6,000 EUR per year. You can rent an apartment for 630-1360 EUR. The average monthly cost of living in Montpellier is about 940 EUR with an approximate salary of 2830 EUR.

Rennes

Rennes is the capital of the French region of Brittany, where history and modernity go hand in hand. The old town is charming with its half-timbered houses, narrow streets and St. Peter’s Cathedral. The city is renowned for its festivals and traditional Breton cuisine.

In Rennes there are 2 large universities, technological, medical, pedagogical and chemical institutes. About 30% of the population are students and half of them are foreigners. Rennes is also popular with professionals and families with children. The city has a good transportation network, there is a metro, many sports facilities, parks, schools, kindergartens, cinemas, exhibitions, concerts.

The cost of living in Rennes is on average 12% lower than in other cities in France. You can rent an apartment here for 530-1270 EUR per month with an average salary of 3030 EUR. In Rennes, there is a constant need for specialists in the IT sector and cyber security. More than 100 companies specialize in these areas, and not for nothing is the city considered the unofficial IT capital of France.

Angers

Angers is a safe city to settle in France, actively developing and welcoming many visitors. The region has topped the list of the most attractive places to live for 3 years in a row in the rating of the Association of Towns and Villages.

The University of Angers offers higher education in the fields of humanities, natural sciences, medicine and engineering. ESSCA School of Higher Commercial Studies specializes in management and business courses. The city attracts investors, programming specialists, information technology professionals who are employed by Angers French Tech company. The services of medical, pharmaceutical, landscaping and agricultural workers are in demand.

The total area of agricultural land in the region exceeds 60,000 hectares, where more than 100 companies are located. The “greenest” French city, Angers is chosen by students, young professionals, families with children, due to education opportunities and affordable housing. Renting an apartment costs 500-1550 EUR monthly, while the average salary is around 2910 EUR.

How to choose the perfect city for a foreigner to live in France

Choosing a French city for permanent residence depends on a number of factors, including personal preferences, career ambitions, climate, and cultural characteristics. Here are some suggestions to help you make the right choice:

• Professional goals.
  Those working in the technology sector should consider Paris, Lyon or Toulouse, where major French and international companies and research centers are concentrated. Entertainment and tourism specialists will find Nice or Bordeaux suitable. Students may prefer Montpellier, Angers or Lyon.
• Weather conditions.
  France is the only European country with four climate zones. If you want to move to a warm Mediterranean climate, you should choose southern Marseille or Montpellier. The temperate zone – Rennes or Strasbourg – will be cooler.
• Cultural features.
  French cities are defined by their traditions and lifestyles. For example, Paris attracts art and fashion enthusiasts, Lyon – gourmets, Bordeaux – wine lovers.
• Cost of living.
  Prices for services in France vary by region. Paris and Lyon are among the most expensive. In Toulouse, Montpellier or Angers, the cost per person is much lower.

When choosing a French city to live in, you can also look at the demand for jobs. Marketing specialists and financiers are more likely to be needed in Paris, maids and waiters in Nice. Logistics specialists can easily find work in Marseille, and IT professionals in Rennes, Angers or Toulouse.

Prospects for obtaining permanent residence permit and citizenship

Obtaining permanent residency and French citizenship is a lengthy bureaucratic process. It is necessary to obtain an immigration visa, then apply for a residence permit. Temporary residence permits are usually issued for one year and are renewed at the end of this period. It is possible to obtain a residence permit in France by registering an innovative project, employment, enrollment in a university or for other purposes.

Business visa allows you to live and work in France for four years at once with the right to extend. Since July 17, 2024, foreigners applying for a residence permit must also sign an agreement to respect the country’s fundamental values.

After five years of residence in France, an application for a permanent residence permit can be submitted. The deadline for submission is no later than 2 months and no earlier than 4 months before the expiration date of the residence permit. The card costs 225 EUR and is valid for 10 years.

To obtain a permanent residence permit, you need:

• A digital photograph;
• A copy of the birth certificate with up-to date information;
• A valid passport or other form of ID;
• Proof of residence address dated not earlier than 6 months ago;
• A statement of not having traveled outside the country in the last 10 years for a period exceeding 3 years.

Citizenship can be applied for after 5 years of residence, without having to be a permanent resident, as France does not follow the succession policy. Students can apply after completing two years of university studies, and refugees can also be naturalized through a simplified process. The package of required documents includes a birth certificate, passport, proof of residence, knowledge of the French language, and a certificate of no criminal record.

How to adjust to French city life

Moving to France and settling down will be easier if you follow the advice given below:

• Learning French.
  The key to adapting to France is mastering the language. You can take courses, use linguistic mobile apps, and practice speaking with locals.
• Local community integration.
  You should participate in local events, festivals, social gatherings. Don’t hesitate to ask French people or specialists for advice if you have questions – it can help you make new friends and understand French culture.
• Expat support.
  In large cities, there are communities of foreigners who have lived in France for a long time. You can use the help of your diaspora to help you adjust.

Moving to France requires strict adherence to the law, as the country’s immigration authorities scrutinize documents, which delays the process.