Like everything, ymmv. You are correct about lower junior salaries but taken in the context of an even lower cost of living...go to Berlin. Also sounds weird to say but germans are 1000x nicer and more welcoming than the French. Berlin good stuff is that the tech scene soeaks English, all the hot iot, telekom, autonomous vehicle stuff is in berlin and its the cheapest of the cities to live in. I am coming from a background around 10 years in the industry with a lot of finance and defence experience. Plus I just always apply for 5 jobs then let them duke it out ;)