Accommodation in France

The standard of accommodation in France is similar to that of other Western European countries, with comfortable but small living quarters dominating the housing market. When moving to France, you’ll find plenty of reasonably priced, comfortable housing options despite the current market slowdown.

Housing in France varies from studio apartments and condos to cottages, farmhouses and even châteaux. It is generally best to know well in advance the type of accommodation you’re in the market for, as competition can be fierce in popular expat areas like Paris, Provence and the Dordogne.

Types of accommodation in France

The types of accommodation in France depend largely on the region. Most cities offer apartments and studios, and as you travel further from the cities, iconic French châteaux, farm cottages and stone houses are more readily available. Housing construction has sharply declined, with only around 60,000 new homes built for sale in 2024, making existing properties all the more valuable.

While shipping furniture to France is a viable option, you can rest assured that you won’t have much difficulty finding furniture after arriving in the country. Paris, in particular, is wonderfully shopper-friendly, boasting a famous range of second-hand and antique shops and several modern superstores.

Shipping and Removals in France

Apartments

By far the most common type of accommodation in French cities, apartments are usually rented out on a monthly basis. They vary in size from small studio apartments to sprawling high-end condos, with an equally vast range in price. French apartments tend to be smaller than their American counterparts, with Paris known for particularly compact living spaces compared to other European capitals.

Cottages

Cottages are more common in rural areas of France. These are usually for sale, but some are rented out on a short-term basis for holidaymakers, especially near the coastal regions in the south of France. Cottages in rural France are also frequently available for renovation projects. These can be bought for a low price but usually need considerable restoration, particularly in areas of energy efficiency, roofing, and plumbing.

Cottages vary considerably in price depending on their condition, location and size. They can be suitable for families planning to live in France for a long period or those who want to avoid the fast pace of city life.

Châteaux

If you have a slightly larger budget, you may consider buying or renting a stunning château, many of which have rich histories dating back to the Middle Ages. Most have been renovated over the years and have all the amenities expected of a modern home. Château renovations often involve significant investments with historical preservation requirements, so be prepared for ongoing maintenance costs.

Furnished vs unfurnished

Both furnished and unfurnished accommodation are available in France. Furnished options are inevitably more expensive and more likely to be available for short-term rental. It is always important to fully inventory the apartment’s condition on arrival. This not only simplifies matters for both tenant and landlord but also demonstrates responsibility.

Be aware that unfurnished accommodation in France, unlike many other destinations, does not usually include white-label appliances such as refrigerators or washing machines. Air conditioning is not a common feature, except in the south of the country, while an adequate heating system is essential for the country’s cold winters.

Short lets

Short-term accommodation options in France have expanded beyond traditional holiday rentals. Serviced apartments are growing in popularity, with thousands of new units expected to open in the next few years. Coliving spaces that combine living quarters with coworking facilities are gaining traction, particularly among digital nomads and remote workers. New Paris short-term rental laws mandate energy ratings, registration, and 90-day caps for properties by 2026, so check the latest regulations before booking.

Useful links

• Airbnb France
• Vrbo France

Finding accommodation in France

Finding accommodation in France can be achieved through several effective channels. Online property portals like SeLoger, LeBonCoin, and PAP.fr dominate the market, with millions of monthly visitors browsing their listings. These sites often include virtual tours and 3D viewings, making remote property hunting more accessible than ever. Beyond these digital platforms, the classifieds in various print and online publications remain valuable resources, often including scheduled viewing times.

You may find it difficult to secure accommodation in France before moving to the country, as most landlords and property owners prefer doing business with people they’ve met in person. It is usually also best to see the property in person before committing to a lease, especially given the up to six-month waiting time for studio apartments in Paris.

Another way to find accommodation in France is networking. Due to extremely high competition among potential tenants, some of the best properties available may not be advertised publicly. Make connections and ask around to find out if anyone in your social circle may know of something. Expat Facebook groups and regional anglophone social networks have proven particularly effective for uncovering unadvertised gems.

If you don’t mind the extra fees or don’t want to deal directly with a landlord, you can always use a real estate agency. This option is good if you’re in a rush and don’t have time to browse the market yourself. Agency fees typically amount to around 5 percent of the property price, which is higher than the European average.

Useful links

• SeLoger: France’s Leading Property Portal
• LeBonCoin: Classified Property Ads
• PAP: Direct Owner-to-Tenant Rentals
• BienIci: Property Search Platform

Renting accommodation in France

Renting accommodation in France is the most common option for expats. Housing costs are mainly determined by location, with Paris and the Île-de-France region maintaining the highest tension in the rental market, followed by Lyon and Bordeaux. The golden rule is that the closer the accommodation is to the city centre, the higher the rent will be.

As a result, it is not uncommon to seek accommodation in slightly outlying districts of French cities. These areas often offer bigger properties that are in better shape and boast more creature comforts, like air conditioning and double glazing, than anything available in the downtown areas.

Making an application

When seeking accommodation in French cities, you’ll need to act swiftly once you find a place because of the intense competition and demand in the city, with listings sometimes being taken down minutes after going up.

A good impression with a prospective landlord can be the difference between signing a lease and having to continue the search, especially when there are dozens of other eager candidates. Come prepared with all the necessary documents so that you can get the ball rolling as swiftly as possible.

Your dossier should include proof of identity, three months of income statements, previous rental references and, for non-EU nationals, visa or residence permit documentation. Many landlords also require a guarantor, particularly for students or those without a French credit history.

Leases

Standard leases in France are generally for 12 months. It is possible to negotiate shorter leases directly with the landlord, but most property owners are reluctant to do so. For more flexibility, consider a mobility lease, which runs from 1 to 10 months and allows you to give just one month’s notice.

The law in France mostly favours the tenant, meaning that evicting or raising the rent can be difficult for a landlord. A letter must be sent to the tenant at least six months before a rental increase, informing them of the landlord’s intentions. The landlord also has to show that the rental increase is in line with the property's market value. Rent increases are strictly regulated, with landlords limited to one increase per year based on the IRL index.

Deposits

The deposit for an apartment is usually one month’s rent, with the expectation that you will provide two months’ rent in advance in addition to this. If the inventory shows no damage upon your departure, the full deposit should be returned, with 80 percent of deposits typically released within one to two months.

Terminating the lease

To terminate your lease in France, written notice must be given according to the terms specified in your contract. The standard notice period is three months for unfurnished properties and one month for furnished apartments, although this can be reduced under certain circumstances, such as job loss or health issues. Once notice is given, schedule a move-out inspection with your landlord. This final inventory (état des lieux de sortie) compares the property’s current condition to its state when you moved in.

Breaking a lease early typically means you’re responsible for paying the remainder of the lease term. For mobility leases specifically, tenants can end them without penalty with proper notice. Be aware that the winter truce (trêve hivernale) prevents landlords from evicting tenants between 1 November and 31 March each year, even for non-payment of rent.

Useful links

• Service-Public: Official Notice Period Information

Utilities in France

Managing utilities in France involves understanding the local market and providers. When signing a lease, read the paperwork carefully to understand what is included in the rental price. You are usually responsible for paying your own utility bills, but in the case of short-term rentals, these may be included.

French law also requires tenants living in apartment buildings to take out inexpensive rental insurance to protect against theft, fire and damage to the communal areas. This insurance is mandatory for all tenants in both furnished and unfurnished properties. If you fail to obtain appropriate coverage, your landlord can legally terminate your lease.

Electricity and gas

Setting up electricity and gas in France typically involves contacting providers like EDF and Engie – the two most prevalent suppliers since the market was liberalised. To establish service, you’ll need your rental agreement, identification, and banking details for direct debit payments. You must apply to your local EDF office to have your electricity connected and sign a contract specifying the power supply needed.

Most homes use electric heating in cities and gas in rural areas. Electricity bills are typically mailed every two months based on historical consumption patterns.

France has implemented strict energy efficiency standards with real consequences for landlords. Since January 2023, properties consuming more than 450 kWh/m²/year (classified as G+) have been banned from the rental market. From January 2025, all G-rated properties will be deemed unfit for rental, although smaller apartments received exemptions in 2024 updates.

Water

Water service in France is managed by municipal authorities or private companies like Veolia and Suez, which dominate the market. In apartment buildings, water is often included in your communal charges and billed collectively. For individual houses, you’ll need to contact the local water company to set up service in your name.

Water quality is generally excellent throughout France. Hard water (high calcium content) is common in many regions, which may affect appliances over time.

Bins and recycling

Waste collection in France is managed locally with specific systems varying by commune. Collection schedules differ by location – from daily in city centres to weekly in rural areas. Waste disposal is typically covered by the taxe d’habitation or included in your building charges. Most areas provide separate bins for general waste, recyclables (paper, plastic, metal), and glass.

France has taken bold steps in waste management, becoming the first country to ban the destruction of unsold non-food products. Since 2024, electrical and electronic devices must display a repairability and durability index.

Internet

Internet service in France offers good coverage in urban areas, with fibre connections increasingly available nationwide.  Major providers include Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free. The government’s ‘Fibre For All’ initiative aims to provide fibre coverage across France to address the significant urban-rural divide. Connection speeds vary significantly between locations, with inconsistent deployment in rural areas.

Setting up the service typically requires a French bank account, proof of address, and identification. Most providers offer bundle packages, including internet, TV, and phone services.

For non-French speakers, several providers now offer English-language customer support.

Useful links

• Energy: EDF, Engie, TotalEnergies, Antargaz
• Water: Veolia, Suez
• Internet/Telecommunications: Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, Free