Where Should You Actually Live in France?

France is roughly the size of Texas — yet the differences between its regions are so profound that choosing 'France' as a destination is really only the beginning of the decision. From the sun-baked villages of the south to the dramatic Atlantic coastline and the gentle rolling hills of the centre, where you settle will shape every dimension of your daily life. Here's a framework for thinking it through.

The Key Questions to Ask Yourself

• Do you want warmth and sunshine, or are you comfortable with four distinct seasons?

• Is proximity to an international airport important to you — for visits home or to travel within Europe?

• Do you want to be in a busy expat community or immersed more deeply in French culture?

• Are you drawn to city life, a market town, a village, or genuine rural isolation?

• What's your budget — and does it need to stretch further to work?

Popular Regions for US and UK Expats

The Dordogne and Périgord

Long beloved by British expats, the Dordogne offers stunning countryside, medieval villages, excellent food and wine, and a sizeable English-speaking community. Property prices remain relatively affordable compared to Paris or the Riviera. The area does experience cold winters and hot summers. Bergerac airport handles direct flights to the UK; connections to the US require Paris or London.

The Lot, Tarn, and Aveyron (Occitanie)

Less visited by tourists and often overlooked by new expats, this swathe of south-west France offers extraordinary landscapes, genuine village life, and some of the best-value property in the country. Internet connectivity has improved significantly, making it viable for remote workers.

Provence and the Côte d'Azur

The dream destination for many — lavender fields, markets, olive groves, and sunshine. Property prices are considerably higher here, and competition is fierce. Nice airport offers excellent international connections. The area draws an international crowd, which some expats love and others find too transient.

Brittany and Normandy

UK expats in particular are often drawn to the north-west — the ferry routes from Portsmouth and Poole make it accessible, and the landscape has a familiarity. Property is extremely affordable, the food culture is superb (oysters, cider, galettes), and local communities are welcoming. Winters are wet and the coast can be dramatic. Less popular with Americans, but growing.

The Loire Valley

France's garden: châteaux, vineyards, cycling routes, and a central location with easy access to Paris and multiple airports. Often described as having the 'purest' spoken French — historically considered the reference accent. A strong choice for families or those who want cultural immersion alongside modern amenities.

Paris

A category unto itself. Paris remains one of the great cities to live in — culturally extraordinary, internationally connected, and extraordinarily varied by arrondissement. Living costs are higher, apartments smaller. But the city's energy, transport, and cultural life have no equivalent elsewhere in France.

Tip:  Many experienced expats recommend spending time in several regions before choosing — a two or three week reconnaissance trip in different seasons, staying in short-term rentals rather than holiday accommodation, can reveal what daily life actually feels like.

City vs Town vs Village vs Truly Rural

The lifestyle differences are enormous. A maison isolée — an isolated rural property — offers tranquility, space, and the romantic France of the imagination. But winter isolation, limited local services, and the need for a car for every errand are real. A market town with 5,000 inhabitants offers far more while still feeling authentically French. A village can offer community but requires the ability to build relationships with your neighbours — which means some French is genuinely necessary.

Infrastructure That Matters

Fast internet (fibre or at least decent 4G) is now non-negotiable for most movers. Healthcare facilities within reasonable reach matter increasingly as you age. Rail connections, particularly TGV lines, can shrink the effective distance from Paris and from airports dramatically.