France regularly features in the Top 10 list of the best countries in the World to move to. Here we analyse where within France in 2026 are the 10 best places to live and work. The list covers the best French cities to study in, the best areas for retirement in France and also the cheapest places in France to buy property. This list of best places to live in France is not plucked from thin air, it is based on actual research. If you are thinking of moving to France long term, then hopefully this will give you some further food for thought on where you should be located.

The Cote d'Azur is a fantastic location for a winter long term rental in France. The weather is stunning, you will always find a festival or local market to visit and you can combine glitzy resorts with quaint old French villages. There is a fantastic range of Cote d'Azur properties for long term let in France - from 6 bedroom villas overlooking the coast to beach apartments.

More and more people are choosing the South of France for a long winter vacation. At Long term rentals in France we have established a reputation as the leading provider of winter lets in South France. Here we feature 14 properties across Provence, Cote d'Azur, the Languedoc and South-West France to rent over the winter period 2025-26.

Although Brexit has made things more complicated, it is still perfectly possible British nationals to move to France in 2026 and to live in France permanently. You can stay for up to 90 days without a visa. If you want to stay longer, then there is a simple & straight-forward process for applying for a long stay visa. UK nationals (like Canadians, Americans & Australians) can also apply for permanent French Residency, which enables them to live in France for up to 5 years. Here we outline the steps you need to follow for moving to France after Brexit and how you can live in France long term.

France has always been a popular destination for UK nationals to retire to. If you are thinking of retiring to France from the UK during 2026, we highlight the popular places for retirement in France and some key information on pensions, tax, visas, healthcare and living in France for retirees.

The countryside around the Southern French town of Carcassonne, has proved to be a very popular place for finding a long term rental property in the last couple of years. Here is a selection of 10 houses currently available for long term rent in the Carcassonne area of Southern France during 2026 and into 2027. 

If you are planning on moving to France, it can sometimes be daunting to settle on a place to live. Paris is iconic, but too expensive. Brittany is beautiful, but too wet and remote. The French Riviera is very chic, but also expensive, crowded and getting too hot in the summer. Provence would be a dream, but is there enough going on for living all year around? So where do you choose? Let me suggest the Charentes to you. The climate is mild & sunny, property is inexpensive, there is an excellent transport network, a beautiful coastline, a distinct regional gastronomy and there are plenty of interesting towns & villages to visit.