The Best Places To Teach English In France

France may be small compared to some countries, but the diversity from region to region is huge — and that makes a big difference when it comes to teaching English. Whether you’re looking for cosmopolitan energy, coastal tranquility, or village charm, your experience will depend heavily on where you choose to live and work.

Teaching jobs are spread across both big cities and smaller towns, with each offering a different balance of opportunity, lifestyle, and affordability. Some cities are saturated with teachers, while others have steady but less competitive markets. You’ll also notice stark contrasts in cost of living, weather, access to international travel, and even student expectations.

Finding the right fit means thinking beyond just job availability. Consider whether you thrive in fast-paced urban life or prefer a slower rhythm. Think about how fluent you want to become in French, what kind of community you want to be part of, and whether you’d prefer teaching kids, adults, or professionals. France gives you the luxury of choice — and that’s exactly what makes it such a rewarding country to teach in.

🗼 1. Paris – High Demand, High Energy

Paris is the heartbeat of France’s TEFL world. As the country’s largest city and a global hub, it offers the widest variety of English teaching opportunities — from bilingual primary schools and private academies to business English, private tutoring, and placements through the TAPIF program. Whether you’re new to teaching or already experienced, Paris is one of the easiest places to find work — but also one of the most competitive.

The sheer volume of English learners in Paris, especially among professionals and university students, keeps demand strong year-round. That said, many schools expect teachers to have a TEFL certificate and at least some experience, particularly for roles outside public programs. Rates for private tutoring can be high, especially in wealthier arrondissements.

Living in Paris isn’t cheap, but many teachers find ways to make it work — by sharing flats, taking on freelance work, or combining teaching with online income. The upside? You'll never run out of things to do. Museums, concerts, language exchanges, international meetups, and parks are everywhere. The metro system makes the city easy to navigate, and the expat community is large and welcoming.

Best for: ambitious teachers, culture lovers, and those who thrive in big-city environments.

🏙️ 2. Lyon – Culture, Comfort, and a Strong TEFL Market

Lyon strikes a rare balance: it’s big enough to offer strong professional opportunities, yet small enough to feel relaxed and livable. As France’s second city and a major business and university hub, Lyon has a growing demand for English teachers — especially in private language schools, international institutions, and companies offering corporate training. It’s also a common TAPIF placement city, making it accessible for new teachers.

The cost of living is significantly lower than Paris, with more affordable housing, dining, and transport. Yet you don’t sacrifice quality of life — Lyon is known for its stunning Old Town, thriving café culture, and world-renowned gastronomy. You can enjoy wine country weekends or hop on a train to the Alps, Marseille, or Geneva with ease.

There’s a large student population, a cosmopolitan energy, and a welcoming expat scene. If you want a city that mixes professional credibility with rich culture, Lyon is a smart choice.

Best for: food lovers, early-career teachers, and anyone looking for a work-life balance in a walkable, vibrant city.

🌊 3. Marseille – Mediterranean Vibes and Growing Demand

Marseille may not be the first place people think of when it comes to teaching English in France, but it’s quickly becoming a compelling option. As the country’s second-largest city and a key Mediterranean port, Marseille is incredibly diverse — with communities from across North Africa, Southern Europe, and beyond. This multicultural atmosphere creates a real need for English, particularly among youth and in international-facing sectors like tourism and logistics.

While the TEFL scene isn’t as established as in Paris or Lyon, there’s steady demand in public schools (including TAPIF placements), community centers, and private tutoring — especially in underserved neighborhoods. Many teachers find that they can make a real impact here, helping students who might not have access to other English resources.

The lifestyle is one of Marseille’s biggest draws. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Mediterranean beaches, and vibrant street life, it offers a very different experience from France’s more polished northern cities. Plus, the cost of living is lower than in Paris or Lyon, making it easier to live well on a modest teaching income.

Best for: teachers who want coastal living, cultural diversity, and a chance to make a difference.

🍷 4. Bordeaux – Wine Country with Academic Flair

Bordeaux blends classic French elegance with a laid-back, livable atmosphere — and it's quietly become one of the more attractive places to teach English in France. As a major university town and economic center in southwestern France, the city has a consistent need for English teachers, particularly in language schools, with university students, and among professionals in the wine, tourism, and tech sectors.

The city's academic scene creates a steady market for tutoring and exam preparation, while its international appeal — thanks to the wine trade and growing expat presence — adds to the demand for business English and private lessons. The TEFL scene may not be as crowded as in Paris, which often means less competition and a friendlier work-life rhythm.

What makes Bordeaux especially appealing is its lifestyle. The historic city center is UNESCO-listed and full of charm, but modern trams and bike lanes keep it practical. Teachers enjoy good food, world-class wine, weekend trips to nearby vineyards or the Atlantic coast, and a quality of life that’s hard to beat.

Best for: teachers seeking a mix of academic work, elegance, and a slower pace.

🎨 5. Lille – Northern Charm and Cross-Border Influence

Lille may not be the first city that comes to mind for teaching in France, but it offers a unique combination of professional opportunity, cultural depth, and international access. Located near the Belgian border and just a short train ride from London and Brussels, Lille has long been a hub of commerce, education, and cross-cultural exchange.

The city’s strong academic presence — including several universities and grandes écoles — supports a solid demand for English teachers, particularly for exam prep, university-level support, and tutoring. There’s also interest from businesses involved in cross-border trade or with international clients, making business English another viable niche.

While Lille experiences colder, cloudier winters than cities further south, it compensates with a warm, community-driven atmosphere. It’s known for its artsy vibe, student population, and charming Flemish-influenced architecture. The cost of living is lower than in Paris, making it a practical base for teachers who want a dynamic city without big-city prices.

Best for: teachers who want a culturally rich base with easy access to the UK, Belgium, and the rest of Europe.

🏞️ 6. Toulouse – Aerospace Hub and Laid-Back South

Toulouse, often called La Ville Rose for its pink-toned brick architecture, offers a refreshing balance of academic energy, southern warmth, and career potential. As the center of France’s aerospace industry and a major university city, it consistently generates demand for English instruction — particularly among students, young professionals, and corporate clients.

Language schools and tutoring centers thrive here, with many opportunities tied to higher education, engineering, and tech-related fields. While the city may not match Paris in terms of volume, the competition is lighter and the lifestyle more relaxed. Teachers often find a healthy mix of work, sunshine, and social life — without the tourist-heavy vibe of coastal cities.

Toulouse’s relatively affordable housing, pedestrian-friendly city center, and excellent public transit make it ideal for those who want the perks of city living without big-city chaos. With proximity to Spain, the Pyrenees, and the Mediterranean, it's also a great base for weekend adventures.

Best for: teachers seeking career growth in a dynamic yet laid-back city with real southern character.

🏰 7. Strasbourg – Bilingual Edge and International Influence

Strasbourg sits at the crossroads of France and Germany — both geographically and culturally — offering a unique teaching environment with strong international ties. As the official seat of the European Parliament, it’s home to countless EU institutions, global organizations, and cross-border companies. This creates a consistent demand for English instruction, particularly in business, diplomacy, and international education.

The city’s bilingual identity (French and German) gives teachers with German language skills an extra edge, but monolingual English speakers still find plenty of opportunities in private language schools, tutoring, and adult education. Strasbourg’s school system also emphasizes foreign language acquisition, and demand is steady for those working with children and teens.

Beyond work, Strasbourg is a charming and picturesque city — cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and a world-class Christmas market. It offers the sophistication of a capital with the friendliness of a smaller town, plus easy access to Germany, Switzerland, and beyond.

Best for: teachers interested in international careers, EU institutions, or living in a bilingual, cross-cultural city.

🌄 8. Smaller Towns and Rural France – Immersion Over Income

While big cities get most of the spotlight, many English teachers find their most rewarding experiences in France’s quieter corners. Smaller towns and rural regions — from the Dordogne to the Pyrenees, Normandy to Provence — offer something that urban centers can’t: deep cultural immersion, strong community ties, and a slower, more authentic pace of life.

Teaching opportunities in these areas are typically accessed through programs like TAPIF, volunteer placements, or private tutoring. Full-time jobs are fewer, but many teachers supplement with online work or private lessons. You may be the only foreigner in town — which can be challenging, but also a powerful way to truly integrate into French society.

The trade-off is worth it for many: low living costs, picturesque surroundings, home-cooked meals, and neighbors who actually want to get to know you. These placements are ideal for teachers who aren’t just passing through, but want to live in France — language barriers, quirks, and all.

Best for: adventurous teachers, cultural immersion seekers, and those who value community over city comforts.

💡 How to Choose the Right City for You

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing where to teach English in France — and that’s a good thing. Your ideal city will depend on what you value most in your experience: Are you looking for fast-paced city life, quiet countryside charm, or something in between?

Start by thinking about your lifestyle preferences. If you thrive on culture, nightlife, and a wide network of other expats, Paris or Lyon might suit you best. Prefer sunshine and a slower rhythm? The south — places like Marseille or Toulouse — could be your match. Want daily language immersion and fewer tourists? A rural TAPIF placement might give you exactly that.

Next, factor in practicalities. Some programs or visa options (like TAPIF) limit where you can go, while others (such as freelancing or teaching online) offer more flexibility. Job types also vary by location — larger cities have more corporate clients and language academies, while smaller towns lean toward tutoring or school placements.

Finally, don’t stress about getting it perfect the first time. Many teachers start in one city and later relocate once they’ve gotten a feel for life in France. The country’s strong train network and regional diversity make it easy to explore and adapt as you go.

Tip: Write down your top 3 priorities (e.g. weather, salary, cultural immersion) and use them to guide your decision. The right city isn’t the most famous one — it’s the one that matches your goals.

🎯 Final Thoughts: Your French TEFL Experience, Your Way

Teaching English in France isn’t just about grammar lessons or classroom hours — it’s a doorway into one of the most culturally rich and rewarding countries in the world. Whether you're sipping coffee in a Paris café, biking through vineyards outside Bordeaux, or chatting with students in a village school in Normandy, your experience will be shaped by where you choose to live and teach.

There’s no single “best” city — and that’s the beauty of it. Each place offers its own rhythm, charm, and opportunities. What matters most is aligning your choice with what you want from your time abroad: deeper language immersion, career building, travel, or simply the joy of living differently.

Approach it with curiosity. Stay open to surprises. And remember — flexibility is your biggest advantage. You can always pivot, try a new region, or evolve your plans as you go. France has a way of rewarding those who show up with heart and intention.

Your TEFL journey here isn’t just about where you land — it’s about the life you build along the way.