Every year, this ranking is closely watched by locals, elected officials, and anyone dreaming of a change in their living environment. Dynamic cities, seaside towns, evolving metropolitan areas, the list of the best places to live showcases the new preferences of the French. And once again this year, the results hold a few surprises.
Biarritz, still at the top!
For the second consecutive year, Biarritz takes the top spot among cities with over 2,000 residents where the quality of life is deemed the best. The seaside town in the Basque Country surpasses Annecy and Angers, two cities regularly praised for their balance between urban dynamism and natural surroundings. Biarritz’s success is no accident. With its ocean, heritage, cultural offerings, and quality infrastructure, the city checks off many boxes. It also enjoys an attractive image that...Delightful art of living, privileged environment, and vibrant local economy. This delightful mix charms both residents and newcomers alike. More broadly, the ranking highlights the strong performance of cities in the West and along the coast. Bayonne takes 4th place, Anglet comes in at 7th, while Nice holds 9th position, confirming a gradual rise over the years.
Montpellier Ranks Lower in the Standings
On the side of Montpellier, the situation is a bit more nuanced. In the department, it remains the most appreciated city. Among the major French cities, Montpellier is slightly outpaced, despite a nice 37th place.
A ranking based on nearly 200 criteria
This national ranking is based on 197 criteria divided into 11 major categories: quality of life, safety, health, transport, commerce, environment, solidarity, real estate attractiveness, and public services. The data comes from official organizations like INSEE, various ministries, ARCEP, and the European Copernicus program. The weighting of the criteria is also based on an OpinionWay survey that measures the priorities of the French people. Unsurprisingly, quality of life ranks the highest, followed by safety and health. These themes have become central in residential choices.
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