Do they speak English in Paris? Paris, the capital of France, is the city that has the most good English speakers in France. 60.28% of Parisians have at least a conversational level.
The main destinations of British migration to France apart from Paris are rural areas of France and the southern areas of the country. The major regions chosen by this community are Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Occitanie, Brittany and Corsica.
The number of Britons living in other regions of France can also be calculated using Insee reports. The most recent figures (released in June 2024) using administrative data from 2021 show: Nouvelle-Aquitaine – 38,814 British residents.
Its own mayor described has Nice as “the most British” city in France, but in truth the whole world flocks to one of France's most liveable cities. It also happens to have just about the best weather in the country. But what of the property in Nice, and where should you look to buy?
12 Best Places to Retire in France For English Speaking | Retire Comfortably
Which French city is closest to England?
Calais overlooks the Strait of Dover, the narrowest point in the English Channel, which is only 34 km (21 mi) wide here, and is the closest French town to England.
The historical province of Brittany is a region in Northwest France, and is comprised of five departments. Sometimes referred to as “Less”, “Lesser” or “Little Britain”, what Brittany is most known for is its deep Celtic roots.
In fact, only 39% of the population in France say that they can speak English. The older generation didn't need to learn English at school and the newer generation is rather self-conscious as teachers are strict and focus more on grammar than speaking.
The shortest distance across the strait, at approximately 20 miles (32 kilometres), is from the South Foreland, northeast of Dover in the English county of Kent, to Cap Gris Nez, a cape near to Calais in the French département of Pas-de-Calais.
One of the biggest lifestyle shifts for Brits moving to France is the work-life balance. The French take their leisure time seriously, with strict labor laws ensuring shorter working hours and generous holiday allowances.
Living in a major French city as a non-French speaker is far easier than settling in a rural village. In Paris, Lyon, and Nice, large international communities, multilingual professionals, and English-speaking services make it possible to get by without speaking French.
Once the playground of kings and queens, the Loire Valley is in some ways the most French part of France. The accent of its residents is considered the purest in the country — the one news anchors try to emulate.
Where is the best place to live in France to learn French?
The best cities to learn French in France are Paris, Lyon, Montpellier, Nice, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Aix-en-Provence and Grenoble. These cities offer a combination of immersive learning opportunities, cultural richness, and accessibility for both beginners and adult learners.
The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, particularly the departments of Dordogne, Charente, and Deux-Sèvres, has long been a top destination for British expats. Often nicknamed “Dordogneshire”, this area blends countryside, historic towns, and a well-established English-speaking community.
Little England in the Seven Valleys, Pas-de-Calais. Deep in the heart of rural France, in the Seven Valleys area of Pas-de-Calais in the north is a sizeable community of English speaking expats. This part of France is very popular with British, Dutch and Belgian holidaymakers, second-homers and émigrés.
The Pale of Calais remained part of England until unexpectedly lost by Mary I to France in 1558. After secret preparations, 30,000 French troops, led by Francis, Duke of Guise, took the city, which quickly capitulated under the Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis (1559).
The white cliffs of Dover on the English coast are visible from France on a clear day. Jim Bagley I don't doubt this either. From a friend's flat on Deal seafront, you could see all the individual buildings clearly in Calais, especially on a sunny evening.
Almost 96 per cent of Black Britons live in England, particularly in England's larger urban areas, with close to 1.2 million living in Greater London. 47.8% of the total Black British population live in London.
