Living in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Cost of living in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

According to LivingCost.org, the cost of living in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is the fifth most expensive region in France and was voted the second-best region to live in. The site estimates that a single person living in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur would need an average of €1306 including rent for a single person or €3,277 for a family of four. Of course, the bigger cities such as Marseilles and Nice will be slightly more expensive than smaller towns and villages and prices will also be inflated along the famed Côte d'Azur coastline as it’s a big holiday destination too. However, there are plenty of spots in this vast area to the north or slightly further inland where you can still find bargains and you won’t have to spend as much on day-to-day living either. 

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur geography

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur geography is made up of so many different landscapes that you’re almost spoiled for choice. The very north and east of the region is dominated by the southern Alpes while the south is blessed with fine white sand beaches backed by almost turquoise-coloured seas. To the southwest lies one of Europe’s most important wetlands – the Camargue regional park, home to wild horses and flamingos. Inland north of Marseille is the attractive villages and lavender fields of Provence. The region's centre is filled with natural parks, from the Luberon regional park with its verdant green and ochre-coloured hills and the dramatic rocky Alpilles Natural Regional Park to the Préalpes d'Azur park, crisscrossed with excellent hiking trails.

Main attractions and destinations in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Discover what cities are in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur to help you decide where you might want to live in the region. The two main and biggest cities in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur are Marseille and Nice, but there are countless smaller towns and cities that would make for excellent places to live such as Antibes, Arles, Avignon and Aix-en-Provence. One of the biggest attractions of the region is the coast. Still, there are also numerous historical attractions, including the Palais des Papes and bridge in Avignon and the 12th century Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque in Provence, surrounded by fields of fragrant flowers.

What’s it like to live in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur?

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is a popular area for foreigners to live in because of the diverse areas to choose from. Whether you want coastal living, big cosmopolitan cities, quaint Provence villages, mountains, or to live within a stone’s throw from national parks, this region has it all. Some of the best places to live in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur include Nice, which is popular with expats who want the conveniences of a big city and the beach and Marseille, which is too is growing in popularity. For retirees, as well as those looking for a more glamorous lifestyle, some of the best places lie along Côte d'Azur, in places such as Cannes and St Tropez, although keep in mind that property prices here are on par with Paris. If you’re looking for something less expensive but equally as attractive when living in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, try the historic cities of Arles and Avignon. 

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