France has always been a favorite for Canadians on a working holiday—and it’s easy to see why. From charming cafés and historic streets to modern jobs and exciting cultural events, it’s the perfect blend of work and travel. Thanks to the long-standing Youth Mobility Agreement between Canada and France, you can experience life abroad while earning a paycheck. But where should you go? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best cities to live in France on a working holiday—places where finding work, making friends, and enjoying French life is all part of the adventure.
For many Canadians, the idea of living in France feels both exciting and familiar. After all, French is one of Canada’s two official languages, and about 22% of the population speaks it as their first language. Even if you’re not fluent, spending time in France is a fun and immersive way to improve your skills while experiencing a new culture.
What makes France especially appealing for a working holiday? The lifestyle. The culture. And the location! Whether you’re based in Paris, Lyon, or one of the best cities in France to visit, you’re never too far from your next European adventure. With low-cost airlines and high-speed trains, hopping over to Spain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium… for the weekend is totally doable—sometimes for under 30 euros (CAD 50 approx.) round trip!
And while you’re living your best life abroad, you also get the chance to work—just like back home in Canada. Whether you’re interested in hospitality, tourism, english teaching or seasonal work, there are plenty of opportunities in some of the best cities in France to live on a working holiday. It’s the perfect way to fund your travels, gain experience, and enjoy everything Europe has to offer.
Where to live in France on a working holiday is a big decision—and it can seriously shape your experience. From job opportunities to lifestyle, each city offers something different. Here’s what to keep in mind:
If you already speak French, you’ve got the freedom to live just about anywhere—whether it’s a small town or one of the best cities in France. The entire country is open to you.
If you’re still learning, don’t worry! We highly recommend you to focus on learning French as much as possible before you go and during your stay in France. Starting out in a city with an international vibe—like Paris, Lyon, or Bordeaux—can make the transition easier. These are often some of the best cities in France to live on a working holiday because they have large student populations, expat communities, and more English-speaking opportunities to start with. They also happen to be in major cultural hotspots!
Without a car, it’s best to choose a big city where public transport is reliable and easy to use. Bigger cities are ideal here—metros, trams, buses, and trains will get you where you need to go, including quick weekend trips to nearby countries.
Your French level matters when it comes to work. Most employers, even for part-time roles, will expect at least some basic French. That said, jobs like au pair or English teaching may not require fluency, especially in international cities.
The best cities to live in France on a working holiday often have more industries open to international workers—hospitality, tourism and language education are common sectors. That’s why choosing a city with a strong job market is key.
Renting in France comes with its own quirks. You’ll often need to speak French to deal with landlords or agencies. You’ll also need a local guarantor to secure housing—something that trips up a lot of newcomers. But our team will provide support to help you navigate these challenges.
And if you’re working as an au pair or language assistant, you might even get housing included. That makes it easier to live in areas that are typically harder to access or more expensive.
Wondering where to live in France on a working holiday? It really depends on your priorities—job availability, social scene, lifestyle, or language learning. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you find your perfect match.
If finding work is high on your list, the best cities in France for job seekers are the bigger ones with international communities. Cities like Paris, Lyon, Nice, and Toulouse offer more English-friendly opportunities and thriving hospitality and tourism sectors. Jobs as an English teacher or au pair are especially popular and in demand!
Prefer a slower pace? Bordeaux, Montpellier, or areas in Brittany like Rennes or Nantes offer more relaxed living and are still some of the best cities to live in France on a working holiday. Just keep in mind that smaller towns may require a bit more French.
University cities are also great options—they’re packed with international students, which makes it easier to build a network and find jobs, even as you’re still learning French.
France is bursting with culture, and many of the best cities to visit in France also happen to be amazing places to live! Whether it’s the art scene in Paris, the beaches and festivals in Nice, or the music and street food in Lyon, each region has its own charm.
These cities are also hubs for international communities, making it easier to meet people, attend events, and feel connected even when you’re far from home. Every region offers something unique—from food and wine to architecture and local traditions.
Interested to learn more about our France Working Holiday Visa Programs?
Get in touch and one of our travel coordinators will get back to you to help start planning your Working Holiday Adventure in France, obtaining your French Work Visa and finding a job!
Whether you’re heading to one of the best cities to live in France on a working holiday, or still figuring out where to land, these resources will point you in the right direction.
Job Search Websites:
Pro tip: Look for language exchange meetups—many French people want to practice English, and it’s a great way to make friends and learn faster. These meetups (called “échanges linguistiques”) are super popular in student cities like Lyon, Montpellier, and Paris.
If you’re aiming for one of the best cities in France to visit or want to live where the local life runs deep, there’s a perfect place for you. Your journey starts with a job and a place to live—but it turns into so much more: new friendships, language skills, unforgettable weekends, and fresh perspective.
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Our Send-Off Package provides Canadians with step-by-step working holiday visa application support and a one-on-one pre-departure orientation (via video call) with all the information you need to know for living, working, and travelling in France
1 - 12 months
C$599
Ready to work and travel in Spain? Our Send-Off Package will help you make the big move. Your personal adviser will guide you through every step of the process, from visa support to the ‘life admin’ of setting up in Spain, ensuring you arrive fully prepared to start your Working Holiday.
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Stepabroad’s UK Send-Off Package will make your dream of living in the UK a reality. We'll cover all the essentials needed to live in the UK so that you can start planning all the incredible adventures you will have across the UK and Europe!
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