The latest national ranking published by Villes et Villages où il fait bon vivre has once again highlighted the appeal of the French Riviera. In its 2026 edition, two municipalities from the Alpes-Maritimes secured positions in the national top 10.
Among towns with more than 2,000 inhabitants, Nice maintains its 9th place nationwide. Despite growing competition from other regions, the Riviera’s capital continues to stand out for its Mediterranean lifestyle, cultural vitality and broad infrastructure. The national podium remains led by Biarritz, Annecy and Angers.
In the category of villages with fewer than 2,000 residents, Théoule-sur-Mer achieved an impressive 6th place, becoming the highest-ranked village on the Côte d’Azur. Nestled between the Mediterranean and the dramatic red cliffs of the Esterel massif, Théoule charms with its preserved natural setting, peaceful atmosphere and strong property appeal.
The ranking evaluates nearly 200 criteria across 11 categories, including safety, environment, healthcare, education, transport, taxation and overall quality of life.
Elsewhere in southern France, several towns made notable progress this year, with Ajaccio, Fréjus, Saint-Raphaël and Mandelieu-la-Napoule climbing more than 50 positions—further confirming the growing attractiveness of the Mediterranean lifestyle.