France is not just Paris, and in 2025 and 2026 international job seekers are increasingly looking to other major French cities for career opportunities and quality of life. Toulouse, Lille, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Nantes, and Montpellier each offer strong industries, international connections, and attractive lifestyles for expatriates. With sectors ranging from aerospace and finance to wine, law, biotech, and digital technology, these cities are building reputations as career destinations in their own right. Entering these job markets requires preparation, and a CV adapted for French employers by proresume.fr can make all the difference for international candidates.
As with all of France, visas and work permits are essential for non European Union citizens. EU and EEA citizens can live and work freely, while others must apply for permits. The salarié visa is used for employment contracts, while the passeport talent is designed for highly skilled professionals in science, research, and technology. Temporary and seasonal permits are also available, particularly in agriculture, tourism, and hospitality. Applications are made through French consulates abroad, and validation is required after arrival. Full details are available at service-public.fr, which remains the key government resource for expats.
Recruitment agencies are present in all these cities. Pôle Emploi at pole-emploi.fr provides listings nationwide, while APEC at apec.fr specializes in executives. Adecco, Randstad, Manpower, Michael Page, and Robert Walters all operate in these regions, covering finance, IT, logistics, and industry. For multilingual candidates, Approach People and Euro London Appointments are active across several French cities. To succeed, job seekers need CVs in French style, and proresume.fr helps candidates stand out in a competitive hiring process.
Toulouse is the aerospace capital of Europe. Airbus, headquartered here, is the largest employer in the region, along with companies like Thales and ATR. Engineering, IT, and manufacturing jobs are abundant, and the city is also a centre for research, science, and education through Université Toulouse III and research institutes. Expatriates are drawn to districts like Capitole, Carmes, and Saint Cyprien, while families often choose suburbs like Blagnac or Balma, close to Airbus facilities. The cost of living is lower than Paris, though rising due to housing demand. Transport is excellent, with Toulouse Blagnac Airport providing international connections and high speed trains linking Bordeaux and Paris. For engineers, researchers, and academics, Toulouse remains one of the strongest cities for international careers.
Lille, in the north of France near Belgium, has long been a centre for commerce and industry. In 2025 and 2026 it is also a hub for finance, logistics, and retail. The city is home to Crédit Mutuel Nord Europe, BNP Paribas, and insurance companies, while logistics and distribution firms benefit from Lille’s location between Paris, Brussels, and London. E commerce is strong here, with companies like OVHcloud in the technology sector. Expats enjoy living in districts like Vieux Lille, with its historic streets, or modern developments around Euralille, the business district. The city is affordable compared to Paris, and its Eurostar connections make international travel easy. Universities in Lille also employ many international academics and researchers. For finance, industry, and cross border trade, Lille is one of the most promising cities.
Bordeaux is synonymous with wine, but it is also one of France’s fastest growing cities in terms of technology and business. The city hosts aerospace facilities linked to Dassault Aviation and ArianeGroup, and it has a thriving digital sector with start ups and established companies in AI, fintech, and green tech. Wine and viticulture remain central, providing jobs in production, tourism, and export. Expats are drawn to Bordeaux for its mix of culture, quality of life, and proximity to the Atlantic coast. Popular neighbourhoods include Chartrons, known for wine heritage, and Bastide, a redeveloped riverside district. The cost of living is rising as the city becomes more attractive, but it is still lower than Paris. Bordeaux is connected by TGV to Paris in just over two hours, and Bordeaux Mérignac Airport offers international flights. For professionals in wine, digital, and aerospace, Bordeaux is a growing centre of opportunity.
Strasbourg, located on the Rhine and close to Germany, is home to major European institutions. The European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights are all based here, creating career opportunities in law, public policy, translation, and administration. Biotech and healthcare are also strong, with institutions like the University Hospitals of Strasbourg and research facilities. The city is multilingual and international, with German influence shaping culture and commerce. Expats live in districts such as Grande Île, a UNESCO heritage site, or Neudorf, a family friendly residential area. The cost of living is moderate, with housing more affordable than Paris but higher than smaller French towns. Strasbourg is well connected by train to Paris, Frankfurt, and Luxembourg, and its airport serves the region. For lawyers, policymakers, researchers, and healthcare professionals, Strasbourg is unique in combining French and European roles.
Nantes, on the Atlantic coast, has built a reputation as a centre for technology, maritime industries, and culture. Shipbuilding and logistics have long been important, and in 2025 and 2026 the city is known for its digital economy, with start ups in software, gaming, and AI. Major employers include Airbus Atlantic, Naval Group, and STX France. Nantes is also one of France’s most sustainable cities, investing heavily in green infrastructure. Expats enjoy districts such as Île de Nantes, a redeveloped area with cultural venues and tech companies, and Graslin, known for its historic architecture. The cost of living is moderate, and the city is popular with families for its schools and environment. Nantes Atlantique Airport and fast rail links connect the city to Paris and Europe. For IT professionals, engineers, and maritime specialists, Nantes is a leading destination.
Montpellier, in the south near the Mediterranean, is a university city with one of the youngest populations in France. Education, healthcare, and research dominate the local economy, with Université de Montpellier and numerous hospitals and biotech companies. The city also has a vibrant start up ecosystem in technology and life sciences. Expats are drawn to Montpellier for its Mediterranean lifestyle, affordable cost of living compared to Paris and Nice, and growing international community. Popular areas include Écusson, the historic centre, and Port Marianne, a modern district with new housing and offices. Healthcare is a major employer, and teachers of English and other languages also find opportunities in universities and schools. Montpellier is connected by TGV to Paris and Lyon, and Montpellier Méditerranée Airport offers flights across Europe. For students, academics, and professionals in health and tech, the city offers both opportunity and lifestyle.
Healthcare and education are strong across all these cities. Workers are covered by Assurance Maladie after registering at ameli.fr, and many take a mutuelle for extra coverage. Universities in Toulouse, Lille, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Nantes, and Montpellier all employ international academics, and foreign qualifications can be recognised by ENIC NARIC France at france-education-international.fr. Public schools are free but primarily French speaking, and each city also has private and international schools to serve expatriate families.
The cost of living in these cities is generally lower than Paris, though it varies. Toulouse and Bordeaux are more expensive than Montpellier or Lille, while Strasbourg and Nantes are in between. Rent is the main expense, but housing is more affordable outside Paris. The national minimum wage, SMIC, is published each year at travail-emploi.gouv.fr. Salaries are typically lower than Paris but balance with lower living costs. Public transport is efficient, with metro systems in Toulouse, Lille, and Strasbourg, tram networks in Bordeaux, Nantes, and Montpellier, and regional rail connections across France. Cycling is also encouraged in many of these cities.
Cultural life is another attraction. Toulouse offers historic squares, music, and rugby, with Stade Toulousain a famous club. Lille is known for its braderie market, museums, and proximity to Belgium. Bordeaux is celebrated for its wine festivals and riverfront. Strasbourg has Christmas markets and Franco German heritage. Nantes is famous for its Machines de l’Île and maritime culture. Montpellier hosts festivals, beaches, and Mediterranean cuisine. For expatriates, these cultural differences make each city unique, while still offering French traditions and community.
Networking is essential in these cities, as in all of France. Chambers of commerce, professional clusters, and start up incubators provide entry points. Toulouse Aerospace Valley, Lille’s Euralille business district, Bordeaux’s French Tech hub, Strasbourg’s European institutions, Nantes’s digital clusters, and Montpellier’s Med Vallée biotech ecosystem all host events and opportunities. Business France at businessfrance.fr supports entrepreneurs and international professionals nationwide. With a CV adapted by proresume.fr, expats can make the most of these networks.
The outlook for 2025 and 2026 is positive across these cities. Toulouse will expand its aerospace and research industries. Lille will grow in finance, logistics, and tech. Bordeaux will continue its rise in wine, digital, and aerospace. Strasbourg will strengthen its role in European governance, law, and biotech. Nantes will expand as a green and digital hub. Montpellier will grow in education, healthcare, and start ups. Government investment at gouvernement.fr supports innovation, infrastructure, and sustainability in these regions. Demand for engineers, healthcare staff, IT specialists, teachers, and multilingual professionals will remain high.
For international job seekers, these six cities prove that opportunity in France extends far beyond Paris. Toulouse, Lille, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Nantes, and Montpellier each offer career potential, cultural richness, and livable environments. Families find schools and healthcare, young professionals find vibrant communities, and all expats benefit from lower costs compared to Paris. With preparation, the right visa, and expert CV support from proresume.fr, international candidates can build successful careers and fulfilling lives in these thriving French cities.