Top Beach Towns in France for Expats – A Comprehensive Guide

As an expat looking to settle in France near the coast, there are numerous towns and cities to consider. However, the best options depend on your lifestyle preferences, professional needs, and budget. This guide will help you choose the right place to call home based on factors such as cost of living, job prospects, public transportation, and overall appeal.

Understanding the Best Towns for Expats in France

When selecting a town to live in, it’s important to choose a place that is:

Intimately Familiar: Not just a place you’ve seen on TV or in a movie, but a community you have a deep understanding of. Accessible: Somewhere you are entitled to move to, having established connections and knowledge of the local culture.

Here, we will explore the best towns and cities located within a 40 km (25 miles) radius around a home base, both on the mainland and in the overseas French départements. We'll also consider the pacific island regions of French Polynesia as alternatives.

Popular Beach Towns in France Mainland

Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Cost of Life: Medium
Work Market: Medium
Public Transportation: Medium
Awesomeness: Medium
Picturesque: Very High
Bonus: Do daily groceries in Spain for cheaper

Saint-Jean-de-Luz offers a perfect blend of affordability and charm. Though the cost of living is medium, the rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes make it a top choice. Public transportation is adequate, and the convenience of purchasing goods from Spain adds to its appeal. This town is particularly appealing to those who enjoy a more tranquil coastal lifestyle without the hustle and bustle of larger cities.

Guéthary/Bidart

Cost of Life: Extra High
Work Market: Don’t Even Think About It
Public Transportation: Low
Awesomeness: High
Picturesque: High

Guéthary and Bidart are known for their glamorous appeal, often associated with the jet-set lifestyle. However, the cost of living is extremely high, and work market opportunities are limited. Despite these challenges, the area’s aesthetic appeal and social atmosphere make it attractive to those who can manage the financial and lifestyle demands.

Anglet

Cost of Life: High
Work Market: High
Public Transportation: High
Awesomeness: Low
Picturesque: Low

Anglet, while known for its proximity to the popular Biarritz, offers a mix of high costs and low awesomeness. Public transportation is efficient, but the town itself lacks in charm. The trade-off is that it's situated in a protected forested area, providing a natural setting for those who prefer a serene environment.

Beach Towns in the Overseas French Départements

Guadeloupe and Martinique

Experience: Great beaches, ideal for expats seeking coastal living near the tropics.
Cost of Life: Varies
Work Market: Varies
Public Transportation: Varied
Awesomeness and Picturesque: Very High

Both Guadeloupe and Martinique offer a tropical paradise with their coastline lined by pristine beaches and vibrant local culture. Life in these regions is generally cheaper, and the work market can offer diverse opportunities. Public transportation is varied, ranging from efficient to moderately serviceable. This makes them excellent options for expats who wish to enjoy a warm climate and coastal living.

Mayotte and Réunion

Experience: Similar to Guadeloupe and Martinique, these islands provide an idyllic tropical lifestyle.
Cost of Life: Medium to High
Work Market: Varied
Public Transportation: Varied

Mayotte and Réunion are also excellent choices for expats, known for their idyllic sandy beaches, diverse cultures, and warm climates. Both islands offer a medium to high cost of living with varying work market opportunities. While public transportation might be less developed, the natural beauty and tropical lifestyle make these islands highly attractive.

Pacific Islands: French Polynesia

Experience: Exploration of the Pacific with its lush landscapes and crystal-clear waters.
Cost of Life: High
Work Market: Varied
Public Transportation: Limited
Awesomeness and Picturesque: Very High

French Polynesia, including Tahiti and other atolls, offers an opportunity to explore the true beauty of the South Pacific. The islands are known for their breathtaking scenery, serene beaches, and rich indigenous culture. While the cost of living is high and public transportation is limited, the lifestyle and natural wonders make these islands a sought-after destination for expats.