Overview
The Ranking evaluates data of the top french billionaires according to their estimated net worth, industry affiliation, and ranking position.
The latest rankings reveal a landscape dominated by fashion and consumer goods, with a few notable figures in technology, shipping, and healthcare.
Beinsure Media analyzed data from The Bloomberg Billionaires Index and compiled a France’s billionaires rating.
France continues to be a global powerhouse of luxury, innovation, and industrial heritage, as reflected in its billionaire class.
List of Richest People in France by Net Worth
| Rank | Name | Net worth | Industry |
| 1 | Bernard Arnault | $153B | Consumer |
| 2 | Francoise Bettencourt Meyers | $87.5B | Consumer |
| 3 | Alain Wertheimer | $41.8B | Consumer |
| 4 | Gerard Wertheimer | $41.8B | Consumer |
| 5 | Rodolphe Saade & family | $36.6B | Services |
| 6 | Francois Pinault | $19.0B | Consumer |
| 7 | Xavier Niel | $11.2B | Technology |
| 8 | Laurent Dassault | $11.0B | Diversified |
| 9 | Marie-Helene Habert-Dassault | $11.0B | Diversified |
| 10 | Thierry Dassault | $11.0B | Diversified |
| 11 | Vincent Bollore | $9.67B | Diversified |
| 12 | Alain Merieux | $7.87B | Health Care |
| 13 | Patrick Drahi | $6.90B | Media & Telecom |
French Richest People (2025): Billionaire Elite
Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of LVMH, remains France’s wealthiest individual with an estimated net worth of $172.1 bn as of early 2025. Despite recent market fluctuations and LVMH’s dip behind Hermès in market capitalisation, Arnault’s empire—spanning Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Moët & Chandon—continues to define global luxury. His family’s succession planning is well underway, with all five of his children holding key roles within the conglomerate.
With a net worth of $89.6 bn, Françoise Bettencourt Meyers is the richest woman in the world and the second-wealthiest person in France. As vice-chairwoman of L’Oréal and granddaughter of its founder, she continues to grow the family’s legacy through Téthys Invest, a private equity arm managing billions in assets.
Alain and Gérard Wertheimer, co-owners of Chanel, each hold a fortune of approximately $41.4 bn. The brothers maintain a low profile while overseeing one of the world’s most iconic fashion houses. Their wealth is managed through Mousse Partners, a private family office known for its secrecy.
Rodolphe Saadé, CEO of CMA CGM, leads one of the world’s largest shipping companies. With a net worth of approximately $36.6 bn, his family’s business has expanded into logistics and e-commerce, reflecting the global importance of supply chain management.
Founder of Kering, the parent company of Gucci and Balenciaga, François Pinault has a net worth of $31.6 bn. Beyond fashion, he is a renowned art collector, owning the Pinault Collection and the auction house Christie’s.
Xavier Niel, founder of Iliad (Free), is a prominent figure in France’s tech and telecom sectors, with a net worth of $10.7 bn. His investments span startups, media, and artificial intelligence, including the recent launch of the AI research lab Kyutai.
Laurent, Marie-Hélène, and Thierry Dassault, heirs to the Dassault Group, each possess fortunes of approximately $8.1 bn. Their diversified interests include aerospace, media, and real estate, maintaining the family’s significant influence in French industry.
Alain Mérieux, with a net worth of $6.3 bn, is the founder of bioMérieux, a global leader in in vitro diagnostics. His contributions to public health have been significant, particularly in the development of diagnostic solutions.
Patrick Drahi, founder of Altice, has a net worth of $4.3 bn. His holdings include telecommunications and media assets across Europe and the United States, reflecting a diversified investment strategy.
France’s billionaire class exemplifies a blend of traditional industries and modern innovation. While luxury and consumer goods remain dominant, sectors like technology, shipping, and healthcare are increasingly contributing to the nation’s wealth.
This diversification underscores France’s dynamic economy and its capacity to adapt to global trends.
FAQ
Bernard Arnault is the richest person in France, with an estimated net worth of $153 bn. He is the CEO of LVMH, the world’s largest luxury goods company.
The consumer goods industry—particularly luxury fashion and cosmetics—dominates. Major brands like LVMH, Chanel, and L’Oréal account for the largest fortunes.
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, heiress to the L’Oréal fortune, is the wealthiest woman in France and the world, with a net worth of $87.5 bn.
Aside from luxury, technology, healthcare, and media/telecom are gaining prominence. Notable figures include Xavier Niel (telecom), Alain Mérieux (diagnostics), and Patrick Drahi (media).
There’s a mix. Many, like Bernard Arnault and Patrick Drahi, are largely self-made. Others, such as the Wertheimers and Bettencourt Meyers, inherited their wealth and expanded it through strategic business leadership.
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Edited by Yana Keller – lead finance editor at Beinsure Media
