Every year, this ranking is closely watched by locals, elected officials, and anyone dreaming of a change in lifestyle. Dynamic cities, seaside towns, evolving metropolises, the list of cities where life is good reveals the new preferences of the French. And this year, once again, the results hold a few surprises.
Biarritz, still on top
For the second consecutive year, Biarritz takes the first place among cities with more than 2,000 residents where the quality of life is considered the best. The seaside city in the Basque Country outshines 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 views, heritage, cultural offerings, and quality infrastructure, the city checks a lot of boxes. It also enjoys an attractive image that makes it a desired destination.charming way of life, privileged environment, and local economic vitality. This delightful mix appeals to both residents and newcomers alike. More broadly, the ranking highlights the great performance of cities in the West and along the coast. Bayonne climbs to 4th place, Anglet takes 7th, while Nice holds the 9th position, confirming a steady rise over the years.
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Toulouse Lagging in the Rankings
On the side of Toulouse, the situation seems a bit more nuanced. In the department, it remains the most appreciated city. Among the major French cities, however, Strasbourg is still lagging behind and is in 65th 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, transportation, shopping, environment, community support, real estate attractiveness, and public services. The data comes from official organizations such as Insee, various ministries, Arcep, and the European Copernicus program. The weighting of the criteria is also informed by an OpinionWay survey measuring the priorities of the French population. Unsurprisingly, quality of life ranks first, followed by safety and health. These themes have become central in residential choices.
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