FAQs
Where is the safest place to live in France? The safest place to live in France is Bordeaux. But Toulouse, Nantes, Nancy, Montpellier, Strasbourg, and Annecy are also very safe.
Is it safe for Americans to live in France? ›
How safe is France? Living in France is pretty safe for expats, but it's wise to be cautious, especially in big cities. While Marseille is usually labelled “the most dangerous city in Europe,” most French cities are far from that judgment.
What is the most expensive part of France to live in? ›
What are some good places to live in France on a budget? The most expensive area of France to live in is Paris, particularly in neighborhoods such as the 7th, 8th, and 16th arrondissem*nts. Some good places to live in France on a budget include cities such as Toulouse, Nantes, and Bordeaux.
Can an American retire to France? ›
The most common visa for retirees is the Long-Stay Visa for Retirement (Visa de Long Séjour pour Retraite). To qualify, you must demonstrate stable financial means, such as a pension, savings, or investment income, to support yourself without working in France.
What city in France has the most American expats? ›
Why Paris?: Paris is a city of dreams, an epicentre of art, fashion and culture. Its international vibe, world-class education, and diverse job opportunities make it a prime destination for expatriates.
What is the cheapest place in France to live? ›
Some parts of the country are cheaper to live in than others. Those looking to enjoy city life are in luck, according to French Connections. It listed the French city Montpellier as the most affordable place to live in the European country.
Is it cheaper to live in France or USA? ›
According to the Cost of Living Comparison website, the overall cost of living in France is 31% less expensive than in the United States. This means that you would need to earn about 31% less money in France to maintain the same standard of living as you would in the United States.
Can an American just move to France? ›
Depending on your purpose, you will be eligible for a job, study, family reunion, or other French visas. If you're a non-EU citizen and you plan to stay in France for longer than 90 days, you will likely require a Long Stay Visa to be eligible to apply for a temporary residence permit.
Do Americans living in France pay taxes? ›
As a US citizen or green card holder living in France, it's essential to understand your tax filing obligations with the IRS. Regardless of where you live, if your income exceeds certain thresholds based on your filing status, you are required to file a US tax return.
Where do billionaires live in France? ›
The "Billionaires' Bay", whose real name is Anse de l'Argent-Faux, is located at the foot of Villa Eilenroc, at Cap d'Antibes. Initially only accessible by boat, it has been open to pedestrians since 2011 through a small path.
Best Places to Live in France for Expats
- Dordogne. There is already a large British community in Dordogne and it is even nicknamed 'Little England' as a result. ...
- Paris. The country's capital is, of course, a popular option for expats. ...
- Brittany. ...
- Eymet. ...
- Saint Gaudens. ...
- Lyon. ...
- Montpellier. ...
- Paris.
Where do rich French live? ›
What are France's wealthiest regions? Unsurprisingly, the greater Paris region of Ile-de-France is the richest in the country, even though the gap between richest and poorest is more striking than elsewhere.
What happens to my social security if I move to France? ›
If you have social security credits in both the United States and France, you may be eligible for benefits from one or both countries. If you meet all the basic requirements under one country's system, you will get a regular benefit from that country.
What is the easiest European country for a US citizen to retire to? ›
Portugal. Besides being one of the easiest places to get a retirement visa, Portugal is also one of the cheapest countries to retire in. It is a popular destination among retirees who want a place with warm temperatures, a low cost of living, excellent healthcare, and high quality of life.
What is the best country to retire in Europe for US citizens? ›
According to the annual report, the Netherlands (with a score of 85.0), Iceland (84.8), and Denmark (81.3) are the countries with the top three pension systems out of the 47 countries that it studied. The report points out that the Netherlands has a flat-rate public pension and a non-mandatory earnings-based system.
What city in France has the lowest crime rate? ›
The city of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, located in the Manche département in north-western France, had the lowest amount of crime overall, ranking in first place. As of 2021, the city was home to 77,808 people, and it is famous for its Cité de la Mer ("city of the sea") maritime museum.
Where in France has the lowest crime rate? ›
Annecy, Angers, and Nancy are among the cities in France that have seen the most improvement in crime levels from 2017 to 2021 and have the lowest incidents of reported crime, a new study has shown.
What is the best city to live in France for foreigners? ›
Best Places to Live in France for Expats
- Dordogne. There is already a large British community in Dordogne and it is even nicknamed 'Little England' as a result. ...
- Paris. The country's capital is, of course, a popular option for expats. ...
- Brittany. ...
- Eymet. ...
- Saint Gaudens. ...
- Lyon. ...
- Montpellier. ...
- Paris.