The most popular French areas for British expats have been named – ‘easy-going attitude’
British expats discuss shop opening times in France
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France is a popular destination for British expats, and while some may try to avoid other Britons, others congregate in the same areas. Some destinations in France tick all the boxes for Britons looking for a new way of life, and these areas become favourites of British expats.
Many Britons move to France for a better way of life, good food and picturesque settings.
But France is a big country with many different regions which all offer something different to expats.
France’s National Statistics Agency INSEE has named the most popular regions for Britons relocating to France.
Coming top was Ile-de-France, the region of the capital, Paris.
A tenth of all Britons moving to France lived in the capital and its suburbs.
Britons who move to the area can look forward to plenty of culture and may find it easier to get a job.
It was not, however, the best place to be for Britons looking for a change of pace or good weather, with Paris on par with London when it comes to business and capricious weather.
In second place was Poitou-Charentes, in the west of France.
Britons make up a third of all expats in the area, which sees better weather than Paris.
One of the most prevalent industry in the area is brandy and enjoying a tipple is a popular pastime around these parts.
In third place was Aquitaine in the south west.
The largest city in the area is Bordeaux, well-known for its wines.
British expat Tim said: “I love cycling around the city early morning, along the Garonne riverside or in some of the quiet side-streets and coming across the unexpected: an old faded painted sign, vintage shop-front or a building which you can tell has an interesting story to tell.
“Then you have the wide-open spaces of the Médoc vineyards and the easy-going attitude and atmosphere of the small fishing ports on the Bassin d’Arcachon, to the west of Bordeaux.”
In fourth place was Midi-Pyrénées, now called Occitanie, in the south of France.
Toulouse, the fourth largest city in the country, is a popular choice for expats.
Britons particularly like the scenery, weather and of course the gastronomy.
Rounding up the top five of the most popular areas for British expats in France was Brittany.
Bordering the English Channel, Brittany has great food and plenty of historic sites.
Some of the oldest monuments in the world include Barnenez Cairn, dating back to 4800 BC.
Most popular French regions for British expats
1. Ile-de-France
2. Poitou-Charentes
3. Aquitaine
4. Midi-Pyrénées
5. Brittany
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