12 Top Places for Digital Nomads in France for Your Dream Remote Work Setup

France, with its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, is a dream destination for many travelers. However, beyond the allure of the Eiffel Tower and the romance of its picturesque countryside, France is emerging as a prime hotspot for digital nomads.

From vibrant cities buzzing with creativity to serene towns nestled amidst stunning natural landscapes, France offers an array of destinations perfect for remote work. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling streets of Paris or the tranquil shores of the French Riviera, this diverse country provides the ideal atmosphere for combining work with adventure.

With so many digital-nomad-friendly destinations to choose from, we can understand why you would face a challenge in making a decision. This is why we have stepped in to suggest these 12 French destinations that will offer you a perfect balance between productivity and adventure.

Table of Contents

Paris

Fun Facts About France You Might Not Know Croissants Are Not From France — © Ekaterina Belova / Adobe Stock

Who wouldn’t want to live the Parisian dream? If there is a destination that is simultaneously glamorous, romantic, historic, fun, and adventurous, it would have to be Paris. With so much to offer as a city, what more can you ask for as a digital nomad living in the city of lights?

You will have so many museums, world-renowned landmarks, and historic sites to explore. Even if you go out every day, you will not miss something new to do or see.

While Paris is not cheap, the adventure and fun will be worth the cost. However, if you are on a budget, all is not lost with Paris, as you can choose to flatshare and save more for exploration.

You will also like the fact that you can easily access all the other major destinations in France and Europe from Paris. It is truly a destination that will let you enjoy its charm as well as the rest of Europe. There is also a large expat community in Paris. You will find a community of your people and many English-speaking service providers across the city.

Bordeaux

Compared to Paris, Bordeaux offers a more affordable living cost while still providing all the amenities you would need for a thriving digital nomad life. From a good transportation system to strong internet connectivity and co-working spaces, you will have it easy in Bordeaux.

The city is known for its high quality of life, offering a balance between urban living and easy access to nature. Besides, you will love that Bordeaux experiences mild winters and hot summers, making it a perfect destination for anyone looking to escape extreme winters.

If you are not working, you can explore Bordeaux’s rich wine culture. You can head out to the vineyards, visit popular wineries, or explore The Cite Du Vin, a museum dedicated to wine. You can also go on wine tours to Saint-Émilion, Médoc, and Pessac-Léognan, all destinations that have made big names for wine production.

Beyond wine, you will enjoy exploring the UNESCO Heritage city center, the charming riverfront, and historic sites like Place de la Bourse, Bordeaux Cathedral, and the Grand Théâtre.

While French is the main language, Bordeaux is becoming increasingly international, and English is commonly spoken in the tourism industry and among the city’s big student population.

Toulouse

Known as the aerospace capital of Europe, Toulouse has a vibrant tech scene with many startups and innovative companies. Home to Airbus and numerous aerospace companies, Toulouse is a center of innovation and engineering. If this environment would be beneficial to your work or business, go for it, as Toulouse is a charming place to live.

When you need a break from work, swing by the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, a UNESCO World Heritage site; relax in the Japanese Garden and Jardin des Plantes; or stroll along the beautiful waterfront.

With a rich cultural heritage, modern amenities, a beautiful city center, and a thriving tech scene, Toulouse remains reasonably affordable, making it even more desirable for digital nomads.

Annecy

If you prefer a perfect blend of city life and stunning natural surroundings, Annecy is a destination where you would thrive as a digital nomad. Surrounded by crystal-clear Lake Annecy and the French Alps, this small town provides a beautiful and serene environment for work and leisure.

When you want to get active, you can go paddleboarding, swimming, or boating in the lake. You can also hit the French Alps for hiking or other winter sports. For a little historical immersion, wander through Old Town (Vieille Ville), featuring charming streets and landmarks such as the Palais de l’Isle and Château d’Annecy.

🏨 Explore all your hotel options

Accommodation in Annecy ranges from charming apartments in the old town to modern flats near the lake. It would all depend on your preferences.

Learning some basic French phrases can be helpful for a smoother life in Annecy. However, many locals either communicate in English or are welcoming and accommodating to English speakers.

Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo offers digital nomads a unique blend of historical ambiance and coastal beauty. Located on the Brittany coast, Saint-Malo provides stunning seaside views and beaches, perfect for relaxing after long work hours. Plage du Sillon is one beach ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

Beyond its beautiful coastal scenery, Saint-Malo is known for its rich history, which can be seen in its well-preserved medieval walls and forts. If you are a history buff, make time for Saint-Malo Cathedral, Fort National, and the Château de Saint-Malo.

For outdoor adventures, you can explore the nearby tidal islands, Grand Bé and Petit Bé, which are accessible during low tide.

Since Saint-Malo is a beloved tourist destination, you will have no trouble meeting English-speaking people, whether in the service industry or in your social life.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is emerging as a tech and innovation hub with a growing number of startups and co-working spaces, which is a winning point for digital nomads. Besides, you will like La Rochelle’s coastal location, which enhances productivity and relaxation.

In La Rochelle, you will enjoy a pleasant climate, stunning beaches, the Vieux Port (Old Port) featuring historic towers and lively waterfront cafes, and the nearby islands like Île de Ré and Île d’Oléron, all of which contribute to the charming atmosphere of the city. When you need a break from your computer, you can relax in the Parc Charruyer or enjoy the beaches at Les Minimes and Plage de la Concurrence.

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Strasbourg

Being the headquarters of several European institutions, Strasbourg is an ideal destination for digital nomads who prefer cosmopolitan and internationally oriented cities. Besides the international environment, you will love this city’s excellent infrastructure. From a good public transportation network, high-speed internet, and co-working spaces – your life as a digital nomad in Strasbourg would be bliss.

Additionally, Strasbourg is located on the French-German border, allowing digital nomads to explore two countries simultaneously. You can easily notice German influences in Strasbourg in elements like architecture, cuisine, and traditions.

There is so much to explore in Strasbourg, from the city’s Christmas markets, which are famous across Europe, to La Petite France, one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Europe, and other charming Alsatian destinations like Colmar and Eze.

You will have no trouble meeting English speaking people in Strasbourg, thanks to the presence of international institutions. Many locals also speak German due to the city’s proximity to Germany. With such a strong cosmopolitan community, Strasbourg remains about 23% cheaper than Paris.

Biarritz

Located on the Basque Coast, Biarritz offers stunning ocean views, beautiful beaches, and a mild climate. Biarritz is also renowned for its surfing culture, offering great waves and a spot as one of Europe’s beloved surfing destinations. During your stay, you can enjoy famous beaches such as Grande Plage, Côte des Basques, and Plage de Marbella, which are ideal for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing.

This city has all the amenities you will need to live a comfortable and even luxurious life if you choose to. You will also love that being a loved tourist destination, you will easily meet service providers that speak English.

Biarritz offers a unique blend of coastal beauty, surfing culture, and Basque charm, making it an irresistible destination for digital nomads seeking an active and scenic lifestyle.

Toulon

Dream of living in the French Riviera on a budget? Make Toulon your new home. It is no secret that some cities in the French Riviera are very expensive, making them unideal for a digital nomad who would love to work less and explore more. Toulon, despite offering tourists and locals the ultimate Mediterranean charm, remains reasonably affordable. Data collected by Numbeo revealed that Toulon was around 22.5% cheaper than Nice.

This coastal city is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including the Mont Faron and beaches like Plage du Mourillon, which are great for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The city also has historic sites, museums, and charming cafes that are waiting to be explored.

Whether you want to live in a beachside villa or an apartment in the city center, Toulon’s Mediterranean allure would be an experience that would elevate your digital nomad lifestyle.

Nice

Located on the French Riviera, Nice offers beautiful Mediterranean views and a pleasant climate year-round. While it may not be exactly cheap, Nice has many exploration opportunities that will enrich your stay. With excellent infrastructure, high-speed internet, and many co-working spaces, this city is well-equipped for remote work.

Some points of interest in Nice include the Promenade des Anglais, a famous waterfront promenade perfect for leisurely walks, cycling, and enjoying the sea views. Promenade des Anglais also has numerous cafes, many of which have good Wi-Fi connections and perfect sea views. You also do not want to miss out on Nice Old Town, known for its historic architecture and colorful streets, and Castle Hill (Colline du Château), which offers panoramic views of Nice and the Mediterranean.

Nice has both public and private beaches, which you can escape to whenever the beach mood sets in. With so many beach options to choose from, do not miss out on Castel Plage and Opéra Plage.

With so many things to like about Nice, you certainly cannot ignore how its strategic location makes the rest of the French Riviera easily accessible. You can easily drive or take trains from Nice to other popular beach destinations. You also cannot ignore the fact that the cost of living in Nice can be as much as 23% cheaper than living in Paris.

Porquerolles

Island life lovers, Porquerolles is the perfect destination for you. This beautiful island, located in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Hyères in the south of France, is a destination any nature enthusiast would not be able to resist. Porquerolles is known for its pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters, lush landscapes, and scenic hiking trails. It offers a peaceful and inspiring environment for remote work.

Digital nomads can enjoy activities such as swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and cycling around the island, promoting a healthy work-life balance.

During your stay, explore Fort Sainte Agathe and the Semaphore Tower for historical insights into the island’s past. Do not miss out on the island’s stunning beaches, like Plage Notre Dame and Plage d’Argent, known for their turquoise waters and white sand.

Chamonix

Chamonix is a renowned mountain town in the French Alps, near the junction of France, Switzerland, and Italy. If you find peace in the mountains or like winter sports, consider making Chamonix your new home.

Soaking in the scenic mountain setting would be suitable for your productivity as Chamonix is surrounded by majestic peaks, including Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps. These peaks offer a plethora of outdoor activities year-round, such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountaineering, and paragliding. If you are an adventurous nomad, the mountains surrounding Chamonix will offer you something to do all year round.

You will realize that despite its small size, Chamonix attracts visitors and residents from around the world, especially to its world-class ski resorts, contributing to a dynamic and multicultural environment.

Whether exploring the villages in the Chamonix Valley, taking scenic trails like Tour du Mont Blanc, or taking a cable car to Aiguille du Midi, life in Chamonix fully caters to the adventurous spirits. With so much to enjoy and do, you could find a one-bedroom apartment for as low as $860 in the center of Chamonix.