France is world-renowned for its rich culture and arts scene, shaped by centuries of history, social influence and its regional diversity. Choosing an affordable place to live with direct access to world-class museums, art galleries and colorful local traditions is top of the list for many, especially retirees.
French cities are among Europe’s best cultural cities for retirees. Each region offers its unique culture, cuisine and dialect – not to mention its world famous wines and culinary specialities. Here are eight budget-friendly places to live in France – each brimming with arts and culture.
1. Vannes (Brittany)
Vannes is one of France’s best places to live for arts and culture lovers. Vannes is a charming walled town with narrow cobbled streets and medieval gateways. The town’s ramparts date from Roman times, although today they are incomplete after Louis XIV sold stones to fund his wars.
Vannes is well-known for its medieval buildings, including 170 colorfully painted half-timbered houses surrounding the cathedral. The former market – La Cohue – is now the Vannes Fine Arts Museum and the town hosts numerous cultural festivals.
The picturesque harbor is lined with coffee shops and restaurants and adds to the town’s charm. Vannes offers affordable property prices compared to other coastal towns in Brittany.
2. Dinan (Brittany)
Dinan is another medieval town famous for its half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets. Popular with history enthusiasts and artists, the town overlooks the River Rance and was historically protected by 3 kilometers (1.5 miles) of ramparts and a castle.
In medieval times, Dinan thrived as a hub for weavers and tanners, and today it boasts a vibrant arts scene featuring glass blowing and wood carving. Dinan is rich in Breton culture, including cuisine and music, making it a top choice for budget-friendly living in France for arts and culture afficionados.
3. Troyes (Grand Est)
Troyes is a beautifully preserved medieval town in the Champagne region, located about 150 km southeast of Paris. Its narrow streets, half-timbered houses and Gothic churches reflect its rich history.
The town’s ‘Ruelle des Chats’ – where the rooftops nearly touch – is a unique feature.
Troyes has a thriving arts scene, with galleries and museums like the fascinating “House of Tools and Working Thought” (MOPO), which showcases over 12,000 tools and the history of craftsmanship.
Troyes also hosts the annual “Nuits de Champagne” music festival, offering a culturally rich yet affordable place to live.
4. Angoulême (Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
Angoulême, perched above the Charente River, is known as the “Capital of French Comics” and hosts the famous International Comic Arts Festival. Numerous studios and a university dedicated to comic arts enrich the town’s cultural landscape.
The medieval old town features cobblestone streets and historic buildings and the town’s past as a centre for the paper industry is celebrated at the Musée du Papier.
Angoulême’s “Circuit des Remparts,” a classic car race through the streets, adds to its unique charm. Property prices here are lower than in more tourist-heavy towns and the town has a strong expatriate community.
5. Rodez (Occitanie)
Rodez is a hidden gem with its stunning cathedral of Notre Dame de Rodez and the Soulages Museum, which features works by the contemporary artist Pierre Soulages. The Musée Fenaille traces the area’s rich history.
Surrounded by dramatic countryside with high plateaus and deep river gorges, Rodez offers plenty of outdoor activities including birdwatching, hiking and fishing. Located just two hours from Toulouse and Montpellier, Rodez boasts affordable property prices, making it one of the best budget-friendly cultural towns in France.
6. Albi (Occitanie)
Albi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an impressive town dominated by the 13th-century red-brick Sainte-Cécile Cathedral. Inside, the cathedral hangs the stunning “Last Judgement” fresco.
Albi’s cultural scene includes the Musée Toulouse-Lautrec, displaying works of the famous Albi-born artist and the Fashion Museum, housed in a former convent, which traces the story of fashion between the 18th and 20th centuries.
Many locals speak Occitan, which is a blend of French and Spanish and this adds to the town’s cultural richness. With various festivals throughout the year, including the Gaillac wine festival, Albi is an attractive and affordable place to live for those who love arts and culture.
7. Nîmes (Occitanie)
Nîmes is rich in Roman history, boasting some of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the world. Its amphitheatre, built in 70 AD, still hosts cultural events during the summer months. The town also features the impressive Pont du Gard, a three-level aqueduct, plus a Roman temple made of white limestone.
Nîmes is home to a lively arts scene, with the Carré d’Art Museum as its focus. Conveniently located near a stunning stretch of the French coastline and the Camargue National Reserve, Nîmes is a culturally rich, budget-friendly place to live.
8. Arles (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur)
Situated on the River Rhône, Arles was once a Roman provincial capital, with its ancient amphitheatre (Les Arènes d’Arles) which still hosts plays, concerts and bullfights. The town has strong ties to the artist Vincent van Gogh and the Fondation Vincent van Gogh celebrates his legacy. Arles also hosts the renowned Rencontres d’Arles, one of the world’s leading photography festivals. Much more affordable than nearby Marseille, Arles offers an exciting blend of history, art and culture.
Each of our chosen towns offers generous opportunities to experience history, culture and affordability, making them ideal for anyone planning to move to France and immerse themselves in the country’s rich culture while enjoying a budget-friendly lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn to the medieval charm of Brittany, the impressive Roman heritage of Nîmes, or the vibrant arts scene in Angoulême, each of the towns offers a rich cultural experience – without breaking the bank – as they are all budget-friendly places to live in France.
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