Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to France (Plus, Itineraries)

Embarking on a Look-See trip is a crucial step before making a significant decision like moving to France. It allows you to experience firsthand the culture, lifestyle, and practical aspects of different cities and towns, helping you make an informed choice about where you might want to live. By visiting various locations, you can assess factors such as cost of living, community dynamics, and overall quality of life.

Recommended Itineraries

For a 10-day trip, consider exploring Paris (3 days), Lyon (3 days), and the Provence region (4 days), focusing on cities like Avignon and Aix-en-Provence. For a 20-day trip, expand your exploration to include Bordeaux (4 days), the French Riviera (4 days, visiting Nice and Cannes), and Brittany (4 days, visiting Rennes and Saint-Malo). These itineraries provide a mix of urban and rural experiences, offering a well-rounded view of life in France.

Paris

Paris, the capital of France, is a vibrant city with a population of over 2 million. Its central location and excellent transportation links make it an ideal base for digital nomads and expats. The city offers a high quality of life with numerous cultural attractions, a thriving business scene, and a diverse range of neighborhoods. The is higher than in other parts of France, but the opportunities and experiences it offers are unparalleled.

Travel Tip: Visit the iconic Eiffel Tower and enjoy a meal at "Le Jules Verne," a restaurant on the second floor offering stunning views of the city.

Lyon

Lyon, located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, is France's third-largest city with a population of over 500,000. Known for its historic architecture, gastronomic scene, and strategic location near the Alps, Lyon offers a high quality of life at a lower cost than Paris. Its thriving tech and startup scene makes it attractive for digital nomads.

Travel Tip: Explore the historic site of Fourvière and dine at "Paul Bocuse," a renowned restaurant offering traditional Lyonnaise cuisine.

Provence (Avignon and Aix-en-Provence)

Provence is a region known for its charming villages, beautiful landscapes, and mild Mediterranean climate. Avignon and Aix-en-Provence are popular among expats for their cultural richness, proximity to the coast, and lower cost of living compared to larger cities. Life in Provence is marked by a slower pace, making it ideal for retirees and those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle.

Travel Tip: Visit the Palais des Papes in Avignon and enjoy a stroll along the Cours Mirabeau in Aix-en-Provence.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux, located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, is a port city known for its wine, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. With a population of over 250,000, it offers a high quality of life at a reasonable cost. Its proximity to the Atlantic coast and the wine regions makes it an attractive choice for expats and digital nomads.

Travel Tip: Visit the Cité du Vin, a museum dedicated to the history of wine, and dine at "La Tupina," a renowned restaurant offering traditional Bordelaise cuisine.

French Riviera (Nice and Cannes)

The French Riviera is famous for its glamorous lifestyle, beautiful beaches, and mild climate. Nice and Cannes are popular among expats for their cultural attractions, scenic views, and proximity to the Mediterranean. The cost of living is higher due to their popularity, but the lifestyle and opportunities they offer are exceptional.

Travel Tip: Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice and visit the Palais des Festivals in Cannes.

Brittany (Rennes and Saint-Malo)

Brittany is a region known for its rugged coastline, historic towns, and unique Celtic heritage. Rennes and Saint-Malo are popular among expats for their cultural richness, proximity to the coast, and lower cost of living compared to other regions. Life in Brittany offers a balance between modern amenities and traditional Breton culture.

Travel Tip: Explore the medieval streets of Rennes and visit the walled city of Saint-Malo, known for its pirate history.