France is home to more than 35 billionaires, with most based in or around Paris. How many billionaires are in France, and who is the richest? As of 2026, Bernard Arnault leads with about $171 billion as chairman and CEO of luxury group LVMH. This guide profiles the nation's wealthiest and where they live.
France is home to multiple ultra-wealthy billionaires, with the top 5 having a combined net worth of roughly $364.8 billion as of 2026. These billionaires have made their fortunes in industries such as luxury goods, fashion and retail, cosmetics, and food and beverage.
How many billionaires are in France?
France is home to more than 35 billionaires. Paris has the highest concentration of wealth, with the majority of the country’s billionaires based in or around the capital. Other billionaire fortunes are tied to cities including Lyon, Laval, Marseille, and Lille.
Top 5 Billionaires in France 2026
Who has the highest net worth in France?
1. Bernard Arnault & family
Bernard Arnault, born in 1949, is a self-made billionaire with a net worth of approximately $171 billion as of 2026, according to Forbes. He is the richest person in France and Europe and the only non-American near the top of the global ranking. Arnault is the chairman and CEO of LVMH, the French multinational luxury goods conglomerate whose brands include Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Tiffany & Co. His wealth is rooted in the fashion, retail, and luxury industries. His primary residence is a private mansion on Avenue Montaigne in Paris.
2. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers & family
Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, born in 1953, is a non-self-made billionaire with a net worth of approximately $100 billion as of 2026, making her one of the wealthiest women in the world. Her fortune comes from the family’s roughly one-third stake in L’Oreal, the world’s largest cosmetics company founded by her grandfather. She is based in the Paris region and is also known for her philanthropy focused on scientific research and the arts.
3. Alain Wertheimer
Alain Wertheimer, born in 1948, is a non-self-made billionaire with a net worth of approximately $34.9 billion as of 2026, according to Forbes. He and his brother Gerard are the co-owners of Chanel, the privately held French luxury fashion and fragrance house. Alain serves as chairman of Chanel and is based in New York.
4. Gerard Wertheimer
Gerard Wertheimer, born in 1951, is a non-self-made billionaire with a net worth of approximately $34.9 billion as of 2026, according to Forbes. He co-owns Chanel in equal partnership with his brother Alain, with his fortune stemming from the luxury fashion and fragrance house. Gerard oversees the company’s watch and fine jewelry interests and is based in Geneva, Switzerland.
5. Emmanuel Besnier
Emmanuel Besnier, born in 1970, is a non-self-made billionaire with a net worth of approximately $24 billion as of 2026, according to Forbes. His business operates in the food and beverage category, with his wealth stemming from Lactalis, the family-controlled dairy group and one of the largest dairy companies in the world. He is based in Laval, in northwestern France, where Lactalis is headquartered.
Sources:
Forbes Billionaires List 2026
Bloomberg Billionaires Index
Last updated: June 19, 2026
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