There's no doubt that
Paris is the richest city in France. Not only is it the capital of the country, but it's also a central business hub in the world. The bustling metropolis serves as the symbol of French wealth and power, both in the past and the present. But it's also worth noting that Paris isn't the only affluent city in France. There are also Nice, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Lyon, to name a few. Some of these are just as big as the French capital; established metropolises with their own commerce. And they're just as luxurious and glamorous too!
Boulogne-Billancourt
Boulogne-Billancourt is part of the
Paris Suburbs. Located west of the French capital, it's also among the most affluent cities in France. And while it's a largely residential area, it also has its own stable economy. In fact, many of the industries that contribute to the country's economy now got their start in Boulogne-Billancourt. At some point in time, this city served as the industrial capital of the country, almost rivaling Paris in this regard. Today, while it's not as busy as the French capital, the city remains as bustling as ever.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Bordeaux
Bordeaux serves as the wine capital of the world. This is the city where France produces champagne, an expensive kind of sparkling wine that's also a government-protected term. A bottle of sparkling wine can't legally be referred to as “champagne” if it wasn't made in France's Champagne region. And Bordeaux is among the region's busiest cities. Name any champagne bottle you know and there's a good chance that it's produced here. Mind you, these are also some of the most expensive wine bottles on the planet. That alone has contributed to the city's ever-growing affluence.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Cannes
Truth be told,
Cannes isn't among the richest cities in France. It's a wealthy commune in its own right, sure, but there are other places in the country that are comparatively more affluent. With that said, there's no denying that Cannes is as much a lap of luxury in France as Paris. Everyone knows about the Cannes Film Festival, right? And you've seen how glamorous it is? Well, the city itself is as rich and lush even outside of the festival. You can go luxury
shopping in Cannes, ride the fanciest cars, drink champagne every day, and more. What a life!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Lyon
If there's one French city that can legitimately (or at least, is the closest to) rival Paris in terms of affluence, commerce, and luxury, it's Lyon. Located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, it's the third-largest city in the country. And this massive metropolis isn't just made up of luxury homes and public parks. For one thing, gastronomy is alive and well here. The city's culinary scene is not to be missed, with various prominent gourmet chefs operating their own hotspots here. Tourism is strong here too. People can't help but be fascinated by Lyon's history, heritage, and grandeur.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Marseille
Along the
French Riviera, you'll find Marseille, the second-biggest city in France. Just like Lyon, Marseille is just as busy as the French capital. Among the most affluent communes in the country, the place has no scarcity in luxury and glamour. It's even safe to say that Marseille is much a playground for the rich and famous as Cannes is. The only difference is Marseille has had a longer and more prestigious history. Throughout past centuries, the city has served as an important port town. It has remained instrumental in French commerce to this day.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Neuilly Sur Seine
Neuilly Sur Seine is the definitive affluent city in France. Some would even go so far as to say it's the most affluent residential area in the country. Possibly even more so than Paris. After all, many of the country's elite live here, ranging from celebrities and superstar athletes to even some of the most powerful politicians. They reside in their own
luxury homes in Neuilly Sur Seine, each grander than the next, and located in the most massive estates. You almost couldn't believe that such an opulent city isn't Paris.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Collette
Nice
Nice is among the more
underrated towns on the French Riviera. This isn't to say that it's unpopular or that it has no tourism. On the contrary, many people from around the world visit the place every year. But compared to the likes of Cannes, Marseilles, and Saint Tropez, Nice is definitely underrated. Nevertheless, its stable tourism has helped the place rise up and become one of the most affluent cities in France today. Part of it is its Mediterranean magic. It has the same tropical appeal as many of the most famous destinations in this part of the world.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Saint Tropez
Speaking of
Saint Tropez, there's no doubt that this is also one of the most affluent cities in France. And it's mostly because of its five-star resorts and luxury hotels. Ever since the 1960s, the jet-set crowd has made Saint Tropez one of their many summer playgrounds. International celebrities continuously go here, as would the richest businessmen and even some modern-day royals too. And of course, only the best of the best should accommodate them. Thus, Saint Tropez became a collection of the finest resorts in Europe.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Toulouse
Finally, there's Toulouse, the capital of France’s southern Occitanie region. The fourth-largest city in France, the place is as much an industrial hub as Paris and other cities on this list are. Specifically, Toulouse is known as one huge research facility. Academics and professionals in aerospace, technology, and the like gather here. Many of them work and continue their research here, earning lots of money in the process. And as a result, they've become some of the wealthier residents in the city.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Frédéric Neupont
Get to know the 9 most affluent cities in France apart from Paris. These beautiful metropolises have a lot of hustle and bustle, not to mention loads of luxury and glamour to offer too. They're just as exciting as the French capital!
