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Here is the list of cities where it's great to live in France!

undefined undefined 24 février 2025 undefined 16h00

The Editor

©Palatial Photos

New year means a new ranking of the Cities & Villages where life is great in France. While the Basque coast and the western towns are really shining, some of the largest cities in the Hexagon are way down in the rankings. Bordeaux is in 37th place.

The judgment has been made. For this 6th edition, the Villes & Villages association has established its ranking of cities where life is good, and the west of France has made a nearly flawless performance. On the podium, Biarritz and Angers have stood out from the 34,795 French municipalities, taking the 1st and 2nd places. Fortunately, Annecy also makes a wonderful appearance on the 3rd step, helping to raise the profile of the east.


Particularly strict criteria for judgment

In total, 190 criteria divided into 11 categories provide the basis for the final ranking. These include quality of life, security, environmental protection, and health.

, the businesses and services, transportation, education, sports and leisure, local finances and taxes, solidarity, and even real estate attractiveness. And for the first time this year, natural risks have been added, especially seismic, flooding, and the recurrence of natural disasters. These criteria are quite diverse and specific, allowing Biarritz to rise to the top of the rankings, knocking Angers off the pedestal it had held for 3 years! The Basque Country is particularly well represented with Bayonne following in 4th place and Guéthary taking the lead among the villages of France.


A Disaffection for Big Metropolises

With their delicately polluted air, sweet sounds of honking at any hour of day or night, and their outrageous rents, it’s no surprise that major cities don’t make the top 10. However, it’s hard to believe that the capital is ranked so low, as it has slipped past the top 100 to reach 101st place. Bordeaux stands at 37th place, Lyon is in 79th position, and Marseille continues its gradual decline each year, now settling at 127th place.


Your next destination ?

Well, now you know, apparently big cities are overrated, and nothing beats the charm of the small towns in western France. So we’re sharing with you the top 10, so you can choose your next vacation destination or maybe, who knows, your next place to live !

Biarritz
Angers
Annecy
Bayonne
Rodez
La Rochelle
Lorient
Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
Anglet
Brest