France has long been a popular destination for British couples and families. In 2023, Ibanista reported that 200,000 Americans chose to enjoy the French way of life. The appealing countryside, excellent public transport, rich cultural heritage and outstanding healthcare system all play a role in the decision to move to France from an English-speaking country.
For many, the cost of property – whether renting or buying – is paramount when seeking a comfortable life abroad on a reasonable budget. In addition to cost of living concerns, many foreigners are apprehensive about moving to France if their French is not very good. While speaking French is a definite advantage, those without the language skills can find living in a town with a strong expat community beneficial.
This is why we handpicked eight great budget-friendly places to live in France for English speakers, where you can live a fulfilling life without strong French skills.
1. Quimper, Brittany
Brittany is a charming region of France with a high population of English speakers. It is known for its beautiful coastal landscapes, quaint towns and delicious regional specialities including seafood, cheeses and locally grown produce. Many regard Brittany as one of the most affordable areas in France, with relatively low property prices.
Quimper is a picturesque town situated at the confluence of the Odet and Steir rivers and is a favourite amongst expats. Its pedestrianised historic centre features half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, cosy restaurants and traditional crêperies. Once renowned for its pottery today, Quimper is the focus of Breton culture.
2. Limoges, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Famed for its porcelain, Limoges in central France boasts a rich history and plenty to offer to English-speaking newcomers. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, it enjoys a pleasant climate and has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums and art galleries.
Property in Limoges remains affordable, with house prices averaging $439 per square foot and apartments around $167 per square foot. The average cost of a house is $380,000, and the monthly rent for an apartment is approximately $800. As one of the more budget-friendly towns, Limoges is gaining popularity among expats as it is one of the nicest places to live in France that offers comfortable living at a low price.
3. Poitiers, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Located in central France, Poitiers is a lesser-known small town renowned for its close-knit and welcoming community. Its lower-than-average rainfall, charming cobbled streets, and friendly atmosphere have attracted many English-speaking expats over the years.
Poitiers is also highly affordable, with average house prices of around $203,000 and a low cost of living which makes it one of the best budget friendly places to live in France. The town is home to one of the oldest universities in France, attracting 4,000 foreign students each year, making it a lively and youthful place to live with plenty of cultural events .
4. Périgueux, Dordogne
The Dordogne region is one of France’s most scenic areas, and its capital, Périgueux, has a lovely small-town feel. The town has plenty of history and art and is situated on the famous pilgrim route of Santiago de Compostela (The Way of St James). The cathedral of Saint-Fort is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site.
Périgueux offers a lower cost of living compared to many larger cities. Property prices are around $288 per square foot, with houses averaging $576,000. The Dordogne has long been a favourite among English speakers due to its picturesque countryside, charming towns and impressive châteaux.
5. Toulouse, Occitanie
Known as ‘La Ville Rose’ (The Pink City) for its terracotta-colored buildings, Toulouse in southern France is a dynamic city filled with exhibitions, concerts, and festivals. It is one of the most affordable places in France – especially when living outside the city centre.
Toulouse benefits from a reliable metro system, TGV connections and has a large international airport. Suburbs such as Balma and Ramonville-Saint-Agne can be reached by tram and Castelginest and Pibrac are just a 15-minute car drive from the centre.
They all offer more affordable housing options just a short commute from the city centre. All these qualities make Toulouse a preferred place to live for many English-speaking expats.
6. Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Bordeaux, situated on the Charente-Maritime estuary, is renowned for its world-class wines, rich culture, and beautiful architecture. It has a large expat community, with many English-speaking professionals and retirees choosing to settle here. Most importantly, Bordeaux is a moderately priced place to live in France, with the average price of an apartment around $370,000.
Bordeaux is becoming increasingly popular with Americans due to its cosmopolitan atmosphere and relaxed living. The city boasts a comprehensive tram network, TGV links to other major cities and an international airport. If you’re looking for more affordable housing, suburbs such as Mérignac, Pessac, Villenave-d’Ornon, Bègles, or Talence are worth consideration.
7. Montpellier, Languedoc-Roussillon
For those seeking a Mediterranean climate, Montpellier is an attractive, walkable town in the south of France. Housing and living costs here are much more reasonable than on the French Riviera, with apartment prices under $300,000.
As a bustling university town with a rich cultural scene, Montpellier has a growing number of English-speaking residents, including both working families and retirees. In recent years, many Americans have also relocated to the area.
8. Nîmes
Nîmes is one of the best places to retire in France. Located in the south, the town enjoys a warm summer climate and mild winters. Once an important Roman outpost, Nîmes is home to some of the best-preserved Roman monuments, including the Arena of Nîmes – a double-tiered amphitheatre.
The town hosts numerous events and festivals celebrating local traditions. Compared to nearby Arles and Avignon, Nîmes is more affordable and its appeal among expats is growing as one of the most budget-friendly locations offering Mediterranean living.
Thorough research is essential when deciding which French town meets your personal requirements. Searching online will help identify places with established expat communities, which can make settling into living in France easier. These communities are also a great way to make new friends in the early days. However, once you’ve settled into your new home, learning French should be at the top of your to-do list, as it will enrich your experience and help you fully embrace your new life.
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