Where Do French Expats Settle in Hong Kong?

Published on October 31, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

French Community Settlement in Hong Kong

Perched at the southeastern tip of China, the vibrant city of Hong Kong attracts an increasing number of French expatriates, drawn by its economic dynamism and rich cultural heritage.

Where Do French Expatriates Settle?

Yet, where do these French nationals actually choose to unpack their bags in this multifaceted metropolis? Between the futuristic skyscrapers of Central and the bohemian atmosphere of Sai Ying Pun, through the picturesque villages of the New Territories, each neighborhood tells a unique story of French immersion in this fascinating territory.

Exploring the residential choices of the French in Hong Kong means diving into a complex map of preferences and opportunities, revealing surprising trends and unexpected living realities.

Mapping Francophone Communities in Hong Kong

Neighborhoods favored by the French in Hong Kong

Neighborhood	Main Characteristics	Reasons for French Choice	Presence of French Associations/Venues
Mid Levels	Affluent residential area, central, divided into two sub-districts (East/West)	Proximity to international schools, family-friendly or lively atmosphere, access to transportation	Neighborhood meetings organized by HKA
Pok Fu Lam	Green, quiet residential area, close to international schools	Green spaces, proximity to French International School, pleasant family life	Occasional association events
Happy Valley	Lively neighborhood near downtown, with sports facilities and vibrant nightlife	Dynamic atmosphere, easy access to downtown, proximity to schools	Cafés and meetups organized by HKA
Tseung Kwan O	Recent neighborhood in New Territories, family-friendly, numerous parks, more spacious and affordable housing	Proximity to new French International School campus, green spaces, neighborhood life, moderate rents	New gatherings around the school
Sheung Wan	Central, trendy neighborhood popular with young professionals and students	Urban life, quick access to downtown, hip atmosphere	Evening events, cafés and community gatherings
Discovery Bay	Island neighborhood, family-friendly, quiet, direct ferry access to Central	Green spaces, close-knit Francophone community, safe environment	Parent/child groups, cultural activities

Key Factors in Geographic Choice

• Proximity to French international schools: The presence of French International School (campuses at Jardine’s Lookout, Blue Pool Road, and Tseung Kwan O) encourages many families to settle nearby for easier school commutes.
• Neighborhood atmosphere: Some prefer quiet, green neighborhoods (Pok Fu Lam, Discovery Bay, Tseung Kwan O), while others favor lively areas close to shops and downtown (Happy Valley, Mid Levels, Sheung Wan).
• Accessibility and transportation: Proximity to MTR lines and other public transport is a key criterion, facilitating mobility in a dense city like Hong Kong.
• Housing prices and size: Families often seek more space at reasonable costs, explaining the growth of neighborhoods like Tseung Kwan O or Discovery Bay.

French Clubs, Associations and Cultural Venues

• Hong Kong Accueil (HKA): Major association facilitating integration of new Francophone arrivals through welcome services, coffee meetups, cultural events, and neighborhood support networks. Regular presence in Wanchai, with events organized throughout the territory.
• Business and cultural clubs: French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong (FCCIHK), Alliance Française (classes, media library, cultural events), Francophone sports or artistic associations.
• Social venues: Cafés, French restaurants, bakeries, markets and themed evenings in neighborhoods with strong Francophone presence.

Community Organization and Interaction

• Francophone communities primarily organize around schools, associations like HKA, and informal social media groups.
• “Neighborhood meetups” create connections between newcomers and long-term residents, fostering mutual support and integration.
• Interactions with local populations and other expatriates are facilitated by neighborhood life, school or association events, and Hong Kong’s cultural openness.
• The community also engages in intercultural initiatives (workshops, markets, charity events) promoting dialogue between Francophones, Hong Kongers and other expatriates.

Recent Statistics

• Number of French in Hong Kong: Approximately 25,000 French nationals currently live in Hong Kong, making it one of the largest European communities in the region.
• Distribution: The Francophone population is present throughout the territory but with notable concentrations in the neighborhoods mentioned above.

Key Takeaway:
Hong Kong’s Francophone community is dynamic, well-organized and structured around educational, associative and cultural hubs, facilitating smooth integration while preserving strong community spirit.

Neighborhoods Favored by French Expatriates

The most sought-after neighborhoods by French expatriates in Hong Kong each offer a distinct atmosphere, varying accessibility to French schools, and services and amenities tailored to the needs of families and working professionals.

Neighborhood	Accessibility to French Schools	Amenities & Services	Atmosphere & Cultural Characteristics	Attractiveness Factors
Mid Levels	Proximity to international and French schools	Supermarkets, restaurants, nightlife, services	Affluent residential, cosmopolitan, dynamic	Downtown proximity, quick business access, rich social life
Happy Valley	Close to French International School	Shops, bars, restaurants, racecourse	Family neighborhood, relaxed atmosphere	Neighborhood life, school proximity, residential setting
Jardine’s Lookout	Very close to French schools	Green spaces, supermarkets, French products	Quiet, upscale residential	Safety, tranquility, quick school access
Tseung Kwan O (TKO)	New French International School campus	Green spaces, bike paths, playgrounds	New neighborhood, family atmosphere	Spacious housing, more affordable prices, quiet
Sai Kung	Further from French schools	Green spaces, markets, cafés	Village-like atmosphere, close to nature	Quiet, family life, outdoor spaces
Discovery Bay	Access possible via ferry	Supermarkets, restaurants, clubs, beaches	International community, beach town vibe	Green setting, safety, expatriate community
Deep Water Bay / Repulse Bay	Car or bus access to French schools	Villas, beaches, green spaces	Luxury, sea views, exclusive residential	Tranquility, natural setting, high standard
Kennedy Town	Access via MTR	Cafés, bars, supermarkets, nightlife	Gentrified, trendy, community atmosphere	Urban life, downtown proximity, attractive to young professionals

Main criteria influencing neighborhood choice:

• Proximity to French schools (French International School, TKO campus)
• Easy access to business centers (Central, Admiralty)
• Efficient public transportation (MTR, buses, trams, ferries)
• International amenities (supermarkets with French products, restaurants, sports clubs)
• Presence of green spaces and playgrounds for families
• Community atmosphere and sense of security

Example testimonials and anecdotes:

– “We chose Happy Valley for its proximity to the school and because we find a very friendly neighborhood spirit here. On Sundays, we meet many French families in the park or at café terraces.”

– “In Tseung Kwan O, we finally found a spacious apartment at a reasonable price. It’s a bit further from downtown, but the neighborhood life and safety for children are incomparable.”

– “Mid Levels is ideal for my work in Central. You can do everything on foot or by escalator, there’s real social life, and the services are top-notch.”

Key Takeaway:
The French community prioritizes neighborhoods offering a balance between practical living (school/transport access), quality of life (green spaces, family or cosmopolitan atmosphere) and services adapted to their daily needs. The choice largely depends on family composition, budget, and desired lifestyle.

The Importance of French Networks in Hong Kong

French networks play a central role in expatriate integration in Hong Kong, providing both social, professional and cultural support.

French Associations:

• Hong Kong Accueil is one of the main welcome associations for Francophones in Hong Kong. It provides support upon arrival, practical advice, regular coffee meetups and a wide variety of activities (tours, workshops, book clubs, hikes, traditional games like mahjong, etc.).
• The association is organized around neighborhood representatives who facilitate connections between newcomers and experienced residents, promoting exchange of best practices and creation of friendly and professional relationships.
• It also organizes occasional events and themed meetings, allowing members to discover local culture and integrate into Hong Kong life.

Chambers of Commerce:

• The French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong offers networking events, sector workshops and conferences, facilitating professional integration of French nationals into the local economic fabric.
• These events enable meetings with entrepreneurs, executives and established experts, providing privileged access to the local job market, business opportunities and advice on entrepreneurship in Hong Kong.

Cultural Events:

• The French community organizes festivals, exhibitions, screenings and celebrations around French gastronomy, cinema, or literature, enhancing the visibility of French culture and creating spaces for intercultural exchange.
• These events provide opportunities to strengthen attachment to native culture while promoting dialogue with Hong Kong society.

Network or Event	Main Contributions to Integration
Hong Kong Accueil	Welcome, mutual support, social and cultural activities
Chamber of Commerce	Professional opportunities, networking
Cultural Events	Promotion of French culture, intercultural exchanges

Professional and Social Opportunities:

• Networks facilitate job search, entrepreneurship, and business partnership creation.
• They also enable development of friendship circles, access to practical advice for daily life, or finding activities for families and children.

Social Media and Online Platforms:

• Facebook, WhatsApp, LinkedIn groups and specialized forums extend connections beyond physical meetings.
• These platforms are used to share job postings, practical information (housing, health, schooling), organize outings, or ask questions about local life.
• They play a key role in maintaining community cohesion, particularly for those who cannot regularly participate in in-person events.

Importance for the French Community:

• These networks provide moral and logistical support, reducing isolation and facilitating adaptation to a cultural and professional environment that can be very different.
• They are essential for sharing reliable information, mutual support with administrative procedures, and experience transmission between long-term and new arrivals.

French networks in Hong Kong form a supportive and dynamic ecosystem, essential for successful integration and fully enjoying the expatriate experience.