NEW LIFE: A list of the top 10 places to live in France for British expats.
France is a popular destination for British expats looking for a change of scenery and lifestyle. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine, it’s easy to see why so many Brits are drawn to this beautiful country. But with so many different regions and cities to choose from, it can be challenging to decide where to settle down. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 places to live in France for British expats.
Paris
Paris is the capital city of France and is one of the most iconic cities in the world. It’s home to world-famous attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Paris is also a hub for business and commerce, with many multinational companies having a presence in the city. For British expats, Paris offers a vibrant expat community, with many English-speaking groups and services available. However, living in Paris can be expensive, with high housing costs and a high cost of living in general.
Lyon
Located in the southeast of France, Lyon is a vibrant city known for its food and wine culture. The city is home to many Michelin-starred restaurants and is considered the gastronomic capital of France. Lyon also has a rich history, with many well-preserved Roman ruins and medieval buildings. For expats, Lyon offers a lower cost of living than Paris while still offering excellent amenities and a strong expat community.
Nice
Located on the French Riviera, Nice is a stunning coastal city that is popular with expats from all over the world. The city boasts a warm Mediterranean climate and is known for its beaches, nightlife, and cultural events. Nice also has a large expat community, with many English-speaking groups and services available. However, the cost of living in Nice can be high, especially for beachfront properties.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a historic city located in the southwest of France, known for its wine industry and beautiful architecture. The city has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years, with many new cultural attractions and entertainment venues opening up. For expats, Bordeaux offers a high quality of life, with a lower cost of living than some of the larger cities in France. The city also has a growing expat community, with many English-speaking groups and services available.
Toulouse
Toulouse is a lively city located in the southwest of France, known for its aerospace industry and vibrant cultural scene. The city has a rich history, with many well-preserved medieval buildings and a thriving arts and music community. For expats, Toulouse offers a lower cost of living than some of the larger cities in France while still offering excellent amenities and a strong expat community.
Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is a charming city located in the south of France, known for its picturesque streets and beautiful architecture. The city is also home to many art galleries and cultural institutions, making it a popular destination for expats interested in the arts. Aix-en-Provence also has a strong expat community, with many English-speaking groups and services available. However, the cost of living in Aix-en-Provence can be high, especially for properties in the city center.
Montpellier
Montpellier is a vibrant city located in the south of France, known for its excellent weather and lively nightlife. The city is also home to many universities and research institutions, making it a hub for academic and scientific research. For expats, Montpellier offers a lower cost of living than some of the larger cities in France while still
offering excellent amenities and a strong expat community. The city has a laid-back atmosphere, with many outdoor cafes and pedestrian-friendly streets. Montpellier is also located near the Mediterranean coast, offering easy access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
Annecy
Annecy is a picturesque town located in the southeast of France, known for its stunning scenery and outdoor activities. The town is situated on the shores of Lake Annecy, offering breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Annecy is also home to a strong expat community, with many English-speaking groups and services available. However, the cost of living in Annecy can be high, especially for properties with lake views.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is a historic city located in the northeast of France, known for its beautiful architecture and rich cultural heritage. The city is home to many museums and cultural institutions, making it a popular destination for expats interested in the arts. Strasbourg is also home to a large expat community, with many English-speaking groups and services available. However, the cost of living in Strasbourg can be high, especially in the city center.
Grenoble
Grenoble is a lively city located in the southeast of France, known for its excellent skiing and winter sports facilities. The city is also home to many universities and research institutions, making it a hub for academic and scientific research. For expats, Grenoble offers a lower cost of living than some of the larger cities in France while still offering excellent amenities and a strong expat community. The city also has a laid-back atmosphere, with many outdoor cafes and pedestrian-friendly streets.
In conclusion, France offers a wealth of opportunities for British expats looking for a change of scenery and lifestyle. Each of the ten cities listed above offers its unique attractions and benefits, from stunning scenery to a thriving expat community. Before deciding where to settle down, it’s essential to consider factors such as cost of living, access to amenities, and climate. By doing so, you can find the perfect place to call home in this beautiful country.