France is a popular destination for expats and retirees seeking excellent infrastructure, extensive healthcare services, cultural attractions and a wide variety of regional lifestyles. Living options range from major cities and Mediterranean coastal communities to smaller towns, countryside villages and cooler Atlantic regions.
France at a Glance
Capital: Paris
Language: French
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Population: Approximately 69 million
Population Density: Approximately 125 people/km²
Healthcare: Public and private systems
Climate: Highly varied, including oceanic, continental, Mediterranean and mountain climates
Residency: Several residence pathways are available for qualifying foreign residents, including long-stay options for retirees and financially self-sufficient applicants
Cost of Living: PREMIUM
Healthcare: PREMIUM
Safety: PREMIUM
Housing: PREMIUM
Infrastructure & Utilities: PREMIUM
Climate & Environment: France offers considerable climate diversity. Southern Mediterranean regions generally have hot, dry summers and mild winters, while western France has a milder Atlantic climate. Eastern and mountainous regions experience colder winters, and the Alps and Pyrenees receive substantial snowfall.
Visas & Residency: PREMIUM
Best Places to Live: Nice • Montpellier • Toulouse • Bordeaux • Lyon • Aix-en-Provence
Detailed City Comparisons: PREMIUM
Pros & Cons: PREMIUM
