Which areas: comparing quality of life and well-being
British nationals are more geographically dispersed than some other expatriate groups and are particularly present in western and south-western France
Which areas are the most popular?
The UK government has previously estimated that around 150,000 British nationals live in France (2016 data), although this figure fluctuates due to factors such as temporary work postings, second-home ownership, retirement patterns and return migration.
Official figures from the French state provide a clearer picture of those registered as part of the resident population.
The most recent figures from Insee, published in June 2024 and based on administrative data from 2021, show a total of 86,121 UK nationals living in metropolitan (mainland) France.
The largest concentration is in the Île-de-France region, which includes Paris. However, British nationals are more geographically dispersed than some other expatriate groups and are particularly present in western and south-western France.
Significant numbers are recorded in regions such as Nouvelle-Aquitaine (which includes Dordogne and Charente, long popular with British buyers), Occitanie, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. The latter region — home to Marseille, Nice, Toulon and Aix-en-Provence — continues to attract both retirees and working-age residents.
Estate agents in parts of south-west France and along the Mediterranean coast report continued British demand, particularly since post-pandemic travel patterns stabilised and clarity emerged around post-Brexit residency rules.
Comparing quality of life and well-being
The most commonly cited quality-of-life advantages for Britons living in France — alongside property affordability in certain regions and access to healthcare — relate to broader social and economic factors that influence overall well-being.
Frequently mentioned factors include:
Work–life balance (often described as “working to live” rather than “living to work”)
Public healthcare coverage
Personal safety
Strong culinary and cultural traditions
Extensive public transport networks
A social emphasis on family life and leisure time
According to the latest available Global Health Estimates from the World Health Organization (released in 2023, citing 2021 data), average life expectancy in France stands at 82.5 years, compared to approximately 80 years in the UK. The WHO attributes France’s high life expectancy in part to its universal healthcare system, lifestyle factors and long-term public health policies.
For broader comparisons, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Better Life Index allows users to compare countries across 11 key indicators linked to well-being, including housing, income, jobs, community, education, environment and work–life balance. You can weight each factor according to your own priorities to see how France and the UK compare.