9 Top Places in Northern France For Expats To Enjoy A Slower Pace Of Life

Last updated on August 11th, 2024 at 01:40 pm

If you’ve been dreaming about moving to France and living the Expat life, you’re in the right place. Northern France is a popular spot with both UK and American Expats as the price of property is good and there is a lively, English-speaking Expat community.

It’s a place where you can integrate seamlessly into the local way of life and where every day brings a new opportunity to explore and appreciate the French countryside. 

The close proximity to the UK means you have easy access to the larger airports, which is a good excuse to do some sightseeing across the water.

To learn more, here are 12 top places in Northern France for expats. 

No 1 Veules-les-Roses

Veules-les-Roses is a picturesque little village on the Normandy coast with beautiful timbered and thatched cottages, windy country lanes, and gorgeous old mills. It’s reminiscent of something you’d see in England. 

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It’s roughly a two-hour drive from Paris, making it accessible yet peacefully remote. The village is a member of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (Most Beautiful Villages of France), awarded to villages of exceptional beauty.

On the edge of the village is the River Veules, which is the shortest river in France at just over 1100 metres. Dating back to around the 4th century, it was originally a fishing village until spinning mills became popular. During the Middle Ages, all you could see were mills, and now, there is only one working mill in existence, as many of them were damaged in the Second World War.

During the 19th century, it became a popular retreat for artists and writers, including Victor Hugo, who used the village for inspiration. It didn’t take long for the elite of Parisian society to discover it, making it the destination of choice for those looking for a seaside resort not too far from home.

In terms of living costs, the average house rental price in Veules-les-Roses is relatively moderate compared to larger French cities. As of recent estimates, renting a house here costs around €800-€1,200 per month, depending on the property’s size and location. 

No 2 Bayeux

Just a few miles inland from the D-Day beaches in Normandy is Bayeux, famous for its tapestry, a medieval masterpiece that tells the story of William the Conqueror’s invasion of England in 1066. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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It was also the first French city to be liberated by the British during the Normandy landings in World War II. One interesting historical fact about Bayeux is that it miraculously escaped bombing during World War II, preserving its historical buildings and making it one of the few towns in Normandy that looks much as it did before the war. 

If you love food, you’ll be in the right place. The region is famous for its apple ciders, particularly Calvados and Camembert cheese; the two go together like peanut butter and jelly.

The average house rental price is about €600-€1,000 per month, depending on the property’s size and location.

No 3 – Etretat

Etretat is on the Alabaster Coast with stunning chalk cliffs and pebble beaches made famous by Claude Monet. The famous Arch and Needle formations provide stunning views and endless opportunities for coastal walks, perfect if you have a dog and enjoy the outdoors. 

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Although it’s only a small seaside town, it’s featured in Maurice Leblanc’s novels, which are based around the character Arsène Lupin, a detective similar to Sherlock Holmes.

The novel The Hollow Needle (L’Aiguille Creuse) involving a hidden treasure within the cliffs, was set in Etretat.

The average house rental price ranges from €700-€1,200 per month, depending on the property’s size and proximity to the coast.

No 4 – Rouen

With approximately 2,000 half-timbered houses, Rouen is filled with picturesque buildings, many of which date back to the late Middle Ages. It’s like stepping into the pages of a history book.

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Rouen is another city that was a favourite of Claude Monet. Between 1892 and 1894, he famously painted the Rouen cathedral over 30 times. He focused on capturing the facade of the cathedral at different times of the day and under various lighting and weather conditions, highlighting the way light and atmosphere could dramatically alter the appearance of the structure.

The old quarter is particularly lovely, with its maze-like streets leading to iconic landmarks such as the Gros Horloge, an astronomical clock from the 14th century, and the Place du Vieux-Marché, where Joan of Arc was martyred in 1431. With all the convenience of a larger city, it has a wonderful village-like feel that allows for a slower pace of life.

The average house rental price ranges from €700 to €1,200 per month, depending on the property’s location and size.

No 5 – Saint-Valery-sur-Somme

Saint-Valery-sur-Somme is a seaside town at the mouth of the Somme River in Picardy. Its historic high quarter is a former citadel that still retains its medieval ramparts and gates. The lower quarter, along the waterfront, is dotted with colourful fishing cottages and offers gorgeous views across the Somme Estuary.

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A regional speciality is a brioche-style cake, Gateau Battu, which is usually given to friends and family on special occasions. I’ve not tasted it myself, but I have it on good authority that it’s really good with Picardy cider or rhubarb jam. 

The Somme Bay area is home to the largest seal colony in France. The best spot to see them is on the pebble beach near Le Hourdel. Timing is crucial; the best period for seal watching is from three hours before low tide to about two and a half hours afterwards. They love to sunbathe, often turning their noses up to soak in the sun’s warmth. 

The region is now known as Hauts de France, but the locals still refer to it as Picardy. The average house rental price is around €600-€1,000 per month, depending on the property’s size and location. 

The Best Places in Northern France For Expats

Whether you’re looking to rent a cosy cottage or buy a rustic farmhouse, Northern France is the perfect retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

From the cobblestone streets of Bayeux to the coastal cliffs of Etretat, time seems to slow down in this region, allowing you to savour each moment.