Property prices in cities across France are continuing their rapid upward movement, with Paris as ever leading the charge and Lyon and Nantes following.

The southern cities of Nice, Marseille and Montpellier, all of which suffer from high unemployment, are bucking the trend however, with only minor property price rises.

Nationally, the price per square metre increased up almost 3% between September and October, according to Le Parisien newspaper.

But in the big cities, prices have rocketed over the past year. Lyon saw a rise of 11.1% to an average of €4,501sqm, Nantes prices rose by 8.6% to €3,231sqm and in Toulouse they went up by 6.7% to reach €3,106sqm.

The northern city of Lille, which is enjoying rapid economic growth after years of stagnation, also saw its house and apartment prices rise to €2,836sqm. However, Paris, as ever, remains by far the most expensive city in the country and has seen its property prices rise to yet another record high, now costing €10,115sqm on average.

Nice, Marseille and Montpellier have all three failed to shine in the latest index, with prices remaining stagnant or showing only a minor rise. Average prices are currently €4,107sqm in Nice, €2,565sqm in Marseille, and €2,895sqm in Montpellier.