Has a move to France been on your mind for a while? Maybe you’ve brushed up on the lingo, have a soft spot for gooey French cheeses and can recognise a robust Bordeaux red with just a sip. But how do you carry your eco-friendly lifestyle into this next chapter? Luckily, France makes it easy. From cycling leafy lanes in Nantes to soaking up the sun in eco-conscious Nice, sustainability is woven into daily life. Whether it’s organic markets, smart city planning or energy-efficient homes, greener living is more than just a trend here… it’s a way of life. Whether you're picturing a cosy cottage in Brittany, a vineyard-view home in Provence, or a stylish apartment in Bordeaux, there’s a sustainable spot waiting for you. This guide explores France’s top green destinations and what makes them ideal for planet-friendly living in 2025.
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What to consider when buying sustainable properties in France in 2025
Buying a home in France isn’t just about finding the perfect vineyard view or pretty village square anymore (well it is, but there’s more to it!) It's also about making eco-friendly choices that match your values.
France is leading the way when it comes to sustainable living, thanks to strong commitments under the EU’s climate action plan and the European Green Deal. Eco-conscious buyers will be happy to hear that building renovations, energy efficiency, and sustainable development are hot topics across the country.
When searching for your dream eco-home, you’ll want to keep an eye out for properties with strong Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), known locally as diagnostic de performance énergétique (DPE). Properties in France are rated from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), and since January 2025, G-rated homes can no longer be rented out – with strict restrictions on F-rated properties coming soon after. This push for better standards means you’ll find more homes already upgraded with modern insulation, energy-saving systems, and even renewable features like solar panels.
Energy costs are another thing you will want to consider. France offers plenty of incentives to help homeowners install green energy systems such as solar panels or small-scale wind turbines. These not only help reduce your bills but can also increase your property’s value over time – a real bonus if you’re thinking long-term.
Finally, keep an eye on the latest regional developments. From eco-housing projects in the Dordogne countryside to green city initiatives in Nice, there are plenty of locations investing heavily in sustainable living. Whether you dream of a stone farmhouse surrounded by vineyards or a contemporary eco-apartment by the Mediterranean coast, there’s a greener future waiting for you in France. To see what green property options are available, check out our favourite green properties currently for sale in France.
Why invest in green destinations in France?
Choosing to invest in a green destination in France is more than just a smart financial decision, it’s a way to embrace the lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of. As part of the European Green Deal, France is doubling down on sustainability, with plans to boost solar energy and encourage greener living right across the country.
The government’s 2025 energy plan is set to make solar power more accessible than ever, with ambitious targets to double solar capacity by 2030. That means more eco-friendly homes, better incentives for installing renewable energy, and growing support for communities built around green living. Whether it’s a vineyard retreat in Provence or a cosy coastal home in Brittany, it’s never been easier to find a place that matches your eco values.
The focus on sustainability doesn’t just make life greener – it’s great news for future property value too. More and more buyers are seeking homes with strong energy ratings, lower running costs, and a lighter carbon footprint. Choosing an energy-efficient property now could mean you’re making a wise investment for the future.
And of course, living in a greener corner of France brings its own daily rewards: cleaner air, healthier living, and a closer connection to nature. Whether you picture yourself strolling through a leafy market town or sipping coffee in a sun-dappled garden, investing in a green destination lets you enjoy the very best of French living while doing your bit for the planet.
If the idea of combining sunny Riviera days with a greener way of life appeals to you, Nice might be the destination to steal your heart! Often thought of as the jewel of the French Riviera, Nice has quietly been reinventing itself, and in 2025 has earned the title of France’s number one green city.
Over the past few years, Nice has transformed its urban spaces with an ambitious tree-planting programme. The city is on track to plant one tree for every inhabitant by 2026, creating shady, breathable streets and parks across the city. One of its proudest achievements is the Promenade du Paillon, a lush green corridor in the heart of Nice, which has been expanded by another eight hectares since 2023.
Living here also means enjoying sustainable choices every day. From hopping on an electric tram to shopping at local organic markets or relaxing in one of the city’s verdant parks and gardens, Nice has made greener living part of every day life. The international airport is aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030, and Nice’s commitment to environmental leadership is clear – it will even host the United Nations Conference on Oceans in 2025.
Whether you dream of a sunny apartment near the sea or a peaceful hillside retreat, Nice offers a lifestyle where protecting the planet and enjoying life go hand in hand. It’s a city where living sustainably is effortless.
Tucked away in the heart of the Loire Valley, Angers has quietly grown into one of France’s greenest, most liveable cities – and in 2025, it’s shining brighter than ever. Regularly ranked as one of the greenest cities in France, Angers is a place where living sustainably comes easy.
Nature is woven through every part of this small but mighty city, and boasts twice the national average of green space per inhabitant. With parks, riverside paths, and lush gardens never more than 500 metres away from where you are. Stroll along leafy boulevards, picnic in beautifully maintained parks, or cycle the scenic routes that crisscross the surrounding countryside.
Angers is serious about its green future too. The city has already planted over 110,000 new trees and is investing millions more to double that number by 2026. With a strong focus on biodiversity, zero-pesticide maintenance of public spaces, and community-driven sustainability, Angers feels like a city that truly cares about the people who call it home.
With all the greenery surrounding you, air quality here is excellent (unsurprisingly), making it perfect for anyone dreaming of a slower paced life with plenty of time outdoors. And the best bit? Angers is just 1.5 hours by train from Paris and offers a wonderfully affordable cost of living compared to the capital.
If you’re looking for a place that blends nature, culture, and a strong sense of community, Angers offers the best of French living with a little extra green on top!
With its leafy parks, river views and bike-friendly streets, Nantes has long been known as one of France’s greenest cities – and it’s not slowing down. Voted the European Green Capital back in 2013, this vibrant city on the Loire has kept its eco-credentials sparkling clean ever since. In fact, it was recently ranked among the top 10 most sustainable cities in France in 2025 for its impressive environmental performance.
Nantes is leading the way when it comes to sustainable living. Over 100 parks and gardens are sprinkled around the city, and no resident lives more than 300 metres from a green space. Add in a strong cycling culture, extensive tram lines, car-sharing schemes and a focus on low-carbon transport, and you’ll see why so many people are drawn here.
In recent years, Nantes has doubled down on its green efforts with projects like the transformation of Île de Nantes – once a shipbuilding hub – into a lively eco-friendly district filled with affordable housing and sustainably designed neighbourhoods. The city’s commitment to sustainable energy, waste reduction and biodiversity protection makes it a shining example of how urban living and environmental care work together.
If you’re looking for a place that offers a dynamic city lifestyle with nature always close by, Nantes should be top of your list!
Set between two rivers and framed by rolling hills, Lyon is a city where history, gastronomy, and sustainability meet in perfect harmony. While visitors are often drawn here for its UNESCO-listed Old Town and vibrant Fête des Lumières, Lyon’s over 500,000 residents get to enjoy a green and forward-thinking city every day.
Lyon was one of the first European cities to introduce a bike-sharing scheme (Vélo’V) and continues to lead the way in sustainable living. The city’s ambitious regeneration projects, like the eco-renovation of the Confluence district and the green redevelopment of the La Duchère area, have created new parks, rooftop gardens, and solar-powered buildings that blend urban living with nature.
The Cité Internationale conference centre has pioneered smart energy use with its rainwater recycling systems, and the city’s airport achieved carbon-neutral status in 2017. Lyon is also investing heavily in reducing car traffic, expanding public transport, and protecting biodiversity, having signed the European Green City Accord.
In 2019, Lyon was named the European Capital of Smart Tourism – a title that still feels well deserved in 2025, as the city continues to balance culture, connectivity, and sustainability. Whether you picture yourself cycling along the Rhône or enjoying a fresh market lunch in one of its leafy squares, Lyon offers a lifestyle where eco-conscious living comes easy.
You’ll know Bordeaux for its wine and historic architecture, that’s for sure, but did you know that Bordeaux has spent the past few decades quietly reinventing itself as one of France’s greenest and most forward-thinking cities? In the 1990s, Bordeaux kickstarted its urban renewal by transforming its deserted riverbanks into beautiful pedestrian and cycle-friendly spaces – a move that signalled the city’s major shift towards sustainable living.
Today, Bordeaux is focused more than ever on building a greener future. The city boasts an extensive tram network, a city-wide bike-sharing scheme, and even a programme offering residents free bike loans for up to 10 months. On the right bank of the Garonne River, the Darwin Eco-System has turned former military barracks into a vibrant hub for sustainable living, with organic eateries, eco-conscious businesses, a skatepark, and a packed programme of green events.
Bordeaux’s ambitions aren’t limited to the city itself. The nearby wine-growing region has also been undergoing a major ecological transition of its own, with 60% of vineyards now certified as taking an environmental approach. With its “2020 Plan”, the Bordeaux Wine Council aims to push even further, working towards 100% certification white reducing emissions, cutting fossil fuel use, and boosting renewable energy across the region.
Recognised as a European Capital of Smart Tourism in 2022, Bordeaux continues to develop sustainable tourism initiatives, with a particular focus on encouraging car-free travel between the city, nearby beaches, and the wider Nouvelle-Aquitaine countryside. Whether you’re strolling along the regenerated quays or sipping organic wine in a sunny courtyard, Bordeaux makes sustainable living feel effortless and elegant.
Set in a lush, forested valley in Eastern France, Besançon has long been admired for its rich history and timeless architecture – but in 2025, it’s the city’s pioneering approach to green living that’s turning heads. Famous for its UNESCO-listed Citadel, Roman ruins, and charming riverbanks, Besançon offers a lifestyle where nature and heritage join together.
Besançon is one of France’s true sustainability leaders. The city has been a Zero Waste pioneer since 2008, cutting residual waste by 30% and putting a strong focus on recycling, composting, and waste prevention. It’s also pushing ahead with ambitious plans to become a carbon-neutral city under its Besançon 2025 project, investing heavily in renewable energy, soft mobility options like cycling and public transport, and protecting biodiversity through river restoration and tree planting initiatives.
Life here feels refreshingly green. More than 2,400 hectares of green space weave through the city limits, making it easy to enjoy the outdoors. Besançon’s public transport system is modern and accessible too, with over 200 buses and trams now offering contactless, tap-to-pay options – meaning it’s never been easier to leave the car behind and explore this beautiful city sustainably.
If you’re looking for a destination that values both its past and its planet, Besançon offers an inspiringly sustainable place to call home.
If you’ve been dreaming of living somewhere that blends French elegance with green living, Dijon could be your perfect match. Nestled between Paris and Lyon, this historic gem in Burgundy isn’t just about mustard and wine – it’s about crafting a better and more sustainable way of life!
Dijon has spent more than 20 years making quiet but powerful strides towards becoming a greener city. Its beautifully preserved city centre, with over 100 hectares protected by historic statues and monuments, invites you to wander car-free streets lined with charming cafés and markets. Beyond the city walls, around 68% of the wider region is made up of natural and agricultural space, so you’re never far from a breath of fresh country air.
But Dijon isn’t just resting on its historic laurels. It’s embraced innovation too, with one of the most efficient public transport networks in France and a clever eco-friendly heating system that uses recovered waste heat to keep homes warm. The city has already cut greenhouse gas emissions by 23% since 2010 – and is aiming for full carbon neutrality by 2050.
Life here moves at a thoughtful pace. Dijon has introduced a “softer” version of low-emissions zone that covers the entire metropolitan area thanks to already excellent air quality, so excellent in fact, that Dijon’s air quality is already below the European thresholds set for 2030. And through its “Sustainable Food 2030” project, Dijon is helping support local producers and enjoy the region’s incredible food with a lighter environmental footprint.
With a more affordable cost of living than Paris, a vibrant cultural scene, and a strong focus on living sustainably, Dijon proves that you can have it all.
Blue skies, sea breezes and a sustainable city life… Sounds like Marseille! Known as the sunniest city in France, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Marseille is steadily carving out a greener future – and it’s doing it with typical Mediterranean flair.
Over the last few years, Marseille has made major strides towards sustainability. The city has joined the GDS Index and the NetZeroCities initiative, committing to ambitious climate goals like achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. From the “Marseille Sustainable Destination” charter to grassroots projects that promote renewable energy, tree planting, and greywater recycling, there’s a genuine sense of momentum here.
One of the city’s standout green projects is the Parc des Aydalades – a 480-hectare urban renewal area creating fresh green spaces for residents to enjoy. New cycling paths, eco districts and urban gardens are blossoming all around the city, making it super accessible to live car-free and close to nature.
Add in Marseille’s excellent public transport network (trams, buses, and metro), its dynamic job market, and its relatively affordable property prices compared to other cities on the French Riviera, and it's clear why more people are considering life by the sea here.
If you’re looking for a vibrant, sun-soaked city that’s serious about its environmental future, consider starting a sustainable life in Marseille.
Strasbourg, the largest city in the Grand Est region, has always been a charmer. From its storybook streets and shimmering canals to its magnificent cathedral and UNESCO-listed historic centre, it’s easy to fall in love with this Alsatian gem. But there’s even more to love when you realise how seriously Strasbourg takes sustainability.
Recognised in the GDS Index for its strong sustainability credentials, Strasbourg has been putting eco-friendly living at the heart of its vision for years. The city has launched initiatives to limit environmental impact, promote local businesses, protect biodiversity, and make sure everyone is part of the conversation. Even the tourism strategy is built on collaboration and sustainability, making Strasbourg a truly forward-thinking eco-destination.
For daily life, the city makes it easy to leave your car behind. Strasbourg boasts one of France’s most impressive cycling networks, with over 600kms of bike paths, an excellent tram system, and easy bike-share access. Walking feels effortless too, especially when it takes you through fairytale streets lined with Renaissance, Romantic and Art Nouveau architecture.
When it comes to places to stay, shop, and dine, you’ll find a growing number of eco-certified hotels, restaurants and event venues. Green spaces and biodiversity projects also mean that nature is never far away, whether you’re cycling along the riverbanks or picnicking in one of the many leafy parks.
Thanks to rapid train links to Paris, Frankfurt and beyond, plus an international airport on the doorstep, Strasbourg makes a brilliant home base for any eco-conscious Francophile.
Whether you’re savouring a glass of local Gewürztraminer or simply enjoying the clean air, living sustainably in Strasbourg feels as natural as breathing.
While Paris has always been celebrated for its manicured gardens and iconic boulevards, it’s quickly emerging as one of the greenest cities in Europe. Thanks to bold initiatives led by Mayor Anne Hidalgo, the City of Light is undergoing a true eco-makeover – and by 2025, it’s already showing stunning results.
Since the start of Hidalgo’s ambitious Plan Climat, Paris has been on a mission to cut emissions, green its public spaces, and promote sustainable urban living. Today, 50% of the city is on track to be covered in planted areas by 2030, with 170,000 new trees being planted across the capital. Major roads like the Seine riverside expressways have been reclaimed for pedestrians and cyclists, and Parisians are increasingly embracing low-emission zones, greener transport, and local produce markets.
For newcomers, Paris offers a dynamic urban lifestyle that doesn’t sacrifice eco-values. You can cycle along the 1,000km of bike lanes, enjoy a coffee in one of the city’s many community gardens, or hop on a bus running entirely on renewable energy. In 2025, Paris is preparing to host major global sustainability events, including The World Expo of Solutions for the Planet, cementing its reputation as a leader in green innovation.
Whether you dream of living in a leafy arrondissement or soaking up the buzz of a vibrant, sustainable city centre, Paris proves that you can lead a green life while benefitting from a truly cosmopolitan environment.
Whether you’re dreaming of living under the sun-soaked skies of the Côte d’Azur, strolling through vineyard-covered hills, or cycling through vibrant eco-cities, France has no shortage of beautiful places to live sustainably. From cutting-edge green capitals to charming rural retreats, these 10 destinations prove that a move to France in 2025 can make your eco-friendly dreams come true.
With new sustainability initiatives flourishing across the country, there’s never been a better time to start planning your next chapter. So where will you start your greener life? Will you find your forever home in the leafy avenues of Nice, the vineyards of Bordeaux, or the riverside parkways of Nantes?
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