10 Best Places to Live in France as a British Expat

Our nearest mainland European neighbour, France offers British expats a new take on life. Close enough to maintain ties to the UK, but different enough to provide a true alternative to British living, France is a worthwhile option for professionals and families looking for a stable European base.

At Clifton Private Finance, we have experts well-versed in structuring financial solutions that will enable you to purchase a French home without difficulty. Working with specialist finance partners, who can secure short-term bridging loans against UK property, we are here to help you navigate the difficulties of a move abroad and position yourself for success. But where in France is best to move to?

Understanding the differences to the cities across this wide and varied land is essential. Explore the options with us in this thorough guide to moving to France as an expat.

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Why France is a Popular Location for British Expats

With one of the most well-respected healthcare systems in Europe, a rich cultural history, and stability in the property market that reassures investment, France is a draw for anyone looking to upgrade their UK life.

While France may not quite have the full ‘always sunny’ aspect that the more southerly countries offer - though arguably the south of France delivers here, too - it provides a strong and stable alternative to the UK. French life runs at a slightly slower pace than the UK, with more focus on a beneficial lifestyle. There’s a greater draw to outside living, aided by its more clement weather, and a relationship with food that feels luxurious to most British expats.

Education is excellent, with well-developed integration for expats into quality French state schools, or a range of semi-international and international options for those with shorter-term relocation prospects. With the right guided support, children in expat families quickly become bilingual, giving them the advantage of a rounded understanding of language and greater cultural ties.

France’s location makes it an excellent choice for expats who remain closely tied to the UK, for work or family reasons. In many cities, a return to the UK is a couple of hours away or less, making returning home or even infrequent commuting easily achieved.

The 10 Best Cities to Live in France

1. Paris

Paris needs no introduction. The French capital is steeped in history and culture, offering expats a wide range of lifestyle opportunities from engaging with some of the most famous art in the world, through to enjoying a relaxed riverside dinner in the evening. British citizens seeking to move to Paris do so with the knowledge that they’re making an investment into a stable, long-term property that can either provide a base for decades to come, or be easily moved on once a new opportunity arises.

Purchasing property in Paris, however, is not cheap. Like London, Paris is a competitive marketplace, where space is at a premium. Homes are typically more compact than might be expected and both parking and personal outdoor areas may be limited. Investors will enjoy a strong rental market with properties that represent a long-term foothold in Europe.

The opportunities for both professionals and families in Paris are unlimited. The city has a thriving job market, with opportunities in every industry, as well as highly regarded schools and lycées that will prepare children for university and high-level careers.

As a central hub, transportation both in and to and from Paris is exceptional. Expats can return to the UK quickly and without long planning, with Eurostar trips to London a little over two hours, and flights available to every UK city airport. For many living in Paris itself, the public transport makes driving unnecessary, with the efficient Metro combined with walkable neighbourhoods and intercity train links providing a sense of anywhere-to-anywhere ease.

2. Lyon

For many British expats looking for a professional city life, Lyon sits comfortably as the main alternative to Paris. A strong economic centre, Lyon is home to a host of major international companies with plenty of career opportunities. Where Paris can seem for some to be a little too intense and crowded, Lyon provides a more balanced outlook.

Expats can enjoy a rich family life, with well-sized homes, a range of green outdoor spaces, and exceptional education choices. The city is filled with culture and historical identity, with its UNESCO-listed old town, exciting nightlife, and unparalleled food scene - across Europe, Lyon is often considered France’s capital of culinary excellence thanks to its incredible range of tantalising delights, from the traditional, rustic bouchon to high class restaurants.

Lyon will suit expats who are able to speak the language competently, looking to integrate into a French life, and seeking a long-term relocation.

3. Nice

On the south coast, Nice is a French Mediterranean city, boasting the bright sun-soaked climate of the region. With a range of properties that include sea-view apartments, old town properties, and family homes in good locations, there’s something to offer most UK expats when moving to Nice.

For expats, Nice offers a slower pace than Paris or Lyon, with excellent healthcare, access to the sea and its beautiful beaches, and a well-established international community. However, it is one of the more costly cities in France, with a high cost of living and premium pricing for properties. Buyers should be open to considering slightly smaller homes for their investment, with the location driving the market.

Prospective landlords can explore a stable rental market, with professionals and retirees the core demographic, as well as a growing student population.

Like much of France, those moving to Nice need to be able to speak French - or have a strong willingness to learn. Though there are plenty of English-speaking locals and a thriving British expat scene, a grounding in the local language is essential to settle comfortably.

4. Bordeaux

Famed for its wine, Bordeaux is a refined city that is especially loved by expats with families and those seeking a more relaxed pace of life. A smaller city than other options, Bordeaux has a modern tram system for excellent city-wide transportation, evocative architecture, and a revitalised riverside that is regularly enjoyed by residents.

Close to the Atlantic coast, the weather in Bordeaux is rainier and milder than other areas in France, though for UK expats, still represents a significant improvement on the famed British weather and is generally comfortable. This is, of course, part of what makes Bordeaux grapes so well-suited to its wine culture. For expats who would like to settle in an environment that is rich with affordable quality wine, Bordeaux delivers.

Expats comfortable with speaking French, who enjoy food, wine, and culture, will find much to love in Bordeaux.

5. Toulouse

For professionals in tech, engineering, and science, Toulouse provides a strong draw. As a primary location in the aerospace industry, Toulouse offers many employment opportunities for those in the industry. Alongside its vibrant job market, Toulouse is a centre for education, with a large student population and academic ties.

The property market is more affordable than many other French cities, with larger properties on offer, though these can be competitive in the more desirable areas of the city, so flexible finance is important. The long-term nature of Toulouse suits those investing to live, rather than landlord speculation where the stable market is unlikely to provide high returns.

Families moving to France will enjoy stable school opportunities for children in Toulouse, where outdoor activities, sports, and an international perspective are all promoted.

As with most French cities, speaking English is tolerated but over the long term, learning French is essential. Though there’s a comfortable expat community, integration into the city itself requires skill in the language.

6. Nantes

Situated on the banks of the Loire River, France’s sixth largest city provides a balance for British expats. The city offers culture, plenty of natural green spaces, and a relaxed quality of life alongside a solid industrial sector for tech and creative professionals. It is also an affordable location, with larger homes than might be found in Paris or Lyon for a smaller financial investment.

There’s a strong demand for rental property from both professionals and students, making it a viable investment area for landlords valuing predictability over higher yields.

Life in Nantes can feel youthful, with many expats and locals focusing on the creative cultural scene, making it a city of greater interest to young professionals and families than retirees. The weather is mild, with fewer extremes, leading expats from Britain to feel it’s more of a mild improvement to the UK than the sun-based alternatives of more southern locations.

7. Montpellier

For sun and outdoor living, Montpellier sits close to the Mediterranean coast and offers a young, vibrant lifestyle for expats. The large and growing student population makes it an excellent investment location for property buyers with a strong management arm, offering mid-term rental stability and comfortable yields. Long-term returns are anticipated to be worthwhile with general market prices on a modest upward trend.

Montpellier is a city filled with energy; a sunny, warm location, with plenty of cafés and nightlife. A focus on universities means the city is home to many events and festivals aimed at the younger demographic, making it a good location for young families and digital nomads, while retirees may prefer other locations.

8. Lille

Moving to France doesn’t mean having to distance yourself from the UK. The proximity of Lille means it’s an hour and 20 minutes to London on the Eurostar, making it viable as a commuting location for those with a base in the capital. British expats often find their way to Lille, and there’s a significant community here, making it a lot easier than many other options for those settling in France for the first time - though it should be noted that English is spoken less frequently here than in Paris.

The climate of Lille is not too different from the UK, making it a poor choice for sun-seekers, but for expats seeking career practicality without sacrificing a connection to home, it provides an excellent middle ground.

9. Marseille

Marseille offers a low-price entry into France for expats who have a higher risk threshold. Lower property prices combined with a high-demand rental market make it an excellent opportunity for savvy investors who can obtain larger homes in central locations with efficient financing; however, some neighbourhoods in Marseille suffer from above-average crime rates and can feel risky to outsiders.

Expats on a tighter budget looking to gain a foothold in France and those looking to become landlords will find opportunities here, though research before buying is essential. Marseille can feel different from one street to the next, with some areas extremely attractive thanks to revitalisation and an influx of professionals, while others are struggling. Language is also a genuine barrier here, with fluency in French a real advantage.

For a high-risk/high-reward option, Marseille is well worth considering.

10. Avignon

Finally, for expats seeking a slower, relaxed lifestyle steeped in history and natural beauty, Avignon is a compelling choice.

Focused on quality of life, Avignon offers a calm location with a mild climate. Home to the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) and Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms d'Avignon (Avignon Cathedral), Avignon is filled with architectural delights alongside cafés and markets to provide retirees with a culture-rich alternative to the faster paced cities.

British expats looking for a quiet, slow-paced relocation, with excellent healthcare and historical beauty may like to consider Avignon.

How to Buy Property in France with a UK Bridging Loan

The French property market is stable and well-structured. For British expats looking to purchase property, the key is timing. All too often, expats looking to buy abroad suffer from delays while looking to secure the proper French funding, which is naturally slower than it is for French nationals. Those delays can make the difference between achieving your goals and losing out to more agile borrowers.

UK bridging solves this problem, providing the finance necessary to act with the speed of a cash buyer. By securing funding with your existing UK property, you can complete on your French property as a cash buyer, giving yourself more time to sell back home for the right price.

The sequence is well-established and reliable:

• Secure UK-based bridging finance using your current home as security
• Make an offer for your French property (below the value of your UK home)
• Complete the purchase using the bridging finance
• Move into your new property
• Pay off the bridging loan when your UK property sells

For buyers looking to sell their UK property to fund the move, bridging finance gives you the speed and flexibility to exchange before your UK sale is completed, using the proceeds of the sale to repay the bridging finance once done. This makes sure you don’t miss out on your preferred property in a competitive market without rushing your UK-based sale.

Get the Best Bridging Loan Deal with Clifton Private Finance

At Clifton Private Finance, we match you with the right bridging finance lender to smooth your move to France. Our expat team have the expertise you need to overcome the challenges that may present themselves.

We can:

• Obtain the highest value bridging: By working with trusted lenders with whom we have established relationships and exploring the full market of UK-based bridging finance, we will select the bridging options that best work for your circumstances, opening the doors to the most appropriate bridging finance on offer for you.
• Advise on risk assessment: We will discuss the options with you in full, making sure that you are making a fully informed decision with complete transparency.
• Manage complex timing: Often, the biggest stumbling block is making sure the financial backing is properly in place for you to move without missing opportunities. We will help you schedule the order of events and chase delays to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.
• Support you through to entire process: We’re here by your side for the whole journey, with a listening ear and advice whenever you ask for it.

Contact Clifton Private Finance and book an appointment with our expat bridging team today. We will discuss your options, structure your finance, and match you to the right lender partners for the perfect funding to get you to France.

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