Moving to France? Consider these cities instead of Paris!

Get away from traffic jams, get back in touch with nature, live in a city on a human scale... and all while working from home: these are just some of the reasons why people from both France and other countries are seeking out smaller French cities or regions to settle down. Here we show you which French cities have become trendy in recent times.

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With its sunny climate, its many beaches, the high-speed train that runs to Paris in three hours, and its moderate rents, Marseille attracts many young, working people looking for a better quality of life. And all this in a large urban area whose lively atmosphere is attractive to newcomers.

Living just outside the capital is comfortable in Rambouillet. At less than 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Paris, this medium-sized city has a castle, an immense forest, and several natural parks. Moreover, it is a stone's throw from the historic Versailles and La Défense.

Villefranche-sur-Saône is located 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the big city of Lyon. Recently, it has attracted new residents and it was voted the most dynamic medium-sized city by the 'Association Villes de France'. One of its benefits is a policy aimed at supporting local trade. It is the ideal destination for those looking for a more people-friendly environment near Lyon.

The Lyon region has the wind in its sails because Chambéry, another town near the city, has also experienced a significant wave of new inhabitants. These new residents mainly come to take advantage of the surrounding mountains and the proximity to Switzerland and Italy.

Another Alpine city that managed to grow in the past years was Annecy. It is ideal for city dwellers looking for cleaner air and enjoying the beautiful lake and mountains. In 2021, the city took first place in the ranking of the Association 'Villes et villages où il fait bon vivre', meaning 'Cities and villages with a high quality of life'.

The region of Brittany has a mild climate, the sea is nearby, and Vannes is a lovely old medieval town... It has enticed many city dwellers who usually spend their holidays in Brittany and eventually decide to settle there permanently.

In the south of France, Cavaillon is a great alternative to the big cities. Close to Avignon, in the Luberon Natural Park, the town seduces people with its climate and its rich historical heritage. The city has received many new residents in recent years.

This Basque city lies between Bordeaux, the Pyrenees, and Spain. It is becoming increasingly attractive for those who want to escape the stress and high cost of living in big cities. An idyllic climate, the charm of the Basque Country, the sea, and of course the unforgettable Bayonne Festivals make it an attractive choice for a good quality of life.

Further along the Atlantic coast, La Rochelle is also benefiting from this trend. New residents come to enjoy its medieval architecture and many festivals. And don't forget the island of Ré, which lies off the coast...

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The most attractive municipality in France, according to Forbes magazine, is the city of Rennes. It is the ideal destination for young professionals who want to do their work in a pleasant living environment. An hour-and-a-half journey by high-speed train from Paris, Rennes is the gateway to the Brittany region. More and more new residents are coming here to benefit from the quality of life and economic dynamism.

The influx of people moving to this town in the Deux-Sèvres region continues unabatedly. Many working people are attracted by the prospects of employment in the insurance sector and also by the modest scale of the city, which is located close to the marshland of Marais Poitevin.

With its typical old town in the Alsace region, Colmar offers a very attractive living environment. Although the city has always attracted many tourists, more and more families are now settling here permanently.

The Brittany (Bretagne) region is gaining more and more popularity! The town of Quimper attracts new residents with its good living environment and low housing prices.

Montauban, close to Toulouse, is becoming increasingly popular with people who want to live in the south-west. In addition to its pleasant scale, the city also has many green spaces that are ideal for recreation.

Moulins is located in the center of the country. It has managed to reverse years of exodus and has been attracting large numbers of people again in recent years. The charm of the old town and the nearby nature resorts provide more than enough reasons for this revival.

Located just two and a half hours from Paris by train, Valence is attracting more and more residents looking for a better quality of life. Here you can enjoy a sunnier climate and discover the beautiful surrounding regions, such as the Vercors massif or the Cévennes mountain range.

While many mid-sized cities have experienced a boom in recent years, Paris has lost residents. Is this a lasting trend? That is still uncertain because the City of Light is home to many activities, a strong cultural and economic hub, and it will therefore always make people dream.

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