5 cities to TEFL in France that aren’t Paris

Living and working in France is the dream of many a TEFL teacher. We’d wager that if you asked 100 people where they would see themselves working, if they could pick anywhere in the world, a substantial number would say France.

A beautiful, big ol’ country, France is packed to the brim with incredible history, gorgeous architecture, a rich literary history and more cultural highlights than you could ever imagine. An epicentre of art, music and ideas, France has so much to offer, and that’s before you take into account the incredible land itself, with massive cities, achingly beautiful countryside views, charming towns and villages, and weather that brings millions of people to its shores every year.

People - TEFL teachers included - gravitate towards Paris, and it’s hardly surprising. A capital city steeped in fashion, culture and history, France’s biggest city and its sprawling great metropolitan area are endlessly fascinating. Paris speaks for itself; we won’t insult your intelligence by listing everything great about it here. All of this said, though, France is a lot more than its capital city. 

Here at The TEFL Org, we feel many ideal French locations get missed out of the conversation. So, here’s a blog post to rectify a grave injustice: 5 cities to teach in France that aren’t La Ville Lumière…

That’s Paris, by the way.

Marseille

Home to just under a million inhabitants, Marseille can appropriately be described as France’s “second city”, and it’s an incredible place to live and work. Fantastically multicultural, Marseille’s status as a prominent port city has made it extremely popular for international business, with guests from all over the world hoping for a piece of the action. 

On France ’s south coast, Marseille has fantastic weather and many beaches . Marseille is both a thriving hub of activity and a place where you can get away from it all. There are plenty of great TEFL opportunities, especially with such a focus on international trade and the emergence of English in French education. Marseille is full of language schools that teach English, as well as universities and some international schools that teach in English.

Once classes are done, you can enjoy the pristine, clear waters of Baie des Singes or L'Estaque Beach and take in the sunset. Or, you can check out one of Marseille’s seemingly countless iconic music venues. Maybe Olympique de Marseille are playing at the world-famous Velodrome. Perhaps you’d prefer to kick back and enjoy local wines from one of the various vineyards outside the city. There are many great options, all of which sound pretty good to us.

Random fact : Good news for sun-seekers - Marseille sees the most sunlight of any French city .

Nice

We could make endless puns about Nice, but after consulting the thesaurus and avoiding an opening sentence like “Nice by name…” we can get into what makes this beautiful city on the French Riviera so appealing.

The home of Henri Matisse , Nice’s status as a cultural and educational hub is well-established. The city has 10 universities , has been the subject of countless paintings, and is home to one of Europe’s most famous landmarks, the wonderfully named Vieille Ville, Nice’s breathtaking old town.

Though Nice's views and architecture are charming, don’t mistake the city for something quaint and backwards-looking. Modern Nice is a technological hub, with international businesses making roots there. The Université Côte d'Azur is a leading light in technological innovation and research, attracting thousands of students and visitors from around the world.

Like Marseille, many people require some English proficiency for their careers as modern professionals in international commerce, so there’s a lot of opportunity for TEFL teachers who are well-versed in Business English . 

With so many visitors coming to Nice, international students enjoying the local universities, and its unbelievable natural beauty, this city has too much going for it to be ignored.

Random fact : Garibaldi, who unified Italy, was from Nice. Nice was technically part of Italy until 1860!

Lyon

Now, let’s head to northern France, to a city historically known for its silk trade and Roman ruins. Lyon’s greater metropolitan area is home to about 2 million people and some of the best restaurants in France. It is a banking powerhouse and home to modern and classic architecture that’s beyond stunning.

An incredibly walkable city, Lyon is enjoyed best when you’re roaming around. Of course, there are tourist attractions that you have to check off your list: the Cathedrale St-Jean-Baptiste , the Musee de Confluences et al. While there are fantastic things to see and do, the streets, the Renaissance buildings and the markets are where Lyon is most enjoyed.

Lyon is very hospitable to English speakers, with a handful of international schools and many English tutoring options across the city . There are even specific job opportunities for modern professionals in Lyon , such is the level of interest in international business, banking and other industries where English is helpful. To put it bluntly, you’ll be fine finding a job in Lyon as an English teacher.

Random fact : Lyon can claim to be the birthplace of cinema! Film lovers should check out the Institut Lumière in Montplaisir to learn about Lyon’s role in entertainment history.

Toulouse 

Let’s go back down the road, this time to France’s gorgeous southwest, to another multicultural city with inhabitants from all over the world: Toulouse.

With an excellent international airport , prestigious universities , and school system, Toulouse is an ideal spot for TEFL teachers focusing on academia. Indeed, with higher education courses offered in English and a genuine interest in English for its occupational benefits, skilled TEFL teachers can find opportunities aplenty.

Toulouse is an underrated city. The metropolitan area and the Haute-Garonne region are picturesque, with some unique attractions for culinary experts. Not far from Toulouse, you can visit the Roquefort caves , where the famous variety of cheese is made. If you’re an art lover, Toulouse has fine and modern art galleries in massive complexes and quaint locations, while the home of famous painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is a short drive away in Albi. 

Toulouse is a quintessential southern French city, charmingly rustic and stunning modern in equal measure. Another locale with fabulous vineyards, hill walks and seemingly endless sunshine, don’t discount The Pink City when considering teaching English in France.

Random fact : Toulouse is nicknamed the "Pink City" because of its local terracotta brick buildings.

Lille

For our last stop, it’s time to go back north, specifically the Hauts-de-France region in northern France, near the border with Belgium. Lille, Europe’s Capital of Culture in 2004 , is an increasingly prominent city with many must-see attractions, sporting prowess, and—as you might expect—cultural highlights galore.

So, let’s talk about some of those attractions: the Palais des Beaux-Arts is a must for art lovers, while if you’re keen on another old town, Old Lille is winding, cobbled and has all the charm of a classic French novel.

If you’re looking for some of the finest eateries in northern France, you’re in luck, with the Marché de Wazemmes serving as the home to some of France’s freshest and tastiest food and drink. With a stylish, modern city centre filled with opportunities to enjoy shopping, restaurants and bars, Lille is a real highlight and a growing hub of tourism and business.

The demand for English teachers in Lille is high, and there are a few factors for that. Politically, Lille’s proximity to Belgium and the European Parliament means multilingualism is widespread. Jobs for English teachers might not always be orthodox - for every classroom opportunity, there’s a chance to work as an au pair and teach English in a home environment. 

A fine city in and of itself, but also a gateway to central Europe, Lille should be on your shortlist if you’re considering heading to France.

Random fact: The famous Lille Braderie, a giant flea market held annually in September, dates back to the 12th century and is one of the largest street markets in Europe.

Paris is brilliant, but…

If your heart is set on Paris, there’s nothing else for it. After all, who can resist?

However, France is so much bigger than you realise, and it’s packed with incredible cities which compare well to any TEFL location on the planet. Each has its unique charm, and that’s before you consider the regions around the cities. There’s so much to explore.

With considerable demand for English across France and plenty of great locations, it's time to grab a beret, book a flight, and enjoy La Belle Vie.

Are you excited to start your French adventure? Start a TEFL course today, and you could be living it up in Lille, Toulouse, Nice, Lyon, or Marseille in no time!