This ranking is closely watched by many municipalities. Every year since 2020, the association of cities and villages where life is good analyzes all municipalities across mainland France based on dozens of statistical criteria, "drawn from reputable official sources such as INSEE, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry for Ecological Transition, Arcep, or the European Copernicus program", the organizers specify.
The association relies on 197 criteria divided into 11 key themes, addressing all aspects of daily life. These include quality of life, safety, health, transportation, shops and services, education, the environment, local finances, sports and leisure, community support, and real estate attractiveness. These comprehensive criteria enable the organization to compile and publish its annual Top 500 list of the best cities to live in across France.
So, which city in mainland France ranks at the top in 2026? Biarritz takes the first spot, followed by Annecy and Angers. This year, no city from Île-de-France makes it into the top 10 of the national ranking, but several are still in the top 50. Among them are Boulogne-Billancourt (20th nationally), Versailles (22nd), and Courbevoie (23rd).
And in the Val-d'Oise, which towns make the Top 10 list of the best places to live in 2026? Argenteuil climbs to the top spot in this departmental ranking. Coming in second and third are the communities of Cercy and Ermont, respectively.
It's worth noting that Enghien-les-Bains, Pontoise, Sannois, Montmorency, and Sarcelles also feature in the top 10 list of the best places to live in Val-d'Oise in 2026.
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