Unveiling the top cities for remote working in the South of France

A wonderfully balmy climate, heaps of exquisite architecture and strings of glorious beaches make the French Riviera a sublime spot for a villa escape. But have you ever considered staying in this magnificent region for a little longer?

If your job allows you the flexibility to work anywhere, you'll find France counts among the best countries for digital nomads in Europe. As well as its delectable cuisine, elegant culture and a wide array of iconic monuments, it's also jam-packed with cities and towns boasting ample modern business amenities.

Dedicated co-working spaces, amenity-packed accommodation options and the country's renowned work-life balance all make it a great place for digital nomads. Remote working in the South of France is particularly desirable thanks to the warm weather and effortlessly relaxed lifestyle.

Best cities in the South of France for Digital Nomads

Like the sound of strolling along the Promenade des Anglais during your lunch break? Or what about spending your weekends lazing around on a striped beach chair in Saint-Tropez? Plenty of cool cities in France's south are perfect for remote working — from those directly on the Côte d'Azur to medieval metropolises tucked away in pretty Provence — your digital nomad lifestyle awaits.

If you'd rather split your work time between your South of France villa and an atmospheric French café with fast wifi, there are plenty of delightful options. Answer your emails with a view of the majestic Villa Masséna (one of the region's best art museums) at Café Frei. The bistro-style café has plenty of tables, strong coffee and a tempting selection of pastries and patisserie. Alternatively, contemporary Café Fino near Promenade du Paillon offers minimalist, Scandi-inspired decor and a mouth-watering brunch menu if you get peckish while working.

Trendee on Boulevard Carnot is the city's best-regarded co-working space. It's as stylish as its name suggests, with plenty of natural touches and cool rattan furnishings. Prefer to work steps from the beach? Wojo — one of Europe's biggest co-working office chains — has a venue in the Ibis hotel on Avenue Francis Tonner featuring private desk space and meeting rooms, which can be rented by the hour, day or week.

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As well as conducting business from the peace and quiet of your villa, there are countless seafront cafés near the town's historic Citadelle where you can pull up a chair, open up your laptop and start typing away.

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Plenty of Avignon cafés welcome remote workers and offer free wifi if you order a drink or food. Starbucks fans will love the casual French Coffee Shop in the heart of the city's pedestrianised zone, while upmarket Tulipe Café & Resto offers stylish decor, delicious breakfast options and some of the best coffee in Avignon.

Prefer a co-working space with air-conditioning, plenty of plug points and private meeting spaces? There are several located around Avignon, including La Passerelle, which offers lightning-fast wifi, a range of different desk spaces and a programme of exciting member events — from free breakfasts to after-work drinks — if you feel like expanding your social circle.

Tips for digital nomads

Is your heart set on remote working in France? There are several things to consider before you jet off to its spectacular southern shores.

Visas for the South of France

There is yet to be a specific digital nomad visa for France. If you're arriving from a nation within the Schengen Zone, you can visit the country for up to 90 days without needing a visa. This makes the French Riviera the ideal place to base yourself for a short remote working stint before moving on to another digital nomad oasis in Europe. While you won't be able to work for a French company during this time (you'll need a work visa), you can still work remotely for your original employer.

If you'd like to stay a little longer, register locally with the authorities in your chosen Southern France city, and they may let you extend your visit.

Staying connected

As you'd expect, the internet is fast and reliable throughout the French Riviera, making it easy to stay connected. Most South of France villas and co-working spaces feature complimentary wifi.

If you'd like to answer emails in a charming French café, be aware that not everywhere will offer a free internet connection. You can get around this by hot-spotting off your mobile phone or ensuring that your device, whether a tablet or laptop, has its own wifi or data plan.

Choosing the right time

Sun, sea and awe-inspiring architecture make the French Riviera a must-visit destination throughout the year. It may seem tempting to become a digital nomad in France during the peak summer season when the beaches are bustling with sun worshippers, and the streets are abuzz with activity.

However, there are many benefits to visiting outside July and August for a 'workation'. For starters, you'll find cafés are less busy off-season, allowing you to have a table to yourself for hours if needed. Co-working spaces can also get booked up in the summer (which could be an issue if you plan to be there for a few months and don't have a home office in your villa).

Luckily, the French Riviera has some of the most pleasant weather in Europe, so you can easily visit in the sleepier spring or autumn months and still hit the beach after work. After all, it's all about striking that perfect work-life balance!

Villas in the South of France

Are you already imagining yourself living in one of the best cities for remote working in the South of France? You'll want somewhere as beautiful as the region itself to use as your base. Browse our stunning collection of French Riviera villas to find options with smart home offices and locations that give you easy access to your chosen city's best co-working spaces.