Expatriate: in which city to settle in France in 2025?

Return to France or first installation? Living in France as an expatriate is not just about Paris. Many cities combine quality of life, economic dynamism and good integration. Here is a concrete guide to making the right choice.

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🏙️ Major cities that are attractive to expatriates

When settling in France as an expatriate, big cities are often the first to consider. Why? Because they concentrate professional opportunities, international networks, administrative services and adapted schools. Here are three French cities that perfectly meet these criteria, each with its advantages and limitations.

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🔹 Paris: for international careers

Economic, cultural and political capital of France, Paris remains the reference city for expatriates looking for professional opportunities. Many multinational companies have their headquarters there, especially in the finance, luxury, consulting or tech sectors. International organizations are also present, as is a wide range of bilingual or international schools (e.g.: École Jeannine Manuel, Lennen Bilingual School).

Everyday life in Paris is intense, fast, urban. It is a city that offers exceptional cultural wealth, refined gastronomy and connections to the whole world via its airports and TGV lines. But this attractiveness comes at a price: The cost of living is the highest in France, especially for housing. In 2025, the average price per m² in Paris remains above €10,000, even though it has fallen slightly since 2023.

✔️ To be preferred if: you have a career with high potential or children to attend an international course.
❌ To be avoided if: you are looking for a quieter life or are on a tight budget.

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🔹 Lyon: the ideal compromise

Second urban area in France, Lyon is attracting more and more expatriates looking for a balance between professional opportunities, accessibility and quality of life. The economic fabric is dynamic: industries, health, digital technology, startups... The connections are excellent with Paris (2 hours by TGV), Geneva or Marseille.

The city is also well equipped with cultural, sports and educational infrastructures. There are several international schools or bilingual sections there. The gastronomy is very famous there, and the rents remain reasonable for a large metropolis.

On the other hand, the Downtown has become very sought after, with strong real estate pressure, especially in districts 1 to 4 (Presqu'île, Croix-Rousse). You also have to deal with heavy traffic and sometimes saturated transport.

✔️ To be preferred if: you want to remain mobile while enjoying a real comfort of life.
❌ To be avoided if: you are looking for a 100% green environment or hate gray winters.

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🔹 Marseille: the sun and the sea

Marseille is attracting more and more expatriates, especially those from the Mediterranean or from North Africa. And for good reason: an exceptional climate, a Real estate still accessible, a great cultural openness and a seaside 15 minutes from the city center.

With nearly one million inhabitants, the city has the size of a major metropolis. Urban renewal projects are multiplying, the port is being modernized, universities are welcoming foreign students, and many innovative companies are setting up there.

But Marseille is not uniform. Some neighborhoods (8th, 6th, Endoume) are very pleasant and popular, while others remain more popular or even sensitive. The security issue is to be taken into account depending on the sector. The transport network remains limited compared to Lyon or Paris, but the dynamism is real.

✔️ To be preferred if: you like the Mediterranean, diversity, and have an adaptable spirit.
❌ To be avoided if: you are looking for a 100% structured and secure city with no variation in neighborhood.

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🌿 Medium-sized cities: a good compromise to settle

When you're an expatriate, you don't always want to be under the stress of big cities. Les French medium-sized cities are often an excellent choice: they offer a good living environment, accessible public services, and a more affordable real estate market. More and more families, remote workers or young workers from abroad are settling there. Here are three cities that combine a relaxed lifestyle and dynamism.

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🔹 Nantes: pro/personal balance and an open mind

Located two hours from Paris by TGV, Nantes is regularly ranked among the most pleasant cities in France. It is a green city, well organized, very open to newcomers. The cultural offer is varied, with numerous festivals, museums and real neighborhood life.

Nantes is also an important economic center, especially in aeronautics, digital technology and creative industries. Public transport is excellent, gentle traffic is encouraged, and the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean (1 hour) seduces nature lovers.

The price per m² is approximately 4,000 to 4,500€, which is still affordable for a city of this size in 2025.

✔️ To be preferred if: you are looking for a good compromise between professional and personal life, with good air quality and modern public services.
❌ To be avoided if: you want a warm climate all year round or a very “big capital” city.

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🔹 Montpellier: young, sunny, cosmopolitan

Montpellier is undoubtedly one of the most popular cities for French-speaking expatriates from Africa, Latin America or Spain. Its Mediterranean atmosphere, its sunny climate almost all year round and its student population give it a real international character.

It is a dynamic city, with a strong population growth, a good tech ecosystem, cutting-edge hospitals and international schools (such as the International School of Montpellier). The historic center is charming, and the sea is only 15 minutes away.

On the real estate side, prices revolve around 4,000 to 4,700 €/m², but some neighborhoods (Port Marianne, Antigone) are climbing quickly. Demand is strong.

✔️ To be preferred if: you are a young active person, freelancer or with a family who wants to get some sun and move.
❌ To be avoided if: you need fast national transport (TGV or airport that is not very centralized).

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🔹 Rennes: safety, employment and proximity to Paris

Less well known than Nantes or Montpellier, Rennes is however a gem for expatriates.. It is a very safe, clean, well-equipped city, with a strong presence of digital, agri-food and tertiary companies. We live there well, without stress, and with great access to nature (forests, beaches 1 hour away).

Rennes is also very well connected to Paris thanks to the TGV (1h30), which attracts many hybrid profiles: those who work remotely from Brittany while keeping one foot in the capital.

Real estate prices are around 4 300 €/m² on average in 2025. The city also offers purchase assistance for first-time buyers.

✔️ To be preferred if: you want to put your bags in a stable, reassuring and efficient city.
❌ To be avoided if: you are looking for a more southern or festive atmosphere.

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🏖️ Living by the sea: for a change of pace

Some expatriates choose France above all for its quality of life and its landscapes. For those who work remotely, are retired, or want a more peaceful daily life, seaside cities represent a real opportunity. Here are two ideal destinations to put your suitcases facing the ocean.

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🔹 Biarritz and the Basque Country: between mountains, surfing and tradition

Located in the heart of the Basque Country, biarritz attracts an international population in search of nature and tranquility. The Atlantic Ocean is omnipresent: surfing beaches, seaside walks, sporty and chic atmosphere at the same time.

The climate is mild, the landscapes superb (mountains in the background), and access to Spain only 30 minutes away seduces expatriates accustomed to international travel. Cultural life is marked by Basque traditions, but the welcome is warm and the real estate offer varied.

In 2025, prices remain high in Biarritz (around €7,000/m²), but more affordable alternatives exist in Bayonne or Anglet (around 5 500 €/m²), while staying close by.

✔️ To be preferred if: you are looking for a quiet lifestyle, focused on nature and sport.
❌ To be avoided if: you need quick access to a big metropolis or a big city.

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🔹 La Rochelle: the charm of the Atlantic on a human scale

Nestled on the west coast, rochelle combines all the advantages of a dynamic port city with the relaxed lifestyle of a seaside town. You can cycle there, you eat well, and you can enjoy the neighboring islands (Ré, Oléron). The climate is mild all year round, with no sweltering heat.

The city particularly appeals to families, retirees or active young people in search of serenity, while remaining connected thanks to its TGV direct to Paris (2h30). The economic fabric is developing around boating, sustainable tourism and the environment.

Prices revolve around 4 800 €/m² in 2025 in neighborhoods near the center. Neighboring municipalities (Périgny, Aytré) make it possible to save space for a more accessible budget.

✔️ To be preferred if: you dream of a coastal city that is balanced, pedestrianized and adapted to family life.
❌ To be avoided if: you need a dense professional network or an international airport.

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🧑 ‍ 🎓 Cities adapted to expatriate families

When you move to France with children, the choice of city is not based solely on real estate or the climate. You have to think about schooling, safety, transport, health and family balance. Several French cities perfectly meet these criteria, in particular thanks to their educational offer and a reassuring living environment for expatriate families.

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🔹 Strasbourg: a European and caring city

Strasbourg is a human-sized city with a strong European foothold. It is home to the European Parliament, international institutions and a very cosmopolitan population. It is also one of the most safe and green from France.

On the education side, Strasbourg offers several bilingual or international schools (such as the Strasbourg European School) and a highly efficient public transport system, perfect for families. Neighborhood life is pleasant, sports and cultural infrastructures are numerous, and the health care network is very comprehensive.

Real estate prices remain reasonable for a big city: around 4 200 €/m² in 2025 in popular neighborhoods such as Orangerie or Robertsau.

✔️ To be preferred if: you are looking for a calm international environment, adapted schools, and a structured quality of life.
❌ To be avoided if: you can't stand cold winters or are looking for a very urban atmosphere.

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🔹 Toulouse: sun, space and family spirit

Toulouse, in the southwest, seduces many expatriate families with its warm atmosphere, its still affordable prices and its strong growth. The city is home to Airbus and numerous aeronautical industries, but also to recognized universities.

There are several establishments with international sections (Lycée Raymond Naves, International School of Toulouse), pleasant family neighborhoods (Côte Pavée, Lardenne) and a transport network in constant improvement.

With approximately €4,500/m² On average in 2025, Toulouse remains accessible, even for a house with a garden on the outskirts. The sunny climate, outdoor activities and Occitan culture appeal to families looking for a new home.

✔️ To be preferred if: you want to raise your children in a friendly, spacious and connected environment.
❌ To be avoided if: you are looking for a very marked international atmosphere like in Paris or Strasbourg.

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💼 Cities adapted to entrepreneurs and freelancers

Not all expats come to France to join a company. Some come with a entrepreneurial project, a freelance activity or a self-employed status. In this case, the ideal city should offer both a good economic fabric, coworking spaces, a reasonable cost of living, and a motivating environment. Here are two cities that are perfectly suited to this profile.

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🔹 Bordeaux: energy and professional network

Over the past few years, Bordeaux has established itself as an ideal city for the self-employed. It combines an exceptional heritage, a very pleasant living environment, a good transport network, and a young and active population. Cafes-coworking spaces are flourishing there, startup incubators too (such as Le Village by CA or Héméra), and the link with Paris is simple (2 hours by TGV).

Bordeaux also attracts creative profiles, consultants or entrepreneurs in tech and digital. Attractiveness comes at a price: The average m² is around €5,500 in 2025, with increases in neighborhoods such as Chartres or Saint-Michel.

✔️ To be preferred if: you are looking for a stimulating, balanced and well-connected environment.
❌ To be avoided if: you want to avoid big cities or have a very tight budget.

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🔹 Lille: young, dynamic and accessible

Located 1 hour from Paris, 30 minutes from Brussels and 1.5 hours from London, Lille is a natural European hub. It attracts many freelancers, nomads and entrepreneurs thanks to Its transport network, her lively student life, and a Lower cost of living than other major cities.

The city offers numerous structures to support business creation (EuraTechnologies, La Plaine Images), good access to housing (approximately €3,900/m² on average) and a warm atmosphere.

Its weather is not always its strong point, but economic vitality more than compensates for those who want to build a long-term professional project.

✔️ To be preferred if: you are looking for a real entrepreneurial environment with an affordable life.
❌ To be avoided if: you dream of the sun and walks by the sea every day.

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🧾 Key criteria to consider before choosing your city

Moving to France as an expatriate is not limited to a question of geography. Before choosing your future city, it is essential to ask the good criteria to align your lifestyle, your professional needs, your family constraints... and your budget. Here are the essential elements to take into account.

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🔹 The climate

France offers a rare climate diversity. The Mediterranean climate seduces those who want sun (Marseille, Montpellier), while the ocean climate is softer but humid (Nantes, Biarritz). In the east or in the north (Strasbourg, Lille), winters are more severe. This criterion is central to your daily comfort.

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🔹 The cost of living and housing

The Housing is the first expense expatriates. In Paris or Biarritz, prices are exploding; in Lille or Rennes, we remain at accessible levels. Also consider expenses (heating, property tax, insurance), which vary greatly from one city to another.

💡 Tip: as a non-resident, your financing conditions may be more stringent. It is useful to be accompanied by a broker or a real estate hunter who knows the specific rules.

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🔹 Access to transport

Do you need a International airport ? TGV connections to Paris or Brussels? A subway or a tram that is reliable on a daily basis? These elements make a real difference depending on whether you are a digital nomad, consultant, parent, or corporate employee.

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🔹 Social and cultural integration

Some expats are looking for an environment cosmopolitan and international, others prefer cultural immersion. Paris, Strasbourg, Bordeaux or Lyon offer a diversity of communities. But smaller cities like Montpellier or La Rochelle are sometimes more open and welcoming, because they are less saturated.

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🔹 Children's education

The presence of international, bilingual or quality schools can be decisive. Paris offers a lot of them, but other cities such as Toulouse, Lyon or Strasbourg have very good establishments adapted to the children of expatriates.

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✅ Conclusion

Living in France when you are an expatriate means above all choosing a city that corresponds to your pace of life, your professional projects and your personal needs. Whether you are looking for an international career in Paris, a milder daily life in La Rochelle, or an entrepreneurial spirit in Lille, France offers a range of options for each profile.

Before you get started, ask yourself the right questions: Do you need a bilingual school? from an international airport? of a stable or affordable real estate market? By crossing your criteria with those of your family (or your professional project), you will find the city that will really suit you.

🎯 At MeCaza, we support expatriates in their real estate project in France: from the definition of the ideal city to the signing of the compromise.
Thanks to our national network, we help you find your main residence in the best conditions, even at a distance.

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❓ FAQ — Expatriates in France

1. Can I buy real estate in France without being a tax resident?‍

Yes, non-residents can buy freely. You simply have to adapt the banking system or go through a specialized bank.

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2. What is the best city to return to France with children?‍

Strasbourg, Lyon or Toulouse are very well suited for families thanks to their infrastructures, schools and safety.

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3. Where to live in France with good international access?‍

Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux or Lille are well connected via TGV and international airports, ideal if you travel often or keep professional links abroad.