The experts at International Living have included one town on France’s Cote d’Azur on their list of the top eight best European towns for “adventurous expats”.
If you are considering a move to the EU to either save money or escape the city crowds, this little-known spot in France might be your best bet.
International Living has published its Hidden Places Initiative report which reveals eight of Europe’s best towns for adventurous expats, including one on the French Riviera. “Everybody talks about places like Barcelona, Lisbon and Florence. But the best overseas destinations aren’t always the ones you’ve heard of,” says Jennifer Stevens, executive editor at International Living. Enter Villefranche-sur-Mer.
Villefranche-sur-Mer is a stunning town located between Nice and Monaco on France’s Cote d’Azur. The town offers expats a quieter perspective on the glitzy French Riviera and International Living calls it “a mash-up of wildly elegant, flower-flowing villas and earthy, burnt-pastel homes stacked haphazardly along the Mediterranean”.
That said, Villefranche-sur-Mer still maintains the iconic Riviera glamour of its neighbours like Nice. In fact, part of the James Bond classic Never Say Never Gain was filmed nearby.
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The hilly landscape allows for heightened views of the bay below, while stairs take residents up to the steeper parts of the town, including its historic centre. Describing Villefranche, International Living says: “It’s as if Positano and Florence, Italy, did an 1800s collaboration with a palette of muted orange, yellow, and deep turquoise.”
Two of the biggest draws of the town are its horseshoe-shaped bay and its impressive architecture – including a smattering of pastel-coloured French villas and cafes and medieval alleyways. But those picture-perfect villas and apartment buildings don’t come cheap.
According to International Living: “A couple can expect to spend at least £2,233 a month, with rent starting around £2,527”. Thus, Villefranche is not for every budget, but it is ideal for expats with a love of French art and culture.
As confirmed by International Living “music is a big deal in town, as is art”. Villefranche residents enjoy open-air cinemas throughout the summer and impressive art shows at the town’s Citadel. Other favourite events including classic car races, the Naval Flower Battle, jazz concerts, and open-air plays performed in the historic centre.
If you want to improve your French while living in town, you can also take lessons at the Institut de Français. The school offers courses ranging from two weeks to one month and also organises excursions and homestays.
Given the higher cost of living compared to other European destinations, Villefranche-sur-Mer is best-suited for digital nomads and retirees craving serenity, cultural enrichment and a touch of glam.
Full list of International Living’s Hidden Places destinations
- Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
- Toulon, France
- Litochoro, Greece
- Kavala, Greece
- Ioannina, Greece
- Esposende, Portugal
- Rayong, Thailand
- Guimarães, Portugal
- San Pancho, Mexico
- Cádiz, Spain
- Palermo, Italy
- Amed, Bali
- Ascoli Piceno, Italy
- Isla Holbox, Mexico