You don't need a big metropolis to work seriously as a remote worker. Some mid-sized cities in France combine what Paris can't offer you: an affordable flat, nature within easy reach, coworking spaces with real character, and a freelance and nomad community that's growing fast. Here are five cities that surprise, and that genuinely make you want to stay longer than planned.
Annecy: the lake, the Alps, and a coworking scene on the rise
Annecy is the postcard you keep to yourself. But behind the canals and mountains, there's a real remote work dynamic. The city has been attracting tech, creative, and entrepreneurial profiles for a few years now — people leaving Lyon or Paris without wanting to sacrifice quality of life. Coworking spaces are still few but well-designed, with a serious vibe that doesn't feel cold. Laptop-friendly cafés exist but are discreet; you'll need to search a bit. The cost of living remains high compared to other cities on this list, especially for housing, but well below Paris. And the setting is unbeatable: you can swim in the lake at noon and wrap up a sprint in the afternoon. For more, we've put together a full guide to Annecy.
Tours: the most underrated city in France
Tours has everything it needs to become a reference for remote work in France, yet it stays under the radar. Just 55 minutes from Paris by TGV, with a lively town centre, rents that make Parisians dream, and a coworking scene in full growth, it ticks almost every box. Town-centre cafés are welcoming, the vibe is young thanks to a large student population, and the city is investing in its shared workspaces. Nature is quickly accessible: the Loire, châteaux, cycling paths. Honestly, the only downside is that the nomad community is still small compared to cities like Bordeaux or Nantes. But that's exactly what makes it a pleasant surprise. We've written a dedicated guide to Tours if you want to dig deeper.
Avignon: southern sunshine without the chaos of big cities
Avignon divides people. Either you love its Provençal character, its ramparts, its light — or you walk on by. For remote work, it's a serious and still very underexplored option. The cost of living is significantly lower than Marseille or Nice, the centre is compact and pleasant to live in, and there are a few well-thought-out coworking spaces that welcome a variety of profiles. In summer, watch out: the heat can make some afternoons tricky if you're not well set up. But from September to June, the city is mild, quiet, and productive. The theatre festival in July brings a particular energy — a bit chaotic, but stimulating. A city to try on a work-cation first, before considering a longer stay.
La Rochelle: the coastal city that doesn't pretend
La Rochelle has a holiday-city reputation that sticks. A shame, because it's so much more than that. It's an engaged city with a real entrepreneurial culture and an active coworking scene for its size. The spaces exist, they're well connected, and they welcome both local freelancers and passing nomads. The quality of life is exceptional: the ocean, cycling paths, rare air quality. Rents stay reasonable outside the summer months, when the city transforms a little. What surprises most is the density of dynamic profiles in a city of this size. Something is really happening in La Rochelle — and not just in July.
Bayonne: the gateway to the Basque Country for serious work
Bayonne is often in the shadow of Biarritz, its more glamorous neighbour. And that's a mistake. For getting work done, Bayonne is clearly more suited: less touristy, more financially accessible, with a solid local economic fabric and a structuring coworking scene. The city has a real character, a strong identity, residents deeply attached to their area. You're 15 minutes from the ocean, 45 minutes from the Pyrénées, and in a city where neighbourhood life still genuinely exists. Café options for working are limited, let's be honest, but the coworking spaces compensate. And Basque gastronomy at lunch — that changes everything.
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This isn't about nostalgia or rejecting big cities. It's about the balance between what you invest and what you get back. These five cities give you space, quiet, quality of life — without cutting you off from the world. If you're still on the fence, start with a month-long trial. Deskover is here to help you find the best spots to set up your laptop, city by city.