Best cities to move to in France

Whether you prefer the bright lights of a big city, or a peaceful country retreat, rest assured that if you choose to move to France, you’ll find the ideal area that suits your needs and requirements.

Paris

• Pint of beer: 7 EUR (£6.30)
• Cappuccino: 3.67 EUR (£3.30)
• Meal in a restaurant: 15 EUR (£13.50)
• Monthly public transport pass: 75 EUR (£67.50)
• Population: 2,161,000

Any expat in Paris will tell you that living there is entirely different from visiting as a tourist. However, its history and charm shines through, making Paris a rather popular choice for expats settling in France.

The City of Lights is full of opportunities, and is a major hub for fashion, arts, finance and science; as well as being home to many international organisation headquarters, including UNESCO, and the International Chamber of Commerce.

When it comes to finding a place to live, you’ll need to choose an arrondissement. The 11^th and 17^th arrondissements are popular amongst professionals, whereas the 12^th, 15^th and 16^th arrondissements are more family-oriented. If you’re looking for an expat feel, then the 14^th arrondissement is the ideal place.

Marseille

• Pint of beer: 5.50 EUR (£4.95)
• Cappuccino: 2.66 EUR (£2.39)
• Meal in a restaurant: 13 EUR (£11.70)
• Monthly public transport pass: 48 EUR (£43.20)
• Population: 861,635

If you love the bright lights of Paris but yearn for sunnier climates, then Marseille is the ideal alternative. Part big-city, part sleepy fishing port, Marseille has undergone a huge transformation over the years.

Hugely popular with expats in France because of the large expanse of R&D positions, despite having a higher than average unemployment rate of 12%, there are still many opportunities here.

When it comes to choosing where to live, Longchamp in the fourth arrondissement is popular amongst families, whereas Cours Julien is a favourite with professionals.

On your weekends, you’ll be able to while away the time at the Old Port, hopping between the different cafes and restaurants; or if you’d prefer to go somewhere further afield, head to Calanques National Park to discover beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Strasbourg

• Average house price: 250,000 EUR (£225,551)
• Pint of beer: 5.25 EUR (£4.73)
• Cappuccino: 2.69 EUR (£2.42)
• Meal in a restaurant: 10 EUR (£9.05)
• Monthly public transport pass: 50.90 EUR (£45.81)
• Population: 277,270

Look at the twee timbered buildings and you might think you’re in a quaint German town, but that’s what makes Strasbourg so unique: nowhere else will you find a place that embraces its fusion of France and Germany.

France’s second largest financial hub after Paris, it accounts for two thirds of total jobs in the city; with The University of Strasbourg a large employer too.

You’ll likely spend most of your time off in Strasbourg’s beautiful Old Town, complete with an imposing Gothic cathedral; or sampling the flavoursome Alsatian cuisine, such as tarte flambee.