Best place to live in France for a young person?

Question

I'm very interested in moving to France. I was wondering where the best places to live are for someone like me: young (early 20's), pretty liberal/somewhat libertarian, marijuana smoker, avid drinker, and someone that has a great appreciation for good music (of most varieties). Pretty much the place for an average reckless kid - though a place where I could also get a stable job. Other cities in Europe that fit the description for someone like me are also welcome. I was raised in Houston, so I'm not really interested in a city that big, but could give it a shot (1 mil or less is preferred). Also, I'm not looking for a place to find other Americans, and would like to avoid spots that are filled with them (some are fine though, even welcome).

Answer 1

Rillifane is right, as usual. Try the Netherlands.

Answer 2

The best place to live in France is Paris or perhaps Aix en Provence.

I hate to tell you this but pot smoking is illegal in France and, in general, its no place for anyone with even the slightest libertarian instincts to live. The French are the most heavily taxed people in Europe and France is all about central government control, uniformity, regulation and bureaucracy.

And the first bit of government control you'll run into is that you can't stay in France for more than 90 days without a long stay visa.

I suggest you read the French government procedure for applying for one before you blithely decide to move to a country that probably won't be interested in giving you permission to do so. France already has enough unemployed 20 year olds of their own to worry about.