THINKING OF MOVING TO
THE SOUTH OF FRANCE?
LIVING & WORKING IN THE
SUD PROVENCE-ALPES-CÔTE D'AZUR REGION
Do you want to work or develop a project in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur?
Discover all the information you need to move to the South of France and launch your project or new professional career. From the administrative formalities required to set up a business or find a job to information about housing and education, you’ll find all the local contacts and resources you need to make your project a reality.
Do you want to work in the South of France?
Whether you're a business owner, a company leader, or a professional looking for new job opportunities, we can help you set up, find a job for you and your life partner, and handle all the other administration procedures so you can enjoy a soft landing in the Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.
Here is a step-by-step guide with all the contacts and addresses you’ll need to make everything as easy as possible!
Create your business
- Find out about all the procedures involved in setting up your business Learn more
- We can also put you in contact with our local partners to help you set up your business (lawyers, banks, accountants...) Just click on the link below to get all the information you need.
Looking for a location for your business?
- Are you looking to set up a new business, relocate an existing company, or expand your activities already based in the South of France?
Choose the location in Provence-Alpes Côte d’Azur that is best suited to your strategic objectives and benefit from free, confidential, made-to-measure support. Our experts will advise you on the ideal location for your project based on both your sector of activity and your specific requirements.
risingSUD provides a catalogue of turnkey properties and offices that are for sale or rent throughout the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. These sites have been pre-screened by our expert teams and include business parks, industrial zones, office spaces, and much more. Find the site for your business or project
- Find co-working spaces in the South of France
- Bouches du Rhône
Aix-Marseille - Wellio / Cowork’in / Sky Centrer La marseillaise / New ton
- Vaucluse
Avignon – L’étable Co-work
- Var
Toulon – La cantine / L’archipel / City Var / La Belle Place
- Alpes-Maritimes
- Alpes de Haute Provence
Dignes (five third-party facilities available) - Fabrique - Cocoone work - Les P'tits bureaux
- Hautes-Alpes
Gap (six third-party facilities available) - Cloud citadel - Couveuse Activie - Fab'Alpes
Find all the co-working spaces in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region (in French)
Find a job
Do you want to work in France and are wondering how to find a job?
- Prepare your application
To apply for the jobs that interest you, you'll need a curriculum vitae (CV) and a cover letter. Both are essential to present your professional background and motivations for applying for the job to a potential employer.
Find helpful tips and best practices for writing your CV and cover letter (in French).
2. Now that you're ready, register with France Travail as a job seeker
France Travail, a public employment agency, can help you find a job. You can register directly on the site (in French) or at your local agency (more than 120 agencies in the South of France). In both cases, you'll need to provide supporting documents that are relevant to your situation.
Once you've registered, you'll have access to job offers that are updated daily. You'll also benefit from a range of personalized services to help you make your job search as effective as possible (defining your career plan, identifying your strengths, preparing your application...).
3. Consult the many organizations and sites dedicated to finding your ideal job!
A number of employment professionals are available to help you in your job search:
APEC employment consultancy (site in French)
Missions Locales youth employment agency (site in French)
Job search sites with offers that you can apply for (non-exhaustive list):
Job offers with a focus on the technology sector in the South of France: https://edrh.fr/ (site in French)
Site dedicated to employment offers in the South of France: www.provence-emploi.com (site in French)
Job search directories: www.emploi.org (site in French)
Job offers in the public service (local, regional, national) or in the public healthcare sector : www.emploipublic.fr (site in French)
General job sites: indeed.fr keljob.com pacajob.com
Don't hesitate to create your profile on professional social networks to expand your network:
Xing : the leading professional network in German-speaking Europe
4. What about my spouse or partner?
The professional and social integration of your spouse or partner is essential if you are to establish a long-term presence in the region. Support structures such as the CEP professional development consultancy can help: mon-cep-org (site in French)
More information is also available from the French Office for Immigration and Integration
5. Support in recruiting, training, and finding skills in the South of France
Are you a manager, company director, or business owner in need of HR support?
risingSUD can help you define your HR needs, identify available sources of talent in the South of France, recruit employees, train staff, and secure financing. Want more information? Contact our expert Antonin Chef.
Have you decided to move to the South of France?
Welcome! To ensure your successful set-up in our region, we can help you prepare for your arrival.
Whether you are coming for work, studies, or simply to enjoy an exceptional quality of life, discover all the useful information and steps for a successful move to the South of France.
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Carry out your administrative procedures
Certain administrative processes are essential as soon as you arrive in France.
- Obtaining a visa / residency permit
- If you are a citizen of a European Union member state, from the European Economic Area, or from Switzerland, you don't need a visa, residence permit or work permit to settle in France. Simply register with your local Mairie within three months of your arrival.
- If you are a citizen of a country from outside the European Union, to the European Economic Area or Switzerland, you need a visa to enter France and a residence permit to stay in the country, depending on your situation and the reason for your stay, unless special agreements exist between your country of citizenship and France.
>>> Find out more about applying for a visa: Work and residency permit for France - Welcome to France
>>> See the list of situations that exempt you from visa requirements : https://www.immigration.interieur.gouv.fr/fr/Immigration/Les-visas/Les-dispenses-de-visa (site in French)
FOCUS ON THE TALENT PASSPORT AND THE INTRA-CORPORATE EMPLOYEE TRANSFER PROGRAMS
The Talent Passport and the Intra Corporate Transferee (ICT) programs are two multi-annual residence permits that make it easier for you to settle in France. The Talent Passport is issued in a number of situations: if you are highly skilled, have been recruited by an innovative company, wish to set up your own business in France, or invest in the country... As an ICT employee, you can carry out an assignment of more than one year in a company that is part of the same group that employs you.
Learn more about the Talent Passport program
Learn more about the Intra Corporate Transfer program
- Getting your driver's license
- If you hold a license issued by the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland, it is valid as long as it hasn’t expired..
- If you hold a non-European license, it is valid for a maximum of one year. After that, you'll need to exchange it for a French driving license. To exchange your driving license, the country that issued it must have signed an exchange agreement with France. If this is not the case, you will have to take the French driving test to obtain your French license.
- Opening a bank account
Opening a bank account will make your day-to-day life easier, enabling you to make purchases, collect your salary, pay your bills and rent, and deposit your money.
You will be asked to provide a number of documents (e.g. ID, proof of address, etc.), and you can close your account at any time.
- Receiving social security coverage
The French social security system is based on the principle of national solidarity. All persons residing in France are covered against the risks (illness, injury, old age, loss of employment) and make contributions to finance the system. Your contributions depend on your individual income. Learn more
Subscribing to a private complementary health insurance plan ensures better reimbursement of medical expenses. If you are an employee, you can benefit from your company's complementary health insurance plan.
- Filing your tax returns
In France, there are many different types of direct and indirect taxes to pay, whether on the products you consume, your income, or your assets. These tax revenues are used to finance a wide range of public services (police, hospitals, schools, courts, etc.) as well as social benefits and assistance (retirement, health insurance, minimum income benefits, support for people with disabilities, etc.). Learn more
Every year, you have to declare your income to the tax authorities. You can do this online at impots.gouv.fr (site in French)
The amount you have to pay depends on your situation. You can benefit from exemptions below a certain annual salary ceiling.
Housing
If you're looking for a place to live, you have two options: use a real estate agency or consult the ads on specialized websites such as Seloger.com, ParuVendu.fr, pap.fr, and leboncoin.fr. The ads are in French, but they can be navigated even with a rudimentary understanding of the language.
Renting a property
To rent a property, you'll need to put together a dossier to present your situation and prove you have the financial means to pay the rent. If your application is accepted, you will sign a rental contract (lease) which includes information on the parties involved, the accommodation (surface area, description, etc.), the rent, and the security deposit to be paid.
Buying a property
Do you prefer to buy? Compare prices across the region:
Loans are available to help you make your project a reality.
Studies & Education
If you are interested in studying in France, the Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region has a range of top educational options and training opportunities. Studying in the South of France is a rich experience: you can learn a new language, explore a new culture, and meet students from all over the world. It’s sure to be a true adventure!
Come and study in the South of France and benefit from a range of excellent universities and top schools and there are excellent educational opportunities that are highly accessible:
The Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region is the #3 region in France for students. It is home to:
- the biggest French university in the year (Aix-Marseille University)
- 4 universities (Aix-Marseille, Avignon, Côte d’Azur, Toulon)
- 17 engineering schools and 15 business schools
- 26 international primary and secondary schools, including: 15 in the Alpes-Maritimes, 7 in Marseille, 3 in Avignon and 1 in Manosque
FOCUS ON THE CITÉ SCOLAIRE INTERNATIONALE IN MARSEILLE
At the start of the September 2024 school year, the Cité Scolaire Internationale will open its doors for the first time and welcome almost 2100 pupils from primary to the final year of high school. The school offers a unique educational experience with main classes given in five different languages and opportunities to learn other languages as well.
FOCUS ON THE EIPACA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL IN MANOSQUE
Located 20 minutes from the ITER site, the school welcomes the children of employees working on the nuclear fusion reactor project, as well as many local pupils of European and non-European nationalities. It has a capacity of more than 1000 students.
The school has an education system that is unique in Europe. From kindergarten to high school, it offers courses tailored to the diversity of students that study there. The school has six language sections, where 50% of the teaching is in French and 50% in the chosen language (up to 80% in English for English speakers), and offers other languages as complementary courses.
Find a school providing your children with a high-quality international education (international section and private education) on the map below.
Click on the blue location icon to discover the profile of each school.
For post-secondary students, the South of France offers a wide range of internationally focused courses through international partnerships, specialized Masters degrees, multidisciplinary programs, and much more.
There is also a vibrant network of renowned language centers where international students and residents can improve their language skills.
Find all the information at: https://www.campusfrance.org/en
Schooling your children - Primary schools / Middle schools / High schools
- If your children are under 3 years old, you have several options, depending on your needs and schedule. You can enroll them in community facilities such as daycares, temporary child care centers, or early entry kindergartens. Alternatively, you can opt for individual childcare arrangements, such as a childminder, home-based childminder, student babysitter, or au pair.
- If your children are between 3 and 16 years old, school is mandatory in France for this age group. You have the choice to enroll them in a public school (run by the State) or a private school, or to provide their education yourself (after completing the necessary procedures.)
Go to the French national education website: https://www.education.gouv.fr (site in French)
Access the private education directory: https://www.enseignement-prive.info (site in French)
Meet expatriates from your country
Meeting other expats
Living abroad is a fantastic experience, but it also involves a few challenges. To meet other expatriates in France and exchange tips on living abroad, find the different international consulates in France here: International diplomatic offices in France - Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (diplomatie.gouv.fr, site in French)
Discover the six administrative departments of the Provence-Alpes Côte d'Azur region.
When it comes to its economic opportunities, each territory has its distinct advantages!
Discover the identity, advantages, and unique aspects of the six departments that make up the Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (department code 04), Alpes-Maritimes (department code 06), Bouches-du-Rhône (department code 13), Hautes-Alpes (department code 05), Var (department code 83), and Vaucluse (department code 84).
Bouches-du-Rhône
Provence is a dynamic territory with a concentration of cutting-edge and global expertise in a wide range of fields: energy, aeronautics and space, optics and photonics, health and life sciences, green technologies for industry, agri-food, digital...With a population of more than 1.8 million people, the Aix-Marseille-Provence metro area is connected to a network of infrastructure and logistics platforms, and has established itself as a major Euro-Mediterranean decision-making and trading center.
The territory's economic development is underpinned by its high value-added services cluster, diversified economy, solid industrial base, centers of excellence in higher education and research, and exceptional quality of life.
French metro area
with direct flights
from the Marseille airport
New Marseille-Shanghai line opened in July 2024
economic hub
in the South of France
of territory is natural space
The main business parks that can welcome your company or project are:
The Port of Marseille-Fos industrial zonewas created in 1964 by the French government to set up factories on a 10 000-hectare site on the shores of the Gulf of Fos and is now one of Europe's largest industrial port zones. It is a regional economic powerhouse with a wide range of industrial activities, notably in the steel, energy, and petrochemical sectors. Learn more
There are many other business parks in the Bouches-du-Rhône (Technopôle de Chateau-Gombert, Parc scientifique et technologique de Luminy, Technopole de l’Environnement - Arbois Méditerranée, Pôle d’Activité d’Aix-en-Provence, Provence Studios, Ecopolis Martigues Sud...)
Leading companies
CMA CGM, Airbus Helicopters, NHIndustries, STMicroelectronics, Infineum, LyondellBasell, Pernod Ricard, Petroineos, Onet, Sartorius Stedim, Richardson, SNEF, ID Logistics, Colas
The Var
The Var is home to a dynamic and energetic economy that generates countless opportunities and offers major advantages for bringing the most ambitious projects to fruition. Situated between the sea and the mountains in close proximity to the region's three metro areas, the Var offers an exceptional environment for combining the art of living with the art of business.
The Var features seven strategic sectors (maritime economy, defence & security, tourism, sport & culture, food, health & wellness, environment & new energies...) while the Toulon Provence Méditerranée metro area and its port underpin the entire economy.
residents
active business parks
kilometers of Mediterraean coastline
The department is home to leading-edge companies in naval maintenance and repair, maritime safety and security, and marine and submarine technologies, such as Naval Group, CNIM, ECA Robotics, Alseamar, Lapp Muller, Sofresud...
n
industrial site in the Var
(Toulon naval base)
employer in the Var
(Toulon naval base)
science and technology park in Europe
dedicated to maritime and coastal activities
The main business parks that can welcome your company or project:
- Zone industrielle de Toulon Ouest: Covering an area of 800 hectares, the Adeto business zone brings together 1500 companies and 17 000 jobs in the different business parks in La Seyne-sur-Mer, Ollioules, and Six-Fours-les-Plages. It is the largest business zone in the Var and has a mix of sectors, including commerce, mechanical engineering, chemicals, plastics, and services. Learn more (site in French)
Parc d’Activités du Plateau de Signes : A 240-hectare multi-activity business park, with a focus on the healthcare, biotechnology, agri-food, sustainable mobility, and automotive sectors. To learn more (information in French)
Leading companies:
CMA CGM, Airbus Helicopters, NHIndustries, STMIcroelectronics, Infineum, LyondellBasell, Pernod Ricard, Petroineos, Onet, Sartorius Stedim, Richardson, SNEF, ID Logistics, Colas
The ecosystem's flagship facilities
- System Factory is TVT Innovation's industrial cluster and it brings together regional companies and major national corporations in the defence, naval, energy, environment, agriculture, health and aeronautics sectors, with a specific focus on issues such as cybersecurity, IoT, and big data.
- Pôle Mer Méditerranée, a network of more than 420 members to develop the maritime and coastal economy by fostering innovative projects and supporting business development. With the support of the TVT Innovation development agency, which assists start-ups and SMEs with technical and financial issues.
- Riviera Yachting NETWORK, a network of over 110 members in the Mediterranean dedicated to yacht refit, maintenance, and services.
- IFREMER based at the Technopôle de la Mer marine base, is a major actor in a number of scientific and technological fields. A European and global leader in aquaculture, the marine environment, and underwater technology.
Vaucluse
Renowned worldwide for its tourism, culture, and art of living, Vaucluse is a human-scale region that attracts talents, businesses, and tourists every year.
Thanks to its strategic location and developed transport infrastructure, this area offers a pleasant quality of life and hosts promising economic sectors: agribusiness, creative and digital economy, tourism, cosmetics and well-being, industry, and logistics. A pioneer in food innovation and naturalness, Vaucluse is a major agricultural production area, hosting a network of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large groups throughout the value chain.
from Paris
(travel time for Avignon-Paris in the TGV)
The main business parks that can welcome your company or project are:
- Technopole Agroparc d’Avignon: The first business park to be created in the Vaucluse, this hub is located right next to the A7 highway and is home to a diverse ecosystem of 600 companies and 9000 employees. Learn more (in French)
- Cavaillon business park: Dedicated to the natural living and well-being sector, this 45-hectare park in the Luberon area specialises in biological controls, natural ingredients, and high-quality food.
- Pertuis business zone: With more than 800 companies, this 102.5-hectare zone is a major economic hub and hosts a wide range of industries and services. Learn more (in French)
Leading Companies
Etex, GSE, MCCormick, KP1, Aldi, Pellenc ST, Valerian, U proximité France, SEPR, Groupe Sabatier Marius, AZ France, Agis, Perrin et Fils, Saint Gobain, Eurenco, Spie Batignolles, Eurosilicone, Blachère, Aptunion
The ecosystem's flagship facilities
- The Innov’Alliance hub is a competitiveness cluster that brings together a network of companies and research centers in the food, wellness, and natural living sectors. The cluster is surrounded by numerous other specialized structures: Avignon University (Agrosciences), INRAE, CTCPA, Food in Provence, etc.
- The Cité de l’innovation (Avignon Technopôle) brings together a unique concentration of expertise to support companies in the natural living sector. There is also the Ma Première Usine in Carpentras (an incubator for businesses in the agricultural sector) and the Cité du Végétal in Valréas (an incubator for companies specializing in plant-based solutions).
- The Campus des métiers et des qualifications Agrosciences, Agroalimentaire et Alimentation (3A) is a campus that brings together training and educational establishments and centers, professional and inter-professional organizations, companies, competitiveness, innovation, and research clusters, and technology transfer centers.
Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
With its combination of Provençal and Alpine influences, the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence offers an ideal climate for attracting new talent and business!
The territory features a vibrant ecosystem of companies in sectors such as agri-food, cosmetics, chemicals, energy, tourism, spa, and wellness.
Less than an hour from the Mediterranean, the Côte d'Azur, Nice, Marseille, Toulon, and Avignon, and bordering Italy, the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is ideally situated at the heart of the Sud Provence-Alpes Côte d'Azur region.
producer
of renewable energy in France
producer
of fragrant plants in France
and 17 dedicated labels to ensure agricultural quality
department
for organic agricultural production
The main business parks where you can set up your company are:
- The Saint-Maurice business park in Manosque: This zone is undergoing a major transformation with a project to deploy renewable energies and redevelopment to promote mobility and the environment. The Saint-Maurice business park is now home to more than 230 companies and 2000 employees, including some of the largest companies in Manosque in terms of number of employees: Proman, L’Occitane, and La Pizza de Manosque.
- The 40-hectare Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban industrial platform has been awarded the ‘Territoires d'industrie A’ certification for its infrastructure. ARKEMA owns 11 hectares of the site, which have been cleared and decontaminated of all pollutants (northern part of the site). The Saint-Auban site is unique in that it is the major producer of the chlorinated solvent T111 in Europe, and the only Arkema site producing specialty PVC. For more information, visit the site: https://www.investinalpesdehauteprovence.com/opportunites/2115/ (in French)
- Sisteron business park: Situated between Provence and the Alps, this business park enjoys a key geostrategic position on the Durance River and is home to more than 150 companies, generating around 1500 jobs.
- Digne-les-Bains industrial zone: The Saint-Christophe industrial park covers 62.6 hectares and is home to more than 280 companies, including leaders in various sectors.
The ecosystem's flagship structures
- The Cassine industrial park, which has been awarded the PARC ENGAGÉ label for quality, has a strategic location and is equipped with fibre optics. To find out more, visit https://www.provencealpesagglo.fr/visitez-la-zone-dactivite-de-la-cassine-en-360/ (site in French)
- The UESS (European University of Flavours and Fragrances) in Forcalquier provides training for professionals and the general public.
Hautes-Alpes
The Hautes-Alpes is a rural mountain territory with more than 165 000 inhabitants. The local economy is powered by sectors of excellence such as tourism, agriculture and agri-food, aeronautics, renewable energies, and construction as well as the 27 winter sports resorts, the activities around the Serre-Ponçon lake, the three magnificent natural parks, and four airfields. It's a natural haven that attracts many tourists every year. It’s also the perfect landing spot for entrepreneurs who are seeking a harmonious environment to achieve the perfect work-life balance.
of protected natural areas
in the Ecrins national park
(and another 65 000 hectares in the Queyras regional park)
French department
for organic agriculture
(Ranking of the proportion of organic and in-conversion land - 36.3% - of the department's total agricultural land)
European aerodrome
for air sports and leisure activities in Gap-Tallard
The main business parks that can welcome your company or project are:
- Micropolis technology park in Gap: an 11.56-hectare technology cluster comprising 120 companies.
- Chorges industrial zone: the 31-hectare La Grande Ile zone is a dynamic site between Gap and Embrun that is home to a wide range of industrial and artisanal businesses.
Leading companies
OvinAlp, Andrety, Société de Travaux Alpes Méditerranée, Routière du Midi, Districolis, Alpes Sanitherm, EMC2
The ecosystem's flagship structures
- The Micropolis start-up incubator and the GAAAP business accelerator (Gap) and the Altipolis and Lucéo start-up incubators (Briançonnais-Ecrins).
- Aix-Marseille University – Gap university center. Five programs: STAPS physical education, business management and administration, multimedia-internet-webmaster, sustainable management of mountain areas, aeronautics (Polyaéro).
- Capénergies: the energy cluster is a partner of the Hautes-Alpes for testing new solutions in energy efficiency and smart grids (Emilie and Flexgrid projects).
Alpes Maritimes
As a leading territory for research and innovation, the Côte d'Azur offers companies exceptional potential thanks to a constantly growing pool of expertise, its top-class research laboratories and, its wide range of services.The Alpes Maritime also has dynamic professional networks that encourage cross-fertilisation between companies, renowned universities, innovative SMEs, leading global companies, and a thriving ecosystem of public research and R&D centres.
destination
for business conferences in Europe
French airport
for international flights
technology park
in Europe
The main business parks that can welcome your company or project are:
- Sophia-Antipolis is Europe's leading technology park, a driver of high-potential innovation, organised around incubators, start-ups facilities, collaborative workspaces, and global corporations. It is home to the largest concentration of international R&D centres in France. Click here to learn more.
- Nice Ecovallée is an official national zone for economic activites (OIN) and it fosters growth and generates employment while balancing business and environmental concerns. The zone is boosts companies in areas such as green technologies, the city of tomorrow, and health. Learn more about the business zone.
- The Carros business park is a pilot partner of the Territoire d'Industrie de France industrial renewal program. It is home to 600 companies in a wide range of sectors and 10 000 jobs while generating an annual turnover of €1 billion.
- Grasse business park: The Bois de Grasse business park is renowned for its dynamic ecosystem. It is run by the EBG business association and the Communauté d'Agglomération du Pays de Grasse and it offers a a great quality of worklife and an economically efficient environment.
Leading Companies
Thales, Amadeus, Mane, Kone, Micromania, Virbac, Dow Agroscience, Robertet, Fayat Bâtiment, Luxxotica, Ubaldi, Argeville
The ecosystem's flagship facilities
- The ETSI and W3C standards organizations for information and communication technology that meet the needs of the European and global markets; health organizations such as the European Society of Cardiology.
- IMREDD (Mediterranean Institute of Risk, Environment and Sustainable Developmen) fosters lings and projects involving academia, the business world, and the Côte d'Azur territory.
- MIA: a space for demonstrating and sharing knowledge about Artificial Intelligence and creating synergies
Thriving Professionally in an Exceptional Living Environment
A region experiencing economic, demographic, and cultural vibrancy
The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region offers numerous economic and technological opportunities and an exceptional quality of life with its preserved natural environment, gastronomy, and cultural and sporting dynamism.
A land of culture
In the South of France, people are dedicated to the art of living. Whether it is the world-renowned cultural events, the devotion to gastronomy and food, or the vast range of festivals and festivities, this is a place where life is lived to the fullest.
- Gastronomy, an essential pleasure
First and foremost, the art of living in France is reflected in its gastronomy. In fact, the “gastronomic meal of the French" is listed as part of the world's intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO! French chefs have exported their know-how abroad, making French cuisine shine the world over. In the South of France, be sure to try bouillabaisse and ratatouille, and finish your meal on a sweet note with a slice of tarte tropézienne.
- Culture, an unforgettable journey
The South of France has long attracted artists from all disciplines and today it is one of the world’s great locations for culture. Exhibitions, concerts, theatres, cinemas… there are world-class options for all tastes and interests. Summer is festival season, with events across the region. It's the ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in artistic creations, whether cinema, theatre, photography, or painting.
- A thrilling calendar of events
Throughout the year, the Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region offers a vibrant range of events:
- Bol d’Or international endura race on the Paul Ricard du Castellet circuit (Var)
- Alpes Aventure Motofestival in Barcelonnette (Alpes de Haute-Provence)
- Rallye Monte-Carlo
- VentouxMan de Provence Luberon (Vaucluse)
- Alpine ski challenge 06
- IronMan(Alpes-Maritimes)
- The Tour de France à la Voile and the Semaine Olympique Française de Voile in Hyères (Var)
- Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez (Var)
- 2024 Olympic Games
- 2030 Olympics Games - French Alps 2030
The region also plays host to a wide range of festivals (over 400, including several of internationally renowned festivals) and cultural events:
- Festival de Cannes,
- International d’Art Lyrique festival in Aix-en-Provence
- International de Piano in Roque d’Anthéron,
- Avignon theater festival
- the carnaval of Nice
- the Rencontres de la Photographie photography festival in Arles
The region also has a booming cinema economy, with more than 6000 days of filming per year. Learn more (in French)
Discover the artisans of the South of France
Learn French
To integrate successfully into a new country, it's essential to learn the local language. A good command of French will help you deal with administrative formalities, look for and find a job, follow your children's schooling more easily, communicate better with your doctor, and get to know your neighbors.
Find out where to learn French in the South of France:
Alliance Française Aix-en-Provence
4 place Niollon 13100 Aix-en-Provence
+ 33 (0) 973 104 391
S.L.Immersion
35 impasse des mûriers - Saint Saturnin-lès-Avignon 84450 Avignon
+33 (0) 6 26 57 25 10
Campus international Riera
15 Boulevard d'Alsace 06400 Cannes
33+ (0) 413 063 040
Alliance Française Marseille Provence
72-74 rue Saint Suffren 13006 Marseille
+ 33 (0) 496 10 24 60
Actilangue
2 rue Alexis Mossa 06000 Nice
+33 (0) 4 93 96 33 84
Alliance Française Nice Côte d’Azur
2 rue de Paris 06000 Nice
+33 (0) 4 93 62 67 66
Azurlingua
47 Rue Hérold 06000 Nice
33+ (0)4 97 03 07 00
Les ateliers FL Nice
65, bd Auguste Raynaud 06100 Nice
+33 (0) 493 13 78 88
Université Internationale d’Été de Nice
98, Boulevard Edouard Herriot 06000 Nice
+33 (0)4 89 15 19 77
Institut de Français
23 av. Gén. Leclerc 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer
+33 (0) 4 93 01 88 44
A land of preserved nature
Nature lovers, the South of France features some of the world's most beautiful natural spaces and parks. It offers you:
4 National Parks: Calanques (Bouches-du-Rhône), Port-Cros (Var), Ecrins (Hautes-Alpes/Isère), Mercantour (Alpes Maritimes/Alpes de Haute-Provence)
9 regional nature parks (Alpilles, Luberon, Queyras, Sainte-Baume, Ventoux, Verdon, Baronnies, Préalpes, Camargue)
10 national nature reserves (Camargue, Ecrins, Crau, Riou archipelago, Haute-Provence and Luberon geological reserves, the Maures, etc.).
7 regional nature reserves (La Tour du Valat, Partias, Saint-Maurin, La Poitevine-Regarde Venir, L'Ilon, Gorges de Daluis, Le Pourra-Ranquet).
4 biosphere reserves: Camargue, Luberon, Mont Ventoux, Mont Viso.
A land of international events
Large-scale international professional events
Every year, the South of France hosts major professional events linked to its economy’s major strategic sectors.
Energies of Tomorrow
- Floating Offshore Wind Turbines CongressFOWT, the world's largest event dedicated to floating offshore wind energy, is held regularly in the South of France. This is an important global event with numerous international delegations and companies and more than 50% of attendees coming from outside France. www.fowt-conferences.com/
- ITER Business Forumprovides industrial firms with information on the progress of the ITER project, purchasing procedures, and forthcoming calls for tender, as well as facilitating contacts and industrial partnerships within Europe and internationally. www.iterbusinessforum.com/home.aspx?f_lang=en
- Meet4hydrogen, the B2B event dedicated to hydrogen use in the air, space, and airport sectors. https://meet4hydrogen.com/HySky/Paris2023/dev/
Blue Economy
- Euromaritime, trade fair for the main industrial and economic stakeholders in the marine sector that covers all areas of the sea and river economy (construction, equipment, ship repair, fishing, marine renewable energies, inland waterways, and ports). Euromaritime showcases the industry's latest expertise and technological innovations. It is held regularly in the South of France. www.euromaritime.fr
- System Factory Day (Toulon) brings together major companies, SMEs, and start-ups in the field of maritime safety, security, and sustainable development of the sea and coastline based on the advanced technologies developed by the System Factory project. www.systemfactory.fr (site in French)
Industry of the Future
- Forum Industria Méditerranée(Nice) annual event for all industrial sectors designed to promote the jobs of the future and industrial expertise. The event serves as a technology showcase where exhibitors can present their products and services, unveil their latest innovations, and demonstrate their expertise to a select group of professionals.
- French Fab Tour is an extraordinary 60-date tour of France that brings together students, jobseekers, and representatives of a diverse range of industrial ecosystems. The aim is to promote industry, inspire young people to pursue industrial careers, offer job opportunities, and co-construct the industry of tomorrow. www.lafrenchfab.fr/tournee
- Health from Space (Cannes) brings together world-class experts in the fields of life sciences, healthcare, and space to share research results and the innovations that arise from developments and new capacities in the space sector (improved preclinical models, innovations in regenerative medicine, new drugs and therapies, gene expression, antibiotic resistance, longevity...) https://www.healthfromspace.com/
Natural Living
- MED’AGRI(Avignon) is a trade fair dedicated to all areas of agricultural production that welcomes more than 15 000 professional visitors over three days. Along with producers (winegrowers, market gardeners, arboriculturists, olive growers, breeders, horticulturists, etc.) from the South of France and neighbouring regions, the welcomes companies from different parts of the agricultural value chain. www.med-agri.com
Silver Economy
- Salon Ageing Fit (switches location between Lille and Nice), boosts innovation in the Silver Economy and promotes innovative products and services for the seniors market. Networking with pre-vetted meetings, partnerships with financing structures, sourcing of innovative technologies and products, exchanges between private- and public sector actors, SMEs and start-ups... www.ageingfit-event.fr
- SilverEco and Ageing Well Festival, the world's leading B2B event dedicated to the Silver Economy. The event showcases new innovations and initiatives in the Silver Economy to contribute to creating a society of longevity. https://www.silvereco.org/festival/en
Innovative Healthcare
- BioFIT(switches between Lille, Strasbourg & Marseille) is Europe's leading meeting place for technology transfer and innovation research in the biotechnology sector. The trade fair brings together academics, technology transfer organizations, and research institutions and fosters university-industry collaborations. www.biofit-event.com/biofit-event/organisers
- The International Society For Heart and Lung Transplantation (Nice) The annual ISHLT congresses bring together the world's leading specialists in the treatment of advanced heart and lung disease. These one-of-a-kind meetings offer the most comprehensive review of new research, including the latest advances in transplantation, technological support, and innovative therapies. https://ishlt.org/
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