5 French towns where life is good

Would you like to find out about the best cities in France? Do you have plans to move or simply a desire to travel? We’ve put together a ranking of French cities where it’s good to live. Between sunshine, cultural heritage, natural landscape, employability and access to healthcare, each city offers important assets that we present to you.

Marseille, the Phocaean city

With an extensive public transport network and excellent accessibility (train stations and airport), Marseille is undoubtedly the most attractive city in the south of France. It offers more access to employment, leisure of various kinds and high-quality hospital services.

The reputation of Aix-Marseille University’s teaching is no longer in doubt. As a result, many young people study at these renowned faculties, which offer comprehensive programs with an international outlook.

With its 700 hectares of green space, Marseille makes it possible to savor the benefits of outdoor living. With its rich biodiversity, the Calanques National Park is living proof of this, with its 140 species of terrestrial animals and plants.

Beyond its historical monuments such as the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, the Château d’If and the Palais Longchamp, the Phocaean city also offers large cultural diversity through its museumsaccessible to young and old alike. France’s first major museum dedicated to the Mediterranean, the Mucemremains a cultural city open to the open sea where different themes intersect.

Last but not least: the climate in Marseille is simply fabulous with 170 days of sunshine a year. Bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and its beaches, Marseille also offers the chance to take a dip in the turquoise waters or play it lazy all year round. With optimum temperatures in all seasons, France’s second-largest city – after Paris – has plenty to appeal to many people wishing to live in Provence.

Annecy, the Venice of the Alps

Located in the Alps, Annecy offers a peaceful living environment and breathtaking scenery. Top of the list of France’s best-living towns, it’s known for its old town of paved streets, winding canals and pastel-colored houses. To the south of the town lies lac d’Annecy, fed by mountain springs and famous for the cleanliness of its waters. Thanks to its many assets, this Haute-Savoie location is among the most welcoming in France.

Caen, a little corner of Normandy paradise

A dynamic city with a wealth of cultural and sporting activities, Caen benefits from a strong economy enabling its job-seeking residents to find work with no apparent difficulty. Situated just a few kilometers from the English Channel, Caen enjoys an ideal setting to recharge your batteries after a busy week. Caen is a mix of quietness and effervescence. You can take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront or plan an afterwork in Caen’s bars. Another advantage of the town: you can snap up a house or apartment at a relatively low price.

Besançon, the high-tech city

Between hills, plains and rivers, Besançon boasts a diverse fauna and exceptional flora. A truly green city, Besançon boasts an incredible living environment thanks to its rich cultural heritage, its many festivities and its affordable real estate market. Boasting innovative companies in a variety of fields (microtechnology, nanotechnology, optics, electronics…), Besançon offers significant opportunities for employees or entrepreneurs looking to relocate to the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. Besançon is also France’s watchmaking capital. The Maty brand specializing in watches and jewelry remains one of the city’s most important employers.

Montpellier, a leader in healthcare

In 2012, Montpellier won the award for the best city to live in. The capital of Languedoc-Roussillon enjoys the best care in terms of healthcare, thanks to its university hospital, home to the largest number of specialist doctors and private clinics in the country. Surrounded by vast natural areas such as the Camargue, Montpellier is a wonderful place for nature lovers. With its 72,000 students across 3 universities, this metropolis enjoys a young, open and modern image.