Setting Up Shop in France: A Digital Nomad’s Workspace Guide

France is a country known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. It’s no wonder that many digital nomads choose to set up shop in this beautiful country. In this guide, we will explore the best locations for digital nomads in France and provide detailed information on setting up your workspace. Whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of the city or the tranquility of the countryside, France has something to offer for every digital nomad.

Section 1: Paris

Paris, the capital city of France, is a popular choice for digital nomads. With its iconic landmarks, world-class cuisine, and thriving startup scene, Paris offers a dynamic environment for remote work. Here are some key points to consider when setting up your workspace in Paris:

• Coworking Spaces: Paris is home to numerous coworking spaces catering to digital nomads. Some popular options include WeWork, Station F, and Anticafé. These spaces offer a collaborative atmosphere, modern amenities, and networking opportunities.
• Cafés: Paris is famous for its charming cafés, which can serve as temporary workspaces. Many cafés offer free Wi-Fi and a cozy ambiance conducive to productivity. Some recommended cafés for digital nomads include Café de Flore, La Caféothèque, and KB CaféShop.
• Public Libraries: The city boasts a well-established library system, where digital nomads can find a quiet place to work. The Bibliothèque Nationale de France and the American Library in Paris are popular choices.
• Accommodation: When choosing accommodation, consider proximity to coworking spaces or cafés with reliable Wi-Fi. Popular neighborhoods for digital nomads in Paris include Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and Montmartre.
• Transportation: Paris has an extensive public transportation system, including the Metro, buses, and trains. Consider purchasing a Navigo card for unlimited travel within the city.

Section 2: Lyon

Lyon, located in the Rhône-Alpes region of France, is a vibrant city known for its gastronomy and historical sites. Here’s what you need to know about setting up your digital nomad workspace in Lyon:

• Coworking Spaces: Lyon offers a variety of coworking spaces, such as La Cordée, OpenWork, and La Coloc’. These spaces provide a collaborative environment and networking opportunities.
• Cafés: Lyon has a thriving café culture, with many establishments offering free Wi-Fi. Café Mokxa, Le Comptoir du Boeuf, and Café Gadagne are popular choices for digital nomads.
• Libraries: The Bibliothèque Municipale de Lyon is a great option for digital nomads seeking a quiet workspace. It offers free Wi-Fi and a vast collection of resources.
• Accommodation: Consider staying in the city center or the trendy neighborhood of Croix-Rousse, which offers a vibrant atmosphere and easy access to coworking spaces and cafés.
• Transportation: Lyon has an efficient public transportation system, including trams, buses, and a metro. The TCL transportation card allows unlimited travel within the city.

Section 3: Marseille

Marseille, located on the Mediterranean coast, is a melting pot of cultures and a vibrant city for digital nomads. Here are some key points to consider when setting up your workspace in Marseille:

• Coworking Spaces: Marseille offers several coworking spaces, including La Bo[a]te, Cowork’in, and Le Campement. These spaces provide a collaborative environment and networking opportunities.
• Cafés: The city is dotted with charming cafés that offer free Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere. Café de l’Abbaye, Café de la Banque, and Café de l’Épicerie are popular choices.
• Libraries: The Bibliothèque de l’Alcazar is a central library in Marseille that offers a quiet workspace and free Wi-Fi for digital nomads.
• Accommodation: Consider staying in the Vieux-Port area or the trendy neighborhood of Le Panier, which offers a vibrant atmosphere and easy access to coworking spaces and cafés.
• Transportation: Marseille has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and a metro. The Carte Pass Pass allows unlimited travel within the city.

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Section 4: Bordeaux

Bordeaux, located in the southwest of France, is renowned for its wine production and beautiful architecture. Here’s what you need to know about setting up your digital nomad workspace in Bordeaux:

• Coworking Spaces: Bordeaux offers several coworking spaces, including Darwin, The Node, and Wojo. These spaces provide a collaborative environment and networking opportunities.
• Cafés: The city is known for its cozy cafés, many of which offer free Wi-Fi. Café Piha, Mama Shelter, and Books & Coffee are popular choices for digital nomads.
• Libraries: The Bibliothèque de Bordeaux is a central library that offers a quiet workspace and free Wi-Fi for digital nomads.
• Accommodation: Consider staying in the city center or the Chartrons district, which offers a lively atmosphere and easy access to coworking spaces and cafés.
• Transportation: Bordeaux has a comprehensive public transportation system, including trams and buses. The TBM transportation card allows unlimited travel within the city.

Section 5: Toulouse

Toulouse, located in the southwest of France, is known as “La Ville Rose” (The Pink City) due to its distinctive pink brick architecture. Here’s what you need to know about setting up your digital nomad workspace in Toulouse:

• Coworking Spaces: Toulouse offers several coworking spaces, including La Cantine, Wojo, and La Ruche. These spaces provide a collaborative environment and networking opportunities.
• Cafés: The city is filled with charming cafés that offer free Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere. Café Bibent, Café des Artistes, and Café Pierre are popular choices for digital nomads.
• Libraries: The Bibliothèque d’Étude et du Patrimoine is a central library in Toulouse that offers a quiet workspace and free Wi-Fi for digital nomads.
• Accommodation: Consider staying in the city center or the Saint-Cyprien neighborhood, which offers a vibrant atmosphere and easy access to coworking spaces and cafés.
• Transportation: Toulouse has an efficient public transportation system, including metro, trams, and buses. The Tisséo transportation card allows unlimited travel within the city.

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Section 6: Nice

Nice, located on the French Riviera, is known for its stunning beaches and vibrant atmosphere. Here’s what you need to know about setting up your digital nomad workspace in Nice:

• Coworking Spaces: Nice offers several coworking spaces, including Le 109, The Pool, and Le Loft. These spaces provide a collaborative environment and networking opportunities.
• Cafés: The city is filled with charming cafés that offer free Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere. Café de Turin, Café Marché, and Café de la Place are popular choices for digital nomads.
• Libraries: The Bibliothèque Louis Nucéra is a central library in Nice that offers a quiet workspace and free Wi-Fi for digital nomads.
• Accommodation: Consider staying in the city center or the Old Town (Vieux Nice), which offers a lively atmosphere and easy access to coworking spaces and cafés.
• Transportation: Nice has an efficient public transportation system, including trams and buses. The Lignes d’Azur transportation card allows unlimited travel within the city.

Section 7: Strasbourg

Strasbourg, located in the northeast of France, is a charming city known for its beautiful architecture and European institutions. Here’s what you need to know about setting up your digital nomad workspace in Strasbourg:

• Coworking Spaces: Strasbourg offers several coworking spaces, including La Station, Le Shadok, and CoworkingCafé. These spaces provide a collaborative environment and networking opportunities.
• Cafés: The city is dotted with cozy cafés that offer free Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere. Café Bretelles, Café Brant, and Café Bâle are popular choices for digital nomads.
• Libraries: The Bibliothèque Nationale et Universitaire de Strasbourg is a central library that offers a quiet workspace and free Wi-Fi for digital nomads.
• Accommodation: Consider staying in the city center or the Petite France neighborhood, which offers a picturesque setting and easy access to coworking spaces and cafés.
• Transportation: Strasbourg has an efficient public transportation system, including trams and buses. The CTS transportation card allows unlimited travel within the city.

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Section 8: Annecy

Annecy, located in the French Alps, is known for its stunning lake and picturesque scenery. Here’s what you need to know about setting up your digital nomad workspace in Annecy:

• Coworking Spaces: Annecy offers several coworking spaces, including La Cordée, Le Spot, and Coworking Annecy. These spaces provide a collaborative environment and networking opportunities.
• Cafés: The city is filled with charming cafés that offer free Wi-Fi and breathtaking views. Café des Arts, Le Fidèle Berger, and Café Déclic are popular choices for digital nomads.
• Libraries: The Médiathèque Bonlieu is a central library in Annecy that offers a quiet workspace and free Wi-Fi for digital nomads.
• Accommodation: Consider staying near the lake or in the Old Town (Vieille Ville), which offers a picturesque setting and easy access to coworking spaces and cafés.
• Transportation: Annecy has a well-connected public transportation system, including buses and boats. The Sibra transportation card allows unlimited travel within the city.

Section 9: Nantes

Nantes, located in western France, is known for its vibrant arts scene and innovative spirit. Here’s what you need to know about setting up your digital nomad workspace in Nantes:

• Coworking Spaces: Nantes offers several coworking spaces, including La Cantine, La Conciergerie, and Le 8. These spaces provide a collaborative environment and networking opportunities.
• Cafés: The city is dotted with cozy cafés that offer free Wi-Fi and a creative atmosphere. Café Flesselles, Café sur Cour, and Café du Cinéma are popular choices for digital nomads.
• Libraries: The Médiathèque Jacques Demy is a central library in Nantes that offers a quiet workspace and free Wi-Fi for digital nomads.
• Accommodation: Consider staying in the city center or the Île de Nantes neighborhood, which offers a vibrant atmosphere and easy access to coworking spaces and cafés.
• Transportation: Nantes has an efficient public transportation system, including trams and buses. The TAN transportation card allows unlimited travel within the city.

Section 10: Grenoble

Grenoble, located in the French Alps, is known for its stunning mountain views and outdoor activities. Here’s what you need to know about setting up your digital nomad workspace in Grenoble:

• Coworking Spaces: Grenoble offers several coworking spaces, including La Coopérative, Le Totem, and Cowork In Grenoble. These spaces provide a collaborative environment and networking opportunities.
• Cafés: The city is filled with cozy cafés that offer free Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere. Café de la Table Ronde, Café de la Passerelle, and Café de la Place Notre-Dame are popular choices for digital nomads.
• Libraries: The Bibliothèque Municipale de Grenoble is a central library that offers a quiet workspace and free Wi-Fi for digital nomads.
• Accommodation: Consider staying near the city center or the Saint-Laurent neighborhood, which offers a picturesque setting and easy access to coworking spaces and cafés.
• Transportation: Grenoble has a reliable public transportation system, including trams and buses. The TAG transportation card allows unlimited travel within the city.

Section 11: Montpellier

Montpellier, located in the south of France, is known for its sunny climate and lively atmosphere. Here’s what you need to know about setting up your digital nomad workspace in Montpellier:

• Coworking Spaces: Montpellier offers several coworking spaces, including La Coroutine, La Serre, and Cowork’in Montpellier. These spaces provide a collaborative environment and networking opportunities.
• Cafés: The city is filled with charming cafés that offer free Wi-Fi and a vibrant ambiance. Café Riche, Café de la Mer, and Café Viennois are popular choices for digital nomads.
• Libraries: The Médiathèque Emile Zola is a central library in Montpellier that offers a quiet workspace and free Wi-Fi for digital nomads.
• Accommodation: Consider staying in the city center or the Ecusson neighborhood, which offers a lively atmosphere and easy access to coworking spaces and cafés.
• Transportation: Montpellier has an efficient public transportation system, including trams and buses. The TAM transportation card allows unlimited travel within the city.

Section 12: Conclusion

Setting up shop as a digital nomad in France offers an incredible opportunity to experience the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of the country while pursuing your remote work. Whether you choose to work from bustling cities like Paris and Lyon or prefer the tranquility of coastal towns like Nice and Marseille, France has a diverse range of options for every digital nomad. Remember to consider factors such as coworking spaces, cafés, libraries, accommodation, and transportation when setting up your workspace. With the right planning and resources, you can create an ideal workspace in France that combines productivity and exploration.

References

• paris.fr
• lyon.fr
• marseille.fr
• bordeaux.fr
• toulouse.fr
• nice.fr
• strasbourg.eu
• annecy.fr
• nantes.fr
• grenoble.fr
• montpellier.fr