France, being the symbol of luxury and class, is home to many rich people and families that have managed to amass a large amount of wealth by managing successful companies, and just being purely in a rich family dynasty. Here is a list of the 5 richest people in France who have successfully made it to the top with luxury goods and family dynasties.
The list of 5 Richest People in France
Bernard Arnault & Family
- Estimated net worth: 211 billion USD
- Company: LVMH (Moët, Hennessy, Louis Vuitton)
- Ranking in France: 1
- Age: 74
Bernard Arnault, head of the Arnault family, has created a legacy in the luxury goods industry. He was born in Roubaix, France and took control of LVMH in 1989. His estimated net worth is around 211 billion USD, making him the richest person in France and the world as of May 2024.
Under his leadership, LVMH has grown to accommodate over 75 brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Moët & Chandon. They are known for their strategic acquisitions and expansion into diverse markets, from fashion and leather goods to perfumes and cosmetics.
He has also played a significant role in supporting the arts, contributing to the Fondation Louis Vuitton, a contemporary art museum in Paris.
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers & Family
- Estimated net worth: 80.5 billion USD
- Company: L’Oreal
- Ranking in France: 2
- Age: 70
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers is the heiress to the L’Oréal fortune, the world’s largest cosmetics company founded by her grandfather, Eugène Schueller. Bettencourt Meyers inherited her wealth following the death of her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, in 2017. Forbes ranks her as one of the wealthiest women in the world, with an estimated net worth of $80.5 billion in 2024.
She has also authored several books on Greek mythology and Jewish-Christian relations. Her family’s commitment to philanthropy is evident in their contributions to medical research, humanitarian efforts, and cultural preservation.
François Pinault
- Estimated net worth: 40.1 billion USD
- Company: Kering
- Ranking in France: 3
- Age: 86
François Pinault is the founder of the luxury group Kering and investment holding company Artemis. Pinault began his career in the timber industry before moving to retail and eventually luxury goods. Forbes estimates his net worth at $40.1 billion in 2024, ranking him at #3 among the top richest people in France. In 2003, he handed over his business to his eldest son, François-Henri, to pursue his passion for contemporary art.
Kering owns prestigious brands such as Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Bottega Veneta. Pinault is also known for his extensive art collection, which includes works by some of the most celebrated contemporary artists. His contributions to the art world are significant, with the Pinault Collection being displayed in Venice’s Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana.
Alain Wertheimer
- Estimated net worth: 31.6 billion USD
- Company: Chanel
- Ranking in France: 4
- Age: 74
Alain Wertheimer is the chairman and co-owner of Chanel along with his brother Gérard, who controls the watch division. Alain inherited the company from their grandfather, Pierre Wertheimer, who co-founded Chanel with Coco Chanel. With a net worth of $31.6 billion in 2024, Alain Wertheimer is recognized as one of the wealthiest individuals in France, ranking him at #4.
Chanel’s product range includes haute couture, luxury ready-to-wear, handbags, perfumes, and cosmetics. The brand’s iconic products, such as the Chanel No. 5 perfume and the 2.55 handbag, have become timeless symbols of luxury. Outside of Chanel, the Wertheimer brothers have interests in horse racing, owning several winning racehorses.
Emmanuel Besnier
- Estimated net worth: 22 billion USD
- Company: Lactalis
- Ranking in France: 6
- Age: 52
Emmanuel Besnier, CEO of Lactalis, leads one of the world’s largest dairy companies. The company was founded by his grandfather in 1933 and has grown into a global dairy powerhouse under Besnier’s leadership. Along with his brother and sister, he owns 83% of Lactalis. Forbes estimates his net worth at $22 billion in 2024, making him one of France’s wealthiest individuals, ranking him at #6.
FAQs on the Richest People in France
Who are the richest people in France?
The richest person in France is Bernard Arnault, with an estimated net worth of $192.6 billion. He is the owner of LVMH, the largest luxury goods company in the world.
Who is the youngest billionaire in France?
The youngest billionaire in France is Emmanuel Besnier at 53 years old. He heads the Lactalis Group, the largest dairy products group in the world.
Who are the top 10 richest families in France?
The top 10 richest families in France include the Arnault, Bettencourt Meyers, Pinault, Wertheimer, Besnier, Dassault, Mulliez, Peugeot, Hermès, and Bouygues families.
What is the primary industry of the Richest people in France?
The primary industry of the richest people in France is luxury goods, specifically the fashion & retail sector, with major companies like LVMH, Chanel, and Kering dominating the market.
