The French in Andorra: Where They Settle

Published on October 3, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Nestled between France and Spain, the Principality of Andorra is attracting an increasing number of French citizens eager to settle in an enchanting setting while benefiting from a favorable tax regime. But behind this idyllic image lies a complex reality: where do these expatriates actually choose to live in this small mountainous country?

From the peaceful peaks of La Massana to the urban buzz of Andorra la Vella, settlement choices are varied and reflect both individual preferences and economic and social factors. A detailed exploration of current trends reveals the underlying motivations and sought-after villages within this growing community.

Mapping of French-Speaking Communities in Andorra

Main Residential Areas for the French in Andorra

• Andorra la Vella: The country’s capital, administrative and economic center, it hosts a significant portion of the French community.
• Escaldes-Engordany: Adjacent to the capital, this parish is also highly sought after for its services and urban vibrancy.
• La Massana and Ordino: These villages in the northwest attract French families seeking a preserved natural environment while remaining close to amenities.
• Sant Julià de Lòria: Proximity to Spain, quiet residential environment, frequented by a mixed population of expatriates.

Town/Parish	Main Characteristics	Estimated French Density
Andorra la Vella	Urban center, active cultural life	Very high
Escaldes-Engordany	Commercial life, spa facilities	High
La Massana	Family residential, close to nature	Medium to high
Ordino	Authentic village, environment	Medium
Sant Julià de Lòria	Residential calm	Moderate

Estimated total number of French residents: between 3,000 and 6,000 according to recent sources (approximately 4 to 8% of the total population), making the French one of the leading expatriate communities in the country.

Motivations for Settling in These Specific Areas:

• Economic Attractiveness
  • Favorable taxation for individuals and entrepreneurs
  • Local business opportunities
  • Controlled cost of living compared to major French or Spanish cities
• Quality of Life
  • High safety (very low crime rate)
  • Preserved mountain environment
  • Easy access to sports activities (skiing in winter – hiking in summer)
• Geographic Proximity
  • Quick access to Toulouse or Barcelona for business or family
  • Easy crossing of the Franco-Andorran border
• Services Adapted for French Speakers
  • Presence of schools offering French as a primary or secondary language
  • Public administration accessible in French in certain sectors

Community Initiatives & Integration

Non-exhaustive list of associations facilitating integration:

• Alliance Solidaire des Français d’Andorre

This association offers:

• Administrative assistance during settlement
• Regular organization of Franco-Andorran cultural or social events
• Professional networking within the local French-speaking community

Informal groups on social networks also play an important role in sharing practical information among expatriates.

Cultural/Socio-Economic Particularities Influencing Choice

⚡ The unique political history linking France & Andorra grants French a special institutional status despite the exclusive official status of Catalan. The French president is a constitutional co-prince of the country. This results in increased visibility of French in local media, some private schools, and several public administrations.

⚡ The areas favored by French families typically offer:
• A bilingual or even trilingual educational framework (Catalan/French/Spanish)
• A real estate market adapted to an internationally mobile clientele

⚡ Finally, the local socio-economic fabric values skills from both the French and international markets, thanks to an attractive entrepreneurial ecosystem driven particularly by the Andorran financial sector.

Neighborhoods Favored by French Expatriates

Neighborhood / Parish	Main Attractions	Amenities and Services	French Community	Professional Opportunities
Andorra la Vella	Economic and administrative heart, dynamic urban life, rich cultural scene, proximity to institutions	Wide choice of shops, restaurants, schools, hospitals, public transport	Strong French presence, numerous associations (e.g., Alliance Solidaire des Français d’Andorre)	Many positions in administration, commerce, entrepreneurship
Escaldes-Engordany	Luxury, wellness, spa culture, modern and green setting	Caldea wellness center, sports facilities, schools, quiet residential areas	Active French community, neighborhoods favored for comfort and quality of life	Professions related to tourism, health and wellness, real estate
La Massana	Nature, tranquility, immediate proximity to ski resorts and hiking trails	Green spaces, educational institutions, local shops	French families appreciating the mountain setting and local friendliness	Opportunities in mountain tourism, hospitality, sports activities
Santa Coloma (Andorra la Vella)	Quiet residential neighborhood, close to downtown	Proximity to schools, quick access to medical and administrative services	Home to many French families seeking a balance between calm and access to services	Varied profiles, often executives or liberal professionals

Reasons for the Appeal of These Neighborhoods to the French:

Living Environment: Andorra combines a preserved natural environment, clean air, and exceptional safety. Neighborhoods like La Massana appeal for their tranquility and proximity to the mountains, while Andorra la Vella offers urban vibrancy.

Amenities and Services: Presence of international schools, modern medical facilities, sports and cultural infrastructure. Easy access to all essential services, particularly in the capital and Escaldes-Engordany.

Proximity to Educational and Medical Services: French families prioritize neighborhoods offering reputable schools and accessible healthcare centers.

Professional Opportunities: Andorra attracts entrepreneurs and freelancers thanks to favorable taxation, administrative simplicity, and a dynamic tertiary sector. Central neighborhoods host numerous corporate headquarters and coworking spaces.

Illustrative Statistics and Anecdotes:

Nearly 50% of Andorra’s population is of foreign origin, including a significant proportion of French, particularly in favored urban and residential areas.

Certain Facebook groups, like “Français à Andorre,” bring together several thousand members, demonstrating a close-knit and active French community.

It’s not uncommon to encounter shops or restaurants run by French people, or to attend French-speaking community events in central neighborhoods.

Cultural and Community Aspects:

Presence of French associations facilitating integration, mutual aid, and organization of events (meetings, workshops, national celebrations).

Dynamic online groups allowing newcomers to get information, find housing, or quickly build social connections.

Geographic and cultural proximity to France fosters exchanges and the maintenance of traditions.

Andorra is thus perceived as a natural extension of southwestern France, where one finds a lifestyle, friendliness, and security particularly sought after by expatriates.

Networks and Associations for the French in Andorra

Main Networks and Associations for French Integration in Andorra

• Alliance Solidaire des Français d’Andorre: This association, led by Virginie Hergel and Benjamin Jauffret, assists the French with all administrative procedures and relations with French and Andorran authorities. It offers listening, support, personalized advice, and a team of experts in Paris to defend the interests of the French on site. The Alliance regularly organizes meetings to facilitate social and professional integration.
• Association des Français et Francophones d’Andorre (AFFA): Brings together the French-speaking community around cultural events, practical workshops (discovering the country, administrative procedures) and discussion forums.
• Chambre de commerce française d’Andorre: This professional network facilitates exchanges between French/French-speaking entrepreneurs established locally or prospecting. It organizes thematic seminars on the Andorran market, business afterworks, or sectoral roundtables.
• Association des Résidents Étrangers d’Andorre (AREA): Welcomes new French arrivals with personalized support (information on daily life), practical workshops on housing or local employment. Social events are offered to create connections among expatriates.
• Business Network International (BNI): Very active international platform in Andorra enabling regular professional networking around thematic breakfasts or professional conferences.

Examples of Organized Activities

• Monthly social gatherings in a local café or restaurant.
• Practical workshops (“How to open a bank account,” “Taxation in Andorra”).
• Group sports sessions to foster cohesion.
• Annual forums bringing together new arrivals/long-term expatriates around specific themes like business creation.

Association/Network	Main Missions	Types of Events
Alliance Solidaire des Français d’Andorre	Administrative & social support	Regular meetings
AFFA	Cultural & social animation	Discovery workshops
Chambre de commerce française	Business networking	Afterworks / seminars
AREA	Comprehensive support	Social activities
BNI	Entrepreneurial networking	Breakfasts/conferences

Useful Online Resources

• Facebook groups dedicated to “French in Andorra”: spaces to ask any logistical or social questions.
• Specialized forums such as Expat.com’s Andorra section: daily sharing of advice by long-term residents.

“I didn’t know anyone before I arrived; thanks to the meetings organized by the Alliance Solidaire, I was able to build a real circle of friends and also quickly find my administrative bearings,” testifies Nathalie C., resident since 2023.

“The professional workshops allowed me not only to understand local tax particularities but also to meet my first local clients,” adds Guillaume M., entrepreneur.

For Successful Integration

• Combine participation in French associations AND local Andorran networks
• Actively use digital social platforms
• Attend as many open community events as possible

This not only fosters social bonds among French expatriates but also encourages gradual immersion within the local Andorran fabric.

Facts and Figures on French Expatriates in Andorra

Facts and Figures on French Expatriates in Andorra

• Total Population of Andorra: Approximately 80,000 inhabitants, of which about 30% are expatriates.
• Share of Foreign Population: Over 50% of the Andorran population is composed of foreigners.
• Estimated Number of French Living in Andorra: The French constitute one of the largest foreign communities in the country.

Regional Distribution of French Expatriates

The French are mainly settled in:

• Andorra la Vella (the administrative and economic capital)
• Escaldes-Engordany (a sought-after residential area)

These areas offer privileged access to services, commerce, and modern infrastructure.

Main Reasons for Settlement

• Favorable taxation
• Geographic proximity to France
• Business startups or remote work in digital/financial sectors
• High quality of life, safety, and preserved natural environment
• Peaceful retirement

Recent Demographic Trends

Year	Total Population	% Expatriates	French Population Trend
2023	~78,000	~28%	Rising
2024	~80,000	~30%	Rising (+15% arrivals)

The French community is experiencing continuous growth, driven by the easing of administrative procedures for obtaining residence permits. The profile is diversifying with more families, retirees, but also qualified professionals (tech/finance).

Sectors Where the French are Represented

Non-exhaustive list:

• New technologies & digital
• Finance & wealth management
• Entrepreneurship / business creation
• Local commerce & high-end tourism

More and more professionals from the digital sector or working remotely choose Andorra to benefit from the tax framework while remaining close to major European urban centers.

Comparison with Other Foreign Communities

Nationality	Estimated Presence (%)	Main Sectors
Spanish	Very significant	Commerce, tourism, catering
Portuguese	Significant	Construction, commerce
French	Significant	Entrepreneurship, finance
British	Growing	International business

The Spanish remain historically the largest foreign community. The Portuguese are very active in the construction sector. The British mainly seek tranquility and invest in real estate or consulting.

Key Takeaways:

• The French presence is dynamic and progresses each year.
• Major attraction for mild taxation combined with a high standard of living.
• Growing diversification towards digital/finance/remote work.
• The French community integrates through active associative networks facilitating their local adaptation.