Living in Provence & the French Riviera : everything expats need to know
You've seen the photos. Lavender fields, a stone mas bathed in golden light, a glass of rosé at sunset on the French Riviera.
Maybe you picked up a copy of Peter Mayle, browsed a real estate listing, or simply fell in love after one summer trip to the south of France. And now you're seriously asking: could I actually live here?
The short answer is yes — and thousands of Americans and Brits already do. The region has attracted a huge international community, with Americans, Australians, and Brits making up a significant share of the expat population. Life in Provence moves at a different pace. The climate is mild, the region boasts around 300 days of sunshine a year, with warm weather stretching from April through October. Winters are gentle compared to Brittany or Paris. The food, the wine, the outdoor activities, the natural beauty — the quality of life here is simply hard to beat.
Moving to France takes planning, but it's more achievable than you think. Visa requirements, cost of living, healthcare, the local job market, property and rental options — this guide covers it all. Cities like Aix-en-Provence and Marseille offer urban amenities and easy access to public transport, while the Provençal countryside delivers privacy, nature, and that relaxed lifestyle you've been dreaming about. The expat community is growing, welcoming, and very good at sharing what works.
Life in Provence is waiting. Keep reading to find out how to make it yours.
All our articles for expats in Provence & the French Riviera.
This section of Provence Web is your go-to resource for expat life in Provence — from buying property to settling in, everything you need to make the move is here.
Real Estate
From finding the perfect village to navigating the French buying process, our real estate section covers everything expats need to know about property in Provence.
All our articles about real estate for expats :
Buying a house in Provence: step-by-step guide for Americans and Brits
How much does property cost in Provence?
Renting in Provence long-term
Working with a French real estate agent
Practical Guide
Visas, healthcare, banking, schools — all the practical information you need to make your move to Provence as smooth as possible.
Cost of living in Provence
Visas & Residency for Americans and Brits moving to France
Healthcare in Provence for expats
Opening a French bank account as an American and Brit
How to move to Provence as an expat
International Schools in Provence
Life in Provence as an expat
What is daily life really like in Provence? Markets, seasons, social life, language — get an honest picture of life on the ground.
What is it really like to live in Provence?
The seasons of Provence
Expat community in Provence
Markets, food & daily life in Provence
Learning French in Provence
What is the job market like in Provence
How to build a social life in Provence
If you have any other questions, feel free to send us an email. We’d be happy to help : contact@provenceweb.fr
