Cities & Hotspots

Paris is the work and culture engine; Nice offers Mediterranean life and international access; Montpellier is younger, smaller and more university-led.

  • ParisOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • NiceOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • MontpellierOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.

Best Time of Year

April to June or September to October Conditions vary by city, so check the local forecast before booking a long stay.

Air Quality, Simply

Paris can have urban pollution and heat episodes; Mediterranean cities need attention to summer heat and wildfire smoke.

Use the city-level AQI or official air-quality service before planning long outdoor days, especially if you have asthma or are travelling with children.

Getting Around the Country

  • International arrivalCompare the main gateway airport with the city you actually want. A cheap flight can create an expensive onward journey.
  • Between citiesCheck rail, coach and domestic-flight time including airport transfers, luggage and seasonal disruption.
  • Inside citiesEach city guide covers the local mix of public transport, taxis, ride-hailing, walking and driving.
  • DrivingCheck licence recognition, insurance, tolls, parking and road conditions before renting a car or scooter.

Housing & Cost of Living

  • RentCapital, coastal and visitor-heavy markets can be completely different. Compare like-for-like homes and contract lengths.
  • DepositsVerify the property, owner or authorised agent, inventory, notice terms and payment trail before transferring money.
  • Daily costsGroceries, transport, healthcare and imported goods often matter more than a headline rent figure.
  • Family costsSchool fees, insurance, larger housing and transport should be priced before choosing the city.

Hospitals & Healthcare

The public hospital network is broad, with American Hospital of Paris and Clinique Saint George among private options. Call 112 or 15 for emergencies.

SIM, eSIM & Local Apps

Orange, SFR, Bouygues and Free offer eSIMs. G7 and Uber cover rides; Deliveroo and Uber Eats are widely used.

  • Mobile networksOrange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom and Free Mobile are the main operators. Free can be strong value; Orange is often the conservative coverage choice.
  • Ride appsUber, Bolt, Free Now and G7 are useful in Paris; smaller cities may be taxi-rank and tram-led.
  • Food deliveryDeliveroo and Uber Eats are the main food apps; supermarkets include Carrefour, Monoprix, Franprix, Auchan and E.Leclerc.
  • PaymentsCards are widely accepted, but a French bank account and RIB still make rent, utilities and admin easier.
  • Home internetOrange, Free, SFR and Bouygues fibre depends on the exact building and appointment availability.

Working & Remote Life

  • Legal positionRemote work and local employment can be treated differently. Match your visa, tax and company arrangements to what you actually do.
  • ConnectivityTest home internet, mobile backup and power reliability at the exact address before a long lease.
  • WorkspacesUse day passes to compare coworking, call space and commute before paying for a membership.
  • CommunityIndustry groups, recurring activities and professional events are more useful than relying only on broad expat groups.

Long-Stay & Paperwork

  • Visa validationLong-stay visas usually need online validation after arrival through the official French immigration process.
  • PrefectureResidence renewals and cards can involve prefecture appointments; start early.
  • Taximpots.gouv.fr is the source for declarations; residence, worldwide income and treaty position need advice.
  • HealthcareAmeli/PUMA access takes time. Keep private cover until your French healthcare position is confirmed.
  • Admin habitKeep proof of address, attestation d'hebergement or lease, RIB, tax notices and insurance documents organised.

Schools & Family Fit

International and bilingual schools are usually concentrated in the largest city hubs listed above. Ask about curriculum, admissions dates, language support, transport, deposits and whether the school year matches your current country before choosing a neighbourhood.

Safety & Practical Risks

  • Personal safetyUse city-level advice: neighbourhood, time of day and transport habits matter more than broad country labels.
  • Health and weatherUnderstand heat, storms, flood, fire, air-quality, altitude or sea risks before choosing a season.
  • MoneyUse traceable payments, verify rentals and keep emergency access to more than one card or account.
  • Official adviceCheck government travel, immigration and health sources before decisions that affect status or safety.

Who It Suits

People who want established public services, culture and European career access, with higher admin complexity.

Before you move: visa rules, hospital access, mobile registration and app coverage change. Confirm the current position with the relevant official provider before making a non-refundable commitment.