France is such a diverse country that if you’re thinking of buying a French home, choosing the best location can be tricky. Overseas buyers tend to be aware of three zones: Paris for its culture and romance, the south of France for its glamour, then ‘the rest of France’. In reality, English-speakers tend to gravitate towards the same French regions, for different reasons.
Where’s the best place to live in France for expats?
“We work primarily with British and American buyers but we are seeing a growing number of Dutch and Belgian clients,” explains Phil Coley, founder of the property website For Sale in France, “and our research shows the majority of buyers focus in a crescent shaped area leading from Normandy and Brittany in the north, down the Atlantic coast on the west and back across the south of France to the Italian border. You find the British, Dutch and Belgiums on the whole are more rural or rural towns and the Amercians more in the larger cities or the south of France.
“One of the huge advantages of France is that you can go skiing in the Alps or the Pyrenees, head to the coast of the Mediterranean, the Atlantic or even the English Channel, and get lost in lush pastoral landscapes and vast vineyards. Whether you move to a rural farm, an historic market town or a modern city in France you can still be one hour’s drive from the sea or the mountains.
“Some regions have a higher concentration of English-speakers, so you need to decide if that appeals to you or not. Many buyers envisage a purely French lifestyle but that might not be realistic. You’ll often find your own balance here, once you learn about the culture.”
Diverse cultural identities
“Where I’m from, in the UK, you hear distinct regional accents,” Phil observes, “but the French have patois, which are local and regional languages using non-French words. Regional identities are very distinct in terms of culture, traditions and also architecture.
“There are very few places in France where houses all look the same, even on a single housing estate or lotissement. This applies to older French properties but also to contemporary, architect-designed homes. Rather than having national chains of property developers, houses in France tend to be designed to individual specifications or built in a style typical of the region. That’s why when you drive through France, you usually know where you are!”
Normandy and Brittany
In the northwest, Normandy and Brittany both sit on the coast. The temperate climate here means that they have mild winters going down to 8°C (46°F) and relatively mild summers, too, with temperatures averaging 18°C (64°F). These regions produce much of the country’s crops and have abundant greenery thanks to the rainfall. Coastlines can be rugged although there are sandy beaches and clear waters, if a little cold for swimming!
“Both regions are famed for authenticity and old-style charm, which comes through in their property,” explains Phil. “You’ll see a lot of traditional stone houses in Brittany and Normandy, built from local grey granite, while Normandy has traditional timbered buildings, too, and both have countless rural farms, fishermen’s cottages, family homes in villages, and of course cities with apartments and modern townhouses. The coast tends to be pricier, but Brittany and Normandy offer good value for money with easy access to the UK.”
From the Loire to Spain
Heading south from Brittany into the Loire, temperatures rise a little, and the local Tuffeau stone is almost white, also used to build royal residences such as the châteaux in Nantes or Saumur. Continuing down the west coast into Nouvelle-Aquitaine you find La Rochelle and Bordeaux, and chic seaside resorts popular with Parisians and international buyers looking for coastal beauty with a laid-back lifestyle.
“On the west coast, you’ll find the famous French vineyards and increasingly warmer temperatures,” says Phil. “This means you’ll also get more properties with pools. The Basque country has its own distinct identity thanks to its proximity to Spain, and although prices along the west coast have risen over recent years, you can still find houses that are great value for money in this part of France.”
Inland: Dordogne and Limousin
Inland from the west coast, you find Dordogne and then Limousin. The climate is warmer here, with summer averages of 29°C (83°F) and winters dropping to 9°C (47°F).
“The British have been moving here for thirty or forty years,” explains Phil, “and certain villages are predominantly English-speaking, with lively local groups. As for property, these are still some of the cheapest areas in France, with all property types to choose from and you’ll find a good selection even for a budget of €50,000.”
The South of France
In a complete contrast to the climate and traditional feel of the northwest, the south coast of France includes the dazzling Côte-d’Azur with its Hollywood glamour, leading across to Monaco and Italy.
“The French Riviera – also known as the Côte-d’Azur – has always been more desirable and more expensive than most other regions,” explains Phil. “It has become particularly popular with Americans moving to France in recent years. The south offers the Mediterranean, a fantastic sunny climate, outdoor living and a sophisticated feel that appeals to almost anyone looking to buy a dream property in France.
“With the right budget, you can find stunning seaside villas, penthouse apartments overlooking the Med, quaint village houses and spacious family homes. A 30m² studio in Alpes-Maritimes costs an average of €155,000 but in the hotspots, that easily rises to €500,000 or more. Prices may be high, especially on the coast, but property tends to be a sound investment here, as it is in Paris.”
Paris
We can’t talk about where to live in France without mentioning the city that everybody knows. “Your dream Parisian home is almost guaranteed to be an apartment,” observes Phil. “That’s because 97% of Parisian properties are apartments, ranging from tiny studio flats in the eaves to luxurious dwellings with high ceilings and period features. A 2025 study (https://cdn.paris.fr/paris/2025/05/07/best-cities-europes-best-cities-2025-Pu5y.pdf) found that Paris ranked second on the best places to live in Europe (the top was London), in the top three for shopping and culture and top for landmarks and restaurants. It’s more than just a pretty place…
Which region would you choose?
“If you’re not sure about which region will suit you best,” says Phil, “consider what you do and don’t about where you live now. Do you want to be able to walk to the bakery or to a nearby restaurant? Will you miss the ease of speaking English? Do you want a pub or takeaways nearby?
“Once you have an idea of where to live in France, I’d recommend visiting and even renting for a month, ideally off-season so you see the reality! Take time to chat to the locals, learn about the area and test out everyday life. And if you need any further information, head to For Sale in France, where you’re sure to find plenty of inspiration!”
