French Expats in Bali: Their Favorite Spots

Published on September 30, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

In an increasingly globalized world, Bali has emerged as a true flagship destination for many expatriates, with the French increasingly succumbing to the charms of the Indonesian island.

This French migration to Bali isn’t a blind mass phenomenon, but rather a movement composed of individuals seeking specific locations to settle—places that meet their professional, cultural, and personal aspirations.

Certain areas of Bali, once unknown, are now becoming dynamic hubs for a growing French community.

This article examines the motivations driving these French nationals to leave mainland France for life under Balinese palm trees and explores the island regions where they choose to unpack their bags and build new lives.

Mapping Francophone Communities in Bali

The main Francophone communities in Bali are concentrated in the Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, and Sanur regions. These areas are favored for their attractive living environments, expatriate density, and infrastructure suited to the needs of families or international workers.

Region	Main Characteristics	Attractions for Francophones
Ubud	Cultural center, lush nature	Artistic life, wellness, cultural initiatives
Canggu	Dynamic seaside neighborhood	Digital scene (nomads), French cafés & restaurants
Seminyak	Historic expat area, near French school (Umalas)	Luxury villas, French-speaking shops and services
Sanur	Family-friendly and calm atmosphere	Beach proximity, international schools

Reasons for Settling

• Presence of the French school in Umalas (near Seminyak), facilitating French-language education.
• Growing cultural initiatives: regular French-speaking events in Ubud or Canggu.
• Diverse culinary offerings with restaurants/bakeries run by French nationals.
• Economic opportunities linked to high-end tourism and digital nomadism.

Demographic Data

An estimated 15,000 French nationals currently reside in Bali. Most live in the mentioned areas where their presence is visible daily: web entrepreneurs in Canggu/Pererenan; families around Seminyak/Umalas due to schools; retirees or artists near Ubud. The French also rank among the top three nationalities visiting Bali annually.

Infrastructure & Available Resources

• French-Indonesian cultural associations organizing language/cultural workshops.
• Specialized stores: French gourmet groceries, artisanal bakeries…
• Informal professional networks for independent entrepreneurs.
• Community events: French film nights, gourmet markets…

Impact on Local Culture

The Francophone community actively contributes to local economic dynamism through new hotel and gastronomy establishments. Their involvement also fosters intercultural exchanges with the Balinese population—particularly through shared artistic/musical initiatives.

Notable Effects: enhanced appreciation of local cultural heritage among international audiences; creation of direct/indirect jobs; partial adaptation of some local services to European standards.

Challenges Faced / Opportunities Offered

List of main challenges:

• Sometimes limited integration outside expatriate circles
• Persistent language barrier despite good social acceptance
• Complex access to local administrative procedures

Opportunities:

• Facilitated professional development in digital/tourism sectors
• Mutual cultural enrichment through ongoing dialogue with Balinese society
• Opportunity for children to access bilingual education from early age

The rapid development of local economic fabric combined with increasing international openness further strengthens this dynamic favorable to Francophone communities settling permanently on the island.

Neighborhoods Favored by French Expatriates

Neighborhood	Major Assets for French Expatriates	Testimonials and Local Specifics
Seminyak	– Cosmopolitan and sophisticated life – Lively beaches – Luxury boutiques, gourmet restaurants, high-end spas – Proximity to international airport and international schools – Present Francophone community	“We chose Seminyak for its refined restaurants, proximity to French schools for our children, and the possibility of living in a modern villa steps from the beach. The atmosphere is dynamic yet elegant.”
Canggu	– Relaxed vibe, surf & trendy cafés – Coworking spaces suited for digital nomads – Young international community, including many French – Numerous sports activities (surf, yoga) – Good internet network and modern infrastructure	“In Canggu, it’s easy to meet other French people. Children enjoy surfing after international school. The atmosphere is very relaxed but all necessary amenities are within reach.”
Ubud	– Balinese cultural/spiritual center – Lush nature (rice fields) – Yoga/pilates studios – Developed artistic life – Organic cafés/healthy food – Calm suited for families or retirees seeking authenticity/local culture	“Ubud won us over with its peaceful quality of life. The Francophone community often gathers there for cultural events or at local organic markets.”
Sanur	– Family/traditional atmosphere – Secure seaside promenade for children – Suitable school offerings (international schools) – Good medical accessibility/private clinic	“Sanur is perfect with young children: daily safety and a close-knit French community that regularly organizes beach meetups.”

Quick Comparison with Other Popular Destinations Among French Expatriates:

Destination	Similar/Different Attractive Characteristics
Lisbon	Strong Francophone community; easy access to Europe; rising real estate costs
Barcelona	Urban beaches; rich cultural life; geographical proximity to France
Montreal	Marked multiculturalism; recognized French educational offerings
Bangkok	Expatriation facilitated by moderate cost; denser urban life than Bali

What Particularly Attracts the French to These Balinese Neighborhoods:

• Housing quality/price (often accessible spacious villas)
• Presence of international schools offering French curriculum
• Easy access to private medical care
• Welcoming Francophone community via Facebook groups/association events
• Healthy lifestyle blending nature/beach/yoga/surf/local or Western cuisine

Distinctive Socio-Economic Aspects:

• Overall cost lower than major Western metropolises
• Growing professional opportunities for freelancers & digital entrepreneurs
• Lifestyle adaptability according to age/family/personal projects

The combination of year-round mild climate, globally-open Balinese cultural diversity, infrastructure suited to family/international needs, and strong community presence make these neighborhoods particularly appreciated by French expatriates.

The Rise of French Networks in Bali

The growth of French community networks in Bali plays a key role in expatriate integration on the island. Through collective dynamics, these networks facilitate welcome, information sharing, and creation of essential social connections for successful settlement.

Main Drivers of French Network Development in Bali:

• Associations: Structured groups offer administrative assistance, practical advice, and regular activities (workshops, conferences, outings) that foster cohesion between newcomers and long-term residents.
• Cultural Events: Celebrating events like Francophonie Week allows expatriates to gather around their language and culture while opening to local diversity.
• Social Media: Facebook or WhatsApp groups dedicated to French in Bali have become essential for asking questions, finding housing, or organizing friendly meetups.

Expatriate Testimonials:

“Upon arrival, I was able to join a local group through social media. This allowed me not only to quickly find housing but also to build strong connections with other French people already settled.”

“Participating in French-speaking events was crucial to my adaptation. You feel less isolated far from home!”

Summary Table – Neighborhoods Where French Networks Are Most Active:

Neighborhood	Main Assets	Community Network Role
Canggu	Lively nightlife, telecommuting	Frequent professional/social meetings
Ubud	Artistic/cultural calm	Wellness workshops & exchanges
Seminyak	Shopping & leisure	Family/convivial activities
Sanur	Family/beach atmosphere	Logistical support/mutual aid

These neighborhoods particularly attract French expatriates because they offer not only modern comfort and adapted services but also active presence of Francophone communities. The final choice of settlement location often depends on perceived dynamism within the local network; many thus prioritize areas where they can rely on this solidarity from their arrival.

• Facilitating all administrative procedures
• Accelerating professional integration
• Quickly creating social circles
• Offering moral support during difficult periods

In summary, these collective structures often become the first anchor point for fully thriving in this new Balinese environment.