O Toulouse… Its sublime Place du Capitole, its sunshine, its banks of the Garonne, its restaurants and bars… It’s no surprise that Toulouse is one of France’s most attractive cities to move to. Its dynamism, quality of life and relaxed South-Western atmosphere are just some of the assets that attract future arrivals. As proof of this success, Toulouse is set to overtake Lyon as the 3rd most populous city in France.
By 2025, Toulouse will have slipped slightly in the ranking of the most popular cities to move to, from third to fourth place. The capital of the Occitan region nonetheless retains a place of choice in the hearts of the French, particularly Parisians, who continue to prefer Bordeaux but place Toulouse just behind it. This trend is the result of a study carried out by Drivalia, the van rental specialist, which analyzed journeys made between March and May 2025. Despite this decline, Toulouse remains an attractive living destination, ahead of Lille, Annecy and Montpellier.
Moving to France in 2025: Toulouse in the top 3, Parisians vote for the good life
Toulouse accounted for 4.7% of all Rent and Drop moves, ranking 4th in France. This decline was to the benefit of Lyon, which took second place with 7%, while Paris retained its dominance of the market, capturing almost 14% of moves.
Bordeaux remains the preferred city for Parisians leaving the greater Paris area, with 7.7% of moves, followed by Toulouse (4.7%) and Lyon (4.6%). This geographical proximity, combined with Toulouse’s gentle way of life, continues to motivate the French, in search of a more peaceful yet dynamic way of life. So, are you ready to pack your bags and come and see for yourself?
