France is recognized for its geographical and cultural diversity, which offers several landscapes that range from alpine mountains to Mediterranean beaches. However, living near the sea is often perceived as a luxury, especially due to the high prices of properties in coastal areas. However, there are French cities located at an hour from the sea where the cost of living remains affordable.
This article presents the 10 cities where life is the cheapest, while it is ideally close to the sea.
1. Nîmes
Located in southern France, Nîmes is approximately one hour by car from the Mediterranean Sea, in the direction of the beaches of Grau-Du-Roi and the Grande-Motte. With a cost of living below 10 % in the national average, Nîmes offers a pleasant life environment for people who want to combine the proximity of the sea at a reasonable cost of living. The average real estate price in Nîmes isAround € 2,685/m²well below the prices observed in the cities closest to the coast such as Montpellier.
2. Perpignan
Perpignan, located about thirty kilometers from the Mediterranean coast, is a city that combines southern charms with an attractive cost of living. Real estate prices are particularly affordable, with an average price per square meter surrounding the € 2,023/m². According to a study by the Better Agents site in 2023, Perpignan was classified among the cheapest cities in southern France, while providing rapid access to the beaches of Algiers-Sur -mer and Canet-en-Roussillon.
3. Béziers
Béziers, also located in the south, is about 30 minutes by car from the Mediterranean Sea. The city is known for its rich historical heritage and its famous local festivals. In the cost of living, Béziers is still very affordable, with average real estate prices € 1,856/m². This city is ideal for those looking for proximity to the sea while retaining a controlled budget.
4. Saint-Nazaire
Saint-Nazaire, on the Atlantic coast, offers a pleasant life atmosphere at very reasonable prices. The city is one hour from Nantes, but real estate prices are much lower. In 2024, the average price per square meter in Saint-Nazaire was € 2,200/m²almost 30 % less than in Nantes. In addition, the city offers an excellent quality of life, with direct access to the ocean and the preserved beaches.
5. They fall
Capital of the Normandy region, fall, is less than an hour from the coast, with the landing beaches in the immediate vicinity. The cost of living falls is relatively low, with real estate prices that revolve around € 2,796/m². This University and dynamic City combines history, culture and rapid access to the sea, while offering an affordable life environment.
6. La Rochelle
Although Rochelle is in itself a coastal city, it remains one of the most affordable cities among French marine destinations. With a real estate price of approximately € 3,213 per square meterLa Rochelle is more accessible than other cities on the Atlantic coast such as Bordeaux or Nantes. The city has a pleasant climate, a rich maritime history and easy access to the neighboring islands of Ré and Oléron.
7. Rennes
Rennes, located approximately one hour from the coast of Breton, is a university city with a rich and dynamic cultural life. The price of real estate is relatively low, around € 3,492/m², compared to other cities of similar size in France. Rennes offers a perfect commitment to those who wish to take advantage of the proximity of the sea without supporting the high costs of the most tourist coastal cities.
8. Montpellier
Montpellier, although closer to the sea, is still surprisingly affordable for a city in southern France. The average real estate price is approximately € 3,330/m²which remains competitive compared to other important French cities. Montpellier is distinguished by its dynamism, its universities and its Mediterranean climate, the 10 kilometers of the beaches of the flowers of Palavas Les.
9. Le Mans
Le Mans is often better known for his car race than for his access to the sea. The cost of living in Le Mans is one of the lowest in France, with real estate prices around € 2,007 per square meter. This city is ideal for those looking for an affordable solution while they are relatively close to the sea.
10. Angers
Angers, located in the Pays de la Loire region, is one hour by car from the Atlantic beaches. With a Average price per square meter of 3,000 eurosAngers offers a cost of living below Nantes, while remains in a dynamically and economically prosperous region. The city is recognized for its quality of life, its historical inheritance and its proximity to the magnificent natural sites.
These 10 French cities offer an ideal combination of proximity to the sea and an affordable cost of living. Although real estate prices vary from one city to another, all these destinations share a common point: they allow you to enjoy the pleasures of the sea without having to sacrifice your budget. Whether you are looking for a main or secondary residence, these cities represent wise options for a balanced and pleasant life. In 2024, the tendency to look for cities that offer a good value for money should be strengthened, especially in a context where the real estate market continues to fluctuate.
In fact, it is possible to live near the sea in France without breaking the bank. The cities presented in this article are evidence that with a little research and flexibility, we can find places where life is good, while we remain close to the magnificent French coasts.
